AG Miyares, #Virginia Black Biz Directory, Portsmouth Schools Update, July Events

AG MIYARES CRIME PREVENT EVENT. Last night in Richmond, Attorney General Jason Miyares announced a new initiative called “Virginia Ceasefire.” The public service announcement media initiative will target at-risk youth, gang members, and drug traffickers. The Attorney General also delivered his first update on project Ceasefire prosecutions in Central Virginia. In the Richmond and Petersburg area alone, there are 29 criminal cases. These cases involve the possession of or use of Glock switches, machine guns, or the illegal use of firearms during the commission of violent crimes. There are 98 active cases statewide.

In late 2022, Miyares, partnered with local elected officials and law enforcement for an initiative called Ceasefire. The effort is focused on addressing violent criminal activity and repeat offenders. This initiative works to reduce violent crime by maintaining strategic and effective partnerships through the Commonwealth by promoting firearm safety, investing in gang prevention, and supporting community policing in high-crime neighborhoods in order to get the most violent and repeat offenders off our streets.

MESSAGE FROM ERNISHA HALL, PRESIDENT, VIRGINIA BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY. Hope this email finds you in good spirits and a great 4th of July. We've all seen the news - big decisions are being made at the Supreme Court. This goes to show how important it is for us to stand up, vote, and make our voices heard. It's our way of shaping the world we live in.

But there's more to it. We need to fight for fairness where it really counts - in our day-to-day lives, in our workplaces, and in our neighborhoods. Systemic racism is a real problem, but together, we can break down those barriers. We're committed to creating a place where Black businesses can grow and succeed.

So, what's next for us? Well, we're shaking things up! Over the next few months, we'll be working hard to connect businesses like yours with the elected officials who make the big decisions. We want to make sure your voice is heard loud and clear. And that's not all - we're rolling out new programs designed to give Black businesses a boost. You'll have access to resources, advice, and support to help you overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

We know the road to change isn't easy, but every step forward counts. We're so thankful to have you with us on this journey toward a more equal and fair future. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates and details on how you can get involved. Together, let's make a difference!

PORTSMOUTH SCHOOLS UPDATE. NEW: Families invited to meet the new PPS Transportation Coordinator. Staff and families are invited to a special Meet and Greet with Portsmouth Public Schools Transportation Coordinator Micheal King. During the time together, attendees can ask any transportation-related questions and also hear future plans for the division. The Meet and Greet will take place Monday, July 10, and people can choose from one of two times to attend: 10 a.m. to noon or 4-6 p.m. For both times, the Meet and Greet will take place in the cafeteria of the S.H. Clarke Academy building, located at 2801 Turnpike Rd, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

Additional sites added to the Summer Food Service Program
Five new school sites have been added to the USDA Summer Food Service Program. This program is held in partnership with the Portsmouth Department of Parks & Recreation and provides meals to all children at no charge. A full list of locations and dates is available on ppsk12.us.

STARBASE STEM camps taking place throughout the summer
The STARBASE STEM summer camps are back! Throughout the summer, hundreds of students in grades 4-9 will be taking part in nine different camps with hands-on experiences that reinforce STEM curriculum. These camps include computer coding, oyster restoration, drones, environmental stewardship and robotic programming. The camps will take place at varying weeks from Monday, June 26 through Thursday, Aug. 3. For more information, visit starbasevictory.org.

Manor High School Latin Teacher selected to study abroad in Rome, Italy
Manor High School Latin Teacher Charlaine Lunsford has been selected to participate in the 2023 American Academy in Rome Summer School, a five-week program in Rome, Italy with a focus on adding depth to scholarly studies in fine arts and the humanities. Lunsford is one of only 15 participants selected nationwide. Along with acceptance into the program, Lunsford was also awarded both the Mary Grant Award from the Classical Association of the Midwest and South (CAMWS) and the American Classical League scholarship, which covers the full tuition of the program and other expenses.

A FEW UPCOMING EVENTS

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