Richmond Crusade Unanimously Backs Goldman Lawsuit; Teacher Pay; Juneteenth Schedule at Blacksonian
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Richmond Crusade Supports Goldman Lawsuit on Stadium Funding
RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Crusade for Voters voted unanimously last night to join a lawsuit filed by Richmond attorney Paul Goldman in support of a referendum vote on a stadium proposal put forward by the Mayor and City Council. Court records show that Goldman is suing the city over the decision to funding of projects in Richmond’s Diamond District, including a new stadium for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, with $170 million in bonds.
The question of whether voters should directly have a say in the financing stadiums has come up before as local governments attempt to support sports arenas with tax money.
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This is the statement the Richmond Crusade for Voters released on May 8, 2024 - The Richmond Crusade for Voters Board of Directors expresses deep apprehension regarding the impending vote by the Richmond City Council on the financing structure for Richmond's baseball stadium. The council's decision holds significant implications for the city's financial future.
With a reported 7 out of 9 council members in favor, the approval of new bonds appears imminent. However, the proposed plan, potentially burdening taxpayers with a staggering $170 million, raises serious concerns about the allocation of public funds. In alignment with community interests, The Richmond Crusade for Voters and Richmond For All advocates for a democratic approach, urging the city to conduct a referendum. Both organizations call for transparency and accountability. "We believe that residents should have a direct voice in matters of such magnitude," remarked Marty Jewell, President of the Richmond Crusade for Voters. "A referendum ensures that the people's will guides decisions that profoundly impact our city's financial landscape." The Crusademembership will discuss and vote on this matter at its May meeting.
As stewards of civic engagement, the Richmond Crusade for Voters and Richmond For All emphasize the importance of inclusive decision-making processes that uphold the interests of all constituents. We implore the Richmond City Council to heed the collective voice of the community and prioritize transparency and fiscal responsibility in their deliberations.
Teacher Pay in Virginia Projected to Remain Below National Average
According to NEA’s recent report, Virginia’s salary average is $65,058, which is below the national estimated average of $71,699.
By Nathaniel Cline for the Virginia Mercury | Legislation that would have aligned Virginia teachers’ pay with the national average or higher by the 2027-28 school year won bipartisan support but was blocked from the state budget by Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s veto last week.
The two-year budget, signed last week, includes $540 million to help pay for 3% salary increases for teachers and state employees in both years.
The governor said he supported the goal of “ensuring that teachers and state-funded education support positions are funded competitively,” but didn’t approve the bill to boost educators’ salaries to the national average because it relied heavily on what he viewed as flawed data from the National Education Association, which represents educators across the country. READ ENTIRE
Photos: Brown v. Board Event at Black History Museum in Richmond
In commemoration Brown v. Board of Education 70th Anniversary, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center in Richmond held an even on May
BHMVA website: The mission of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) is to provide, develop, and partner, in the creation of educational resources, services, and opportunities to promote and advance understanding of the history and culture of Black people and African Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
All photos by Paulette Shipman-Singleton
Juneteenth Programming Schedule at Blacksonian
Below is a list of Juneteenth events that will be hosted by National Museum of African American History and Culture
Saturday, June 15; 11 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. - Visitors can join the museum for its Juneteenth Community Day, themed “Freedom, Movement, and Migration,” Saturday, June 15. This special day is designed to engage people of all ages in a meaningful celebration of freedom and cultural evolution, commemorating Juneteenth’s significance in the journey toward equality and recognition in American history. The museum will celebrate Juneteenth early with a day filled with educational, cultural and dynamic programs that enrich understanding and honor the legacy of freedom, movement and migration. Juneteenth Community Day promises an unforgettable experience, blending history, culture and celebration.
Full schedule for Saturday, June 15:
Juneteenth Storytime
11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - Visitors can delight their little ones with engaging story sessions and introduce them to diverse perspectives, fostering a love for reading. The museum will feature Tami Charles reading her latest book, We Are Here.
Crafts of Juneteenth - 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Participants can design their own Juneteenth flag and create art based on the life and works of artist, veteran and fish pepper seed enthusiast, Horace Pippin. All ages are welcome.
Presenting the Buffalo Soldiers - 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; 2 p.m.–4 p.m. - Visitors can learn about the 19th- and 20th-century all-Black regiments’ pivotal role in supporting the nation’s westward expansion, presented by representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and the Buffalo Soldiers, Greater Washington DC Chapter, 9th and 10th Cavalry Association.
Juneteenth Chef’s Table and Book Signing
12 p.m.–2 p.m. - A special plant-based menu will be curated by renowned vegan chef and food activist Bryant Terry at the museum’s Sweet Home Café. Books by Terry, such as Afro-Vegan, Vegetable Kingdom and Black Food, will be signed by him and available for purchase.
Mixology of Juneteenth - 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Participants can join the Sweet Home Café for an exciting mocktail workshop. Denise Jones, the café’s general manager, will demonstrate how to make traditional Juneteenth mocktails, including hibiscus “Red Drink,” mint lemonade and other delicious drinks using fresh ingredients from NMAAHC’s Pippin Garden.
Juneteenth Soundstage - 3 p.m.
Visitors can experience soul-stirring live jazz performances by Alphonso Horne and the Gotham. Kings in Heritage Hall. They can dive into the evolution of jazz, celebrating its diverse regional styles and role as a symbol of movement, migration and resilience.
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A Seat at the Table: A Juneteenth Conversation with Bryant Terry and Kevin Young
Saturday, June 15; 6:45 p.m. | Heritage Hall | $40. Registration is required.
The museum will present a special edition of a signature program that brings together two remarkable voices in a dynamic dialogue about food, culture and social justice. Bryant Terry, the James Beard Award-winning chef, food activist and author of the acclaimed Black Food, will sit down with NMAAHC’s director Kevin Young to explore the rich tapestry of African American cuisine and its evolution through the lens of migration, identity and resilience. Terry will also discuss his groundbreaking approach to veganism, challenging stereotypes of African American cuisine and promoting healthy eating as a form of social justice activism.
During this event, attendees can indulge in a special plant-based meal curated by Terry, designed to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of African American cuisine and Juneteenth. They can also participate in a small discussion at their tables about healthier ways of eating, explore ancestral forms of cooking and learn how to share these time-honored meals and practices with their families and communities.
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Thanks for the complete Juneteenth Programming Schedule at Blacksonian.
See you there!