Baskerville Writes Bagby on Richmond Community Hospital; Youngkin Rejects Capping Prescription Drug Prices; Richmond Eclipse Photos
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Baskerville to Bagby: Speak Out on Richmond Community Hospital
Dear Senator Bagby:
Thank you for speaking out against Governor Youngkin’s request to review racial literacy requirements at several of Virginia’s colleges. (See the attached screenshot from your event). The Governor’s ongoing attacks on DEI and any efforts of Virginia schools to strive for a more inclusive history of all Virginians is indeed troubling.
You as well as Delegates Jones and Cousins are applauded for raising your voices in this matter. However, what continues to perplex me is the degree of silence exhibited by you as Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and many of your members towards the threat of demolition by Virginia Union University of the 1932 building that once housed Richmond Community Hospital on Richmond’s Northside.
This hospital grew out of the Black Hospital movement of the early twentieth century and was the result of decades of fundraising by the Richmond community to build a facility where Black doctors could provide equitable healthcare for their patients. I am sure you have read the extensive coverage about this shortsighted plan by the University, a HBCU, to erase another historically black institution in the Richmond Free Press.
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus must stand on principle. It is wrong for Gov. Youngkin to do what he is attempting to do. It is also wrong for Virginia Union University to do what it is threatening to do. Richmonders need to hear from you and your Members on where you stand! Please let your voices be heard.
Sincerely yours,
Viola O. Baskerville, Co-Organizer, Save Richmond Community Hospital
On Saturday, April 6, Virginia Black Caucus Chair State Senator Lamont Bagby, Del. Mike Jones and Del. Rae Cousins joined VCU students in protest of the Governor's request to review racial literacy requirements at several of Virginia’s colleges.
"They don't want our history to be taught — they know the power of it,” Senator Bagby said during the rally.
The Virginia NAACP Youth & College Division is calling on Governor Youngkin to respect the autonomy of educational institutions that foster environments conducive to learning and growth by discontinuing his required review of classes designed to analyze systemic and structural racism.
Richmond Eclipse Photos
Below: Delegate Delores McQuinn enjoys the eclipse with Haven Nzassi and Storie Nzassi at Dorey Park in Richmond.
📸 Yesterday, there was a Solar Eclipse Watch Party at the Science Museum of Virginia and photographer Paulette Shipman-Singleton was there to take a few photos.
Youngkin Vetoes Capping Prescription Drug Prices by Blocking Prescription Drug Affordability Board
Right at the veto deadline, Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed SB274, a bill that would have created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia. The legislation passed the Virginia Senate 23-16 and the Virginia House 50-47.
The Board would have been empowered to cap drug prices. Gov. Youngkin has broken the veto record with 153 vetoes. The governor had to consider 1,046 bills and signed 777 into law while amending 116.
“The high cost of health care affects everyone, and it hits Black and Latino communities the hardest,” said Gaylene Kanoyton, Region One Vice President of the Virginia NAACP. “While I had hoped the Governor would understand the gravity of this issue, he clearly does not.”
State Senator Creigh Deeds was the main sponsor.
Race, Politics and Policy: Caucus Chair Mamie Locke
Race, Politics, and Policy Center Presents Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Senator Mamie Locke on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 7:30 — 9:00 PM. Virginia Senator Mamie Locke joins us for a discussion on the current state of racial politics in Virginia and the role and impact of Black Virginia voters in the 2024 Elections. zoom registration here
June 15: Juneteenth Commemoration
The Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia will host its 19th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration on Saturday, 15 June at 2:00pm. We invite you to join us for an historic and inspiring virtual program. "Because YOU Voted - Democrats DID THAT!"
Featuring history making Blacks Elected as Virginia's Leadership! Hear their successes and struggles. Plus meet other Virginia Officials and Candidates! More information to come!
Listen to the latest episode of Pod Virginia with Lauren Burke and Michael Pope:
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