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Denying our humanity
It has been more than 400 years since the first Black people arrived in Virginia on the shores of what would become the United States of America. And more than 400 years later, we are still fighting for recognition of our humanity.
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RRHA resident’s chilly 3-year ordeal
For the past three years, Tina Marie Shaw has had to rely on an electric space heater to keep the winter cold out of her public housing unit in Creighton Court. “I worry about the heater starting a fire,” said Ms. Shaw, who looks after her 9-year-old grandson, Xavia, her pride and joy and an honors student at a Richmond elementary school. To avoid risk to herself and the child, “I unplug (the heater) at night when I go upstairs to bed, and turn it on in the morning.”
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Personality: Coach Shawn Stiffler
Spotlight on the 2017 Paul Keyes RBI Award winner
The love of baseball was almost inevitable for Shawn Stiffler, head baseball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University for the past five years.
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Councilwoman hopes proposed changes to City Charter find support
Under proposed changes to the City Charter or constitution, City Council would gain new authority over housing subsidies and real estate tax relief to residents with low to moderate incomes, in addition to setting its own compensation and modi- fying zoning. Fifth District Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch hopes to gain unanimous support from her eight colleagues at the Monday, Dec. 11, council meeting for the changes she has negotiated with Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration. If passed by the council, the package would be sent to the General Assembly for approval in the upcoming 2024 session. Many of the changes follow recommenda- tions that a council-created Richmond City Charter Review Commission submitted Aug. 2 after a year of study. As the most significant package of charter changes proposed since the 2004 creation of a mayor elected citywide, the amend- ments do not address the current relationship between the council and the mayor ahead of the 2024 elections for the governing body and chief executive. The biggest proposed change could well be the tax and housing initiatives that the charter review commission did not address. The proposed Section 2.09 amendment would allow the city to defer property taxes and tax increases for qualifying low or moderate income property owners, using the definition of such individuals established by the Virginia Housing Development Authority, now known as Virginia Housing. Such a program could allow the taxes to accumulate over time to be paid off from proceeds after the property is sold. In addition, the proposed charter change would authorize the city to create a program that could help such qualifying individu- als buy a home or receive rental subsidies. The city also could use state or federal funds to advance such initiatives. The charter amendment also would declare the creation of programs that could provide funds directly to individuals for housing to be “in the furtherance of a public interest” to get
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Parades and curbside visits bring joy to veterans’ home residents
Retired Sgt. 1st Class William “Big T” Taylor had not seen his family since early March.
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House votes to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib over her Israel-Hamas rhetoric in a stunning rebuke
The House voted late Tuesday to censure Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan — the only Palestinian American in Congress — an extraordinary rebuke of her rhetoric about the Israel-Hamas war.
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Area historian awarded $10,000 grant for documentary on Virginia Randolph
Historian Elvatrice Belsches’ 20-year dream to make a documentary about noted educator Virginia E. Randolph is getting an initial boost with a $10,000 grant from Virginia Humanities to support the research and development of a script.
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President’s family gets special dispensation to fly on Sabbath
When it comes to Jewish observance, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump may be in a class by themselves.
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Delegate Jeff Bourne to leave legislature
After six years in the legislature, Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne wants to spend more time with his family rather than run for a fourth two-year term in the House of Delegates or seek a Richmond state Senate seat.
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Personality: Dr. Monroe E. Harris Jr.
Spotlight on Virginia Higher Education Fund’s ‘Jazz Inside Out’ honorary chairman
When it comes to charitable, arts or education-related events that take place in Richmond, it’s not uncommon to see Dr. Monroe E. Harris Jr.’s name listed as a donor, participant or leader.
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Demanding respect
A few years before Aretha Franklin sang “Respect,” Otis Redding’s version had a laudable meaning, too. When Aretha sang “Respect” in 1967, she turned the song into something women have never let go.
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Fairfax battles sexual assault allegation
Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, a 39-year-old rising star in the state Democratic Party, is battling to save his political career after being hit with a shocking allegation of sexual assault that dates back 15 years.
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Black-on-black violence needs attention, too
I was watching “The Kelly File” on Fox News several nights ago when Megyn Kelly had a segment about the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
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Personality: Warrick F. Scott Sr.
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit Wendell Scott Foundation
Warrick F. Scott Sr. was inspired by his grandfather, Wendell Scott of Danville, the first African-American race car driver to win a Grand National race, NASCAR’s highest level. That was in 1963, when pervasive racial prejudice repeatedly thwarted his efforts.
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Personality: Tracey Hardney-Scott
Spotlight on board chair of Help Me Help You Foundation
Tracey Hardney-Scott is a tireless force for underserved Virginians, the result of her many years of advocacy work with several organizations.
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El ignites passion, inspires VCU grads
“Go make the world a better place for people everywhere,” was the recurring message to the more than 5,000 graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University at commencement exercises last Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum. “This begins not only a new chapter in your life, but a new chapter for humanity,” said VCU President Michael Rao. In addition to congratulating the graduates, he thanked them for the opportunity to be a part of their educational lives. “What you’ve done here extends beyond our campus boundaries,” Dr. Rao continued. “Lives will be changed — not just courses completed.”
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Diverse slate of candidates vie for lieutenant governor and attorney general in Democratic primary
Virginia government relies on an effective leadership team at the top — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
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Serena wins 19th major title
Reuters MELBOURNE An ill Serena Williams gave Maria Sharapova another serving of grand slam heartbreak Saturday, Jan. 31, to win the Australian Open and bolster her claims to be the all-time greatest player with her 19th major title. Though wheezing, coughing and forced off court by illness during a rain break, Serena’s serve stayed in the rudest of health and her athleticism astonished in a nerve-shredding 6-3 7-6(5) victory under the lights of Rod Laver Arena.
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Some ‘Legacy Vendors’ to have spot at renovated 17th Street Farmers’ Market
Evelyn “Luceal” Allen and Rosa Fleming will be coming back to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, while Timothy “Tim” Christian likely will not. For now, he will remain by Main Street Station.
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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.
