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Longtime Henrico County educator Marilyn Hinson Royal dies
Marilyn (Elise) Hinson Royal, a trailblazing force at the intersection of teaching, learning, and leadership, died on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the universe she inspired her students to explore.
Dems pull out big guns to energize virtual convention for Biden
Democrats launched the third day of their virtual national convention on Wednesday, with headliners broadening the focus from a multipart rebuke of President Trump to an energizing message of change in boosting former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential bid.
UR hopes to eliminate campus stigmas about mental health
The University of Rich- mond is joining the fight to improve mental health outreach and eliminate its stigma on college campuses, through a new partnership with Hilinski’s Hope Foundation ahead of its third annual College Football Mental Health Week. The partnership was an- nounced Monday, with UR’s involvement starting Oct. 1 and ending Oct. 8. UR joins over 115 colleges in the United States that have partnered with Hilinski’s Hope, a foundation started by Kym and Mark Hilinski in honor of their son, Tyler, a former Washington State University quarterback, who died by suicide. “We are incredibly honored that over 115 schools nation- wide will be participating in this year’s mental health week to fight stigma and increase resources on campuses,” said Kym Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope, in a statement. “While conversations around mental illness can be tough and at times uncomfortable, it is absolutely critical for the well-being of our student athletes.” As part of College Football Mental Health Week, UR plans to use at least one of Hilinski’s Hope’s programming options, from adding lime green ribbons to all their players’ helmets to honor those lost or suffering in silence. UR also will encourage solidarity among students, alumni, parents and fans or take an internal assessment to see how well the college is ad- dressing mental health in honor of those lost to or suffering from mental health issues as part of this partnership. “College Football Mental Health Week is an incredible way to destigmatize and sup- port student-athlete mental health,” said Rachel Turk, UR’s psychologist for athletics. “Every student-athlete should know that they are important and they are not alone.” More information is avail- able at www.hilinskishope.org/ cfb-mental-health-week.
VSU, NSU receive multimillion $ bonanzas
Virginia State University just received a gift of $30 million, the largest private donation since its founding 138 years ago. Norfolk State University also received a record-setting gift of $40 million.
More federal money available for rental relief in the state
Virginia is pumping an additional $160 million into its rental relief program aimed at helping tenants and landlords avoid eviction proceedings, Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced Tuesday.
Thornton, Nelson to lead Henrico Board of Supervisors in 2023
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors last week voted unanimously to elect Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton chairman and Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson vice chairman for 2023.
UR awards Paragon Medal to Marcus Weinstein
The Paragon Medal, the University of Richmond’s highest honor, has been awarded to University of Richmond alumnus Marcus Weinstein, a, well-known philanthropist, and chairman of Weinstein Properties. Weinstein is only the second person in history to receive the medal. The first was E. Claiborne Robins in 1986.
Sources: Upset GRTC drivers slow bus service
GRTC drivers, angry over a delay in receiving a pay raise, began an unsanctioned work action this week. According to sources, drivers have been refusing to work overtime while some have called in sick or failed to show up. The result is that buses have been parked rather than going out on routes, creating disruption for riders trying to get to work, make other appointments or return home.
Trump inaugural address
Text of President Trump’s inaugural address Friday, Jan. 20, as prepared for delivery.
$1.45M grant to assist VSU students with child care costs
Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine have announced that Virginia State University will receive $1.45 million to assist student-parents (students who are also parents) with child care costs. The funds, which will be distributed over the next four years, will be used to offer student-parents access to affordable child care services both on and off campus.
Friends and loved ones to pay tribute to prominent musician Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Lee
Nathaniel “Nat” Bess Lee — a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger who worked with nationally known musicals acts in his career — died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, after an extended illness. He was 69.
McAuliffe ignores name controversy
Gov. Terry McAuliffe did his best Robert Griffin III imitation in dodging the controversy over the Washington football team’s racist nickname.
Finalists pitch podcasts during RESONATE festival
The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University will present the second annual RESONATE Podcast Festival Nov. 3-4. This year, both established and aspiring pod- casters were once again invited to submit ideas that demonstrate sound-rich, creative nonfiction storytelling.
VMHC to offer free citizenship classes
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s “Becoming Citizens” program returns this spring, offering 100% free citizenship preparation classes to help prepare people for taking their citizenship test.
Lt. Gov. Fairfax sits to take a stand
Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, the second African-American to hold statewide office in Virginia, made a statement with a “sit-in” of sorts last Friday in the state Senate chamber, where he presides.
Damon Duncan leaves after getting paychecks from two housing agencies
Damon E. Duncan, who began working full time as the executive director of the Montgomery, Ala., Housing Authority in early May before wrapping up his full-time job as CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, has finally quit.
Confederate statues go black in Charlottesville
Workers in Charlottesville draped giant black tarps over two statues of Confederate generals on Wednesday to symbolize the city’s mourning for Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old paralegal who was killed while protesting a white nationalist rally. The work began around 1 p.m. in Emancipation Park, where a towering monument of Robert E. Lee on horseback stands. Workers gathered around the monument with a large black covering. Some stood in cherry-pickers and others used ropes and poles to cover the statue as onlookers took photos and video.
N.C. Moral Monday leader urges local NAACP to mobilize
“This is no time for foolishness,” said the Rev. William J. Barber II in an energizing message at the Richmond Branch NAACP’s Freedom Fund Awards Gala last Saturday.
2nd Street Festival canceled
The Richmond Free Press has been informed that the 34th 2nd Street Festival scheduled Oct. 1-2 is canceled. The popular annual event celebrates the history of Jackson Ward and its heyday as the heart and soul of the Black community.
John V. Moeser, an advocate of racial equity and justice, dies at 79
Educator and equity advocate John V. Moeser, who spent decades researching and inter- rogating Virginia and the South’s relationship with race, poverty and equality, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, following a lengthy illness. He was 79.
