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Remembering MLK
People in Richmond and across the nation pause to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his death
On the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed 50 years ago, tens of thousands of people gathered at small and large events in Richmond and other cities on Wednesday to mourn his death, celebrate his life and rekindle his struggle for economic and social justice.
Harry and Meghan have a royal baby
And his name is Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex whose fairytale wedding last year garnered international headlines, gave birth to a 7 pound 3 ounce boy at 5:26 a.m. Monday.
Votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers’
Gov. Northam calls for special General Assembly session to deal with gun violence
Gov. Ralph S. Northam is summoning lawmakers back to the state Capitol for a special legislative session to consider gun-control legislation, saying last Friday’s mass shooting in Virginia Beach calls for “votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers.”
VMFA announces RVA Community Makers, events
For the sixth year, RVA Community Makers will honor African-American leaders from various fields. The annual community-activated art project will be unveiled by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, and will remain on display until March 16.
Study: Teachers quicker to label black students as ‘troublemakers’
A new study suggests that racial stereotyping by teachers could be a root cause for harsher discipline imposed on black students. Two Stanford University psychologists, Dr. Jennifer L. Eberhardt and doctoral candidate Jason Okonofua, conducted the study to determine if hidden bias could explain government data showing that misbehaving black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled from public schools than their misbehaving white peers. The psychologists’ research found that teachers are quicker to label black students as troublemakers and to consider more severe penalties for them, compared with white students who misbehave.
Simone Biles wins 7th title
There’s no disputing that Simone Biles is a champion. After Sunday, she is now a champion seven times over.
Cary C. Mitchell, clothing designer to athletes and a Richmond legacy sports backer, dies at 62
Top Black athletes found their way to Richmond native Cary C. Mitchell when they wanted to look their best.
Charlottesville votes to remove Lee statue
A divided Charlottesville City Council voted this week to move a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from the city’s Downtown and to rename Lee Square where it stands.
Faces of leadership: Pandemic puts U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams in spotlight
He has issued warnings about the dangers of e-cigarettes and gone on record supporting needle exchanges to limit disease related to opioid addiction.
Richmond area will host numerous events for Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans.
Historic church in Detroit placed on National Register
A Detroit Baptist church with a history of civil rights activism has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Breakfast with Bernie
Bernie Sanders had breakfast in New York with the Rev. Al Sharpton just hours after trouncing Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire Democratic presidential nominating contest Tuesday. His meeting with the iconic civil rights leader marked the recognition by Mr. Sanders that his campaign must swiftly broaden its base of support if he has any chance of mounting a long-term challenge to Mrs. Clinton, who consistently polls better among African-American voters.
Joe Jackson was admired by some, detested by others
When Joe Jackson, the patriarch and architect behind the musical Jackson family dynasty died on June 27, some media organizations focused on the negative stories. However, at least one Richmonder who found his own success in show business, remembers the 89-year-old Mr. Jackson in a more positive light. “Joe Jackson was one of the greatest fathers of all time,” said Steve K. Branch, a former concert promoter and nightclub owner.
Rev. Joseph Lowery, head of SCLC and dean of civil rights veterans, dies at 98
The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery fought to end segregation, lived to see the election of the country’s first African-American president and echoed the call for “justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” in America.
Holiday events underway in city
Richmond will turn on the holiday lights and welcome Santa to Downtown this weekend to officially launch the celebration of the season in the Capital City. First up will be the 34th Annual Grand Illumination on Friday, Nov. 30.
Dr. George T. Walker, composer, music educator and Pulitzer Prize winner, dies at 96
George Theophilus Walker was long ranked among the top American composers of modern classical music.
Serena ranked 28th in world despite loss
Tennis star Serena Williams said the latest chapter in her sports career is “just beginning” after seeing her hopes of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title dashed last Saturday in the Wimbledon final.
’I have lived through the massacre every day’
She was just 7 years old when the white mob stormed through her neighborhood, killing every man they could find, raping defenseless women and burning to the ground virtually every building in a 35-block area.
Commencement 2023
VCU, VUU, VSU graduates celebrate diligence, hard work and promising futures
Mo Alie-Cox, who constantly brought excitement to Virginia Commonwealth University as a standout basketball player, brought that same energy during VCU’s graduation ceremonies on Saturday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
