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Smart trades Rams horns for Texas Longhorns
When Shaka Smart was hired as Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball coach in 2009, he was a little known, much traveled assistant, with a name that puzzled people. Since then, his name and fame — and that of his signature game style, “Havoc” — spread. Last week, Smart traded his Rams horns for the Texas Longhorns. He leaves Richmond as one of the hottest commodities in the sport, practically a household name among hoops enthusiasts.
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JeQuan Lewis brings it for VCU in Weber’s absence
When the credits roll for Virginia Commonwealth University basketball, JeQuan Lewis is no longer among the supporting cast. The Tennessean with the distinctive fade haircut has popped up as a leading man for coach Shaka Smart’s short-handed but still Atlantic 10-leading Rams.
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Donald G. Hatcher, 75, social justice advocate
Donald G. Hatcher would step to the podium to address the mayor, members of Richmond City Council, the School Board or officials at other city meetings and one could sense the representatives’ trepidation. They knew, more often than not, that Mr. Hatcher, the quick- witted, sharp-tongued social activist, was about to give them an earful.
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Rev. Graham ignores racism
Easter was last Sunday, but the Rev. Franklin Graham is still wiping egg off his face. In an unintentionally insensitive Facebook post on March 12, the hugely influential white evangelist ignored the existence of racial bias by law enforcement in the United States by suggesting the easy solution to police shootings is to teach our children to obey authority.
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Energy industry vital to climate change, economic opportunities
Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States has taken unprecedented action to begin addressing climate change — one of the biggest issues facing our time. Through advancements in new technologies, environmental initiatives and cleaner energy resources, our country already has greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
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Energy industry vital to climate change, economic opportunities
Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States has taken unprecedented action to begin addressing climate change one of the biggest issues facing our time. Through advancements in new technologies, environmental initiatives and cleaner energy resources, our country already has greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
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27% Black-owned businesses gain from Stone Brewing project
Black contractors have quietly played a big role in the development of the Stone Brewing Co.’s new East Coast brewery off Williamsburg Avenue in Fulton, according to city records. For example, Glen Allen contractor Dwight Snead and his employees prepared the land for construction, the city Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) report shows.
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Salvation needed
Like most of us, Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has a lot to pray about. Unfortunately for him, it’s about his church, First Baptist Church of South Richmond, and the city. Unfortunately for us, the Richmond taxpayers, it’s about his church and the city — and the intersection of the two apparently without transparency or accountability.
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Charles A. Brown, 73, former Virginia Power official
Charles A. Brown woke up every morning with the same purpose in mind. “He wanted to help as many young people as he could,” said Pauline Brown, his wife of 48 years. “He was an exceptional man, very loving and caring. He would give you the shirt off his back,” she added.
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Black history museum taps new director
Jazz nights and poetry readings as well as interactive and traditional exhibits are among the plans that Tasha Chambers has for the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia when it moves into its new home early next year. “This new museum has so much history to celebrate,” said Ms. Chambers, who was introduced as the museum’s new director last week.
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No eggs, bacon for The Breakfast Club
They call themselves “The Breakfast Club.” They arrive about 6 a.m. at Fifth Baptist Church in the West End every Tuesday and Friday. Deacon John Chavis opens the back door for them. On this particular morning, 13 members of the club arrive. And as they do twice a week, they play basketball in the church gymnasium.
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New United Way head faces fundraising challenge
Giving to United Way is continuing to shrink. Ten years ago, the umbrella charity could raise at least $20 million between Labor Day and Thanksgiving through its workplace campaign to benefit nonprofit partners.
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NAACP officials call for continued probe into Chesterfield woman’s death
Richmond private investigator Perry Hicks began probing the mysterious disappearance and death of Ogechi Sarah Uwasomba three months ago at the behest of the Richmond NAACP and other concerned parties.
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Serena beats Venus to move to semifinals
Serena Williams is now two wins away from completing an historic calendar year Grand Slam. She kept her bid alive by outslugging older sister Venus 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 in a power-packed, 98-minute quarterfinal at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
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Mo’ne Davis to play Saturday in Henrico
Mo’ne Davis, the 14-year-old female pitching sensation selected as the Associated Press 2014 Female Athlete of the Year, will be testing her fastball Saturday against a team of Richmond area standouts.
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Economic clout can create change
There’s a lesson to be learned from the Confederate flag quickly and unexpectedly falling into disfavor following the murder of nine Bible-studying African-Americans, including the pastor, at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C. The lesson is that the economic clout of African-Americans and their progressive allies can be used to pressure businesses to do the right thing, which in turn can keep the far right wing in check.
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Get ready to rumble
For many, the new year began rather gloomily with the reminder that, in just a few short days, the nation will have a new president, who slid into office without the backing of a majority of American voters and with the help of the Russian government, if you believe U.S. intelligence sources.
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Serena, 35, wins title 23, pursuing 24
Serena Williams reigned supreme in tennis’ great sibling rivalry, edging an emotion-charged clash with sister Venus to claim her seventh Australian Open last Saturday.
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Dr. Berry leaving Fourth Baptist to lead Georgia megachurch
Dr. Emory Berry Jr. is bidding Richmond farewell after nearly six years of leading the 600-member Fourth Baptist Church in Church Hill.
