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Personality: Milton Vice
Spotlight on South Richmond Adult Day Care Center board president
After his father died in 2015, Milton Vice, in the midst of his grief, wanted to contribute to his community. A few months later, he joined the board of the South Richmond Adult Day Care Center.
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Personality: Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr.
Spotlight on Hill-Tucker Public Service Award winner
Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr. loves to converse about his more than six decades as an attorney and change agent involved in civil rights. He has stories about the many icons he has met and worked with during that time. “I was involved in so many things through the years,” the engaging 81-year-old Chester- field County resident says. “I was always moving on, trying to make things better.” Mr. Dunnaville is among a special cadre of African-American attorneys who waged important legal battles against discrimination and forever changed the nation’s landscape.
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Personality: Keith W. Hicks
Spotlight on the 2015 Astorian of the Year
“To inspire men to a higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing” through activities that build a better community and promote racial equality.
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Personality: Timothy O. Mallory
Spotlight on president of Richmond Chapter of Concerned Black Men
It all started in first grade— sort of. In 2011, a father was invited by one of his son’s elementary schoolteachers to join a volunteer organization focused on providing African-American boys in fifth through 12th grade with mentors and positive role models.
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Personality: David Mickens
Spotlight on president of local chapter of Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
Richmond’s Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club rides for a reason and a cause — to make a difference in Richmond and across the country. David Mickens, the club’s president until 2019, says “their mission is to carry on the legacy and honor of two United States African American regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers.”
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Personality: Jessica N. Thomas
Spotlight on chair of Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Walk to End Alzheimers
On the first Saturday in November, 3,000 people are expected to gather in the river city to take a stand – and a walk – against Alzheimer’s disease. That day is empowering, emotional and uplifting. It celebrates families and professional caregivers who are fighting to end Alzheimer’s.
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Boxing legend Earnie Shavers dies at 78
Earnie Shavers, among the hardest punch- ers in heavyweight boxing history, died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at the home of one of his daughters in Virginia. He was 78. Known as the “Black Destroyer,” Mr. Shavers posted a career record of 74-14-1 between 1969 and 1995. His worksheet included 68 knockouts with 23 coming in the first round. The Alabama native won 44 of his first 47 bouts via knockout. Twice he fought for the world title, los- ing to Muhammad Ali in 1977 and Larry Holmes in 1979. Mr. Shavers left an indelible impression on Ali. “Earnie hit me so hard, it shocked my kinfolk back in Africa,” Ali said. Along the way, Mr. Shavers scored ring victories over three former world champs, Jimmy Ellis, Ken Norton and Vincente Rondon. Mr. Shavers’ immense power came up in the 1980s when late-night TV host David Letterman interviewed boxing champ George Foreman. Letterman asked Foreman about Mr. Shavers. Foreman replied: “I never fought Earnie Shavers. Thank goodness.”
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Leadership changes in Richmond-Henrico health districts
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are undergoing another big change, as the director, Dr. Danny Avula, has been named by Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin to lead the Virginia Department of Social Services.
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Give gift of Black history this year
During this gift-giving season, it’s very important that serious Black parents provide their children with at least one gift that either introduces them to or broadens their knowledge of Black history.
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William Blinn, screenwriter of miniseries ‘Roots’ and film ‘Purple Rain,’ dies at 83
William Blinn, a screenwriter for the landmark TV projects “Roots” and “Brian’s Song” and the Prince film “Purple Rain,” has died. He was 83.
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Street honoring Kirby Carmichael unveiled in Highland Park
Family, friends and admirers of radio personality Kirby Carmichael came out Tuesday for the unveiling of Kirby Carmichael Sr. Street at 1100 Front Street in Highland Park. The site is where the former WANT-AM radio station was housed when Mr. Carmichael, a pioneer of Black radio, was for decades known as the “tall man of soul” as he spun platters first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM.
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A personal memory speaks to the character of A. Donald McEachin
In the fall of 1996, I, along with LaWanda Lochart, Ermajean Booker and Sara Arthur, were facilitators of the “Law Related Education” program of the Richmond Juvenile Court, an eight-session course for at-risk youths, the successfull attendance of which helped them mitigate any court issues they faced. I found my notes, and I was moderator of session six titled “Constitutional Rights” on Nov. 5, for which I solicited A. Donald McEachin to be “discussion leader” since his law firm had represented youth who were accused of stealing the shirts they were wearing and made to leave the store shirtless, the shirt or shirts only returned grudgingly upon proof of prior purchase as reported in the local press. I thought, what a great advocate for how the court can be your friend.
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Thomas’ star shines at NSU
It’s very early. But if votes were cast today for MEAC Player of Year, Jamarii Thomas might be the top candidate.
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Protest those who support neo-Confederates
The Sons of Confederate Veterans claims the Confederate flag is heritage. The United Daughters of the Confederacy makes similar claims. They claim not to be racist and to be against extremist groups.
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‘Keep your eyes on the prize’
In these trying times of change and challenge, my thoughts shifted to the award-winning documentary, “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize.” The documentary was about the challenges and success of the Civil Rights Movement. The prize was not the struggles they endured nor the protest marches, but the end goal of changing laws and hearts, which in many cases was accomplished.
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2 state troopers considered casualties
Two Virginia State troopers lost their lives in Charlottesville. Lt. H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates of Quinton were killed when the Bell 407 helicopter from which they were conducting surveillance during the white nationalists rally crashed shortly before 5p.m. Saturday in a wooded area near a residence on Old Farm Road in Albemarle County.
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Princeton senior is first black valedictorian in university’s history
Nicholas Johnson is making history and making his family proud.
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Coronavirus and public tantrums
Re “Timeout for COVID-19,” Richmond Free Press April 23-25 edition: Most people have an understanding of the unusual virulence of COVID-19 and the need to limit exposure and spread.
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Serena getting ready for U.S. Open
Tennis champion Serena Williams is getting ready for the U.S. Open, which gets underway Aug. 26 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
