Bubba’s Block Party returns

Free Press staff report

NASCAR driver William D.

“Bubba” Wallace will again host a block party for the Richmond community as part of the return of racing to the track in Henrico County, it has been announced.

The free event, which requires advance registration, will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Virginia Credit Union Live!, 4200 Carolina Ave., or Gate 6 at the Richmond Raceway.

The Backyard Band and The Art of Noise RVA will be the featured acts, according to a release from Mr. Wallace. One of the few Black NASCAR drivers, Mr. Wallace stated that the event is aimed at attracting more diverse interest in the sport.

“I’m thrilled to bring my black party back to Richmond. It’s important to make sure everyone feels welcome at the track,” he stated.

Registration is open at Bubbasblockparty.com, but the website states that a ticket does not guarantee admission. Admission is first-come, first-served, with a maximum of about 3,000 people.

Dorothy Height birthday celebration

The 11lth birthday of civil rights great Dorothy Irene Height will be celebrated at a public ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Friday, March 24, at the Hull Street Branch Library, 1400 Hull St.

The program will honor the Richmond native for her 40-year leadership of the National Council of Negro Women, for her role as a key strategist and organizer in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, and for her service as the 10th president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The sorority’s Richmond Alumnae Chapter will host the remembrance event for Dr. Height, a longtime advocate for Black women who was born March 24, 1912, in the Blackwell community in the city’s South Side. Dr. Height died age 98 in April 2010.

You mean more to

Jewels of Kenya

Cicilia Seleian Koisenke, fifth from left, lives in Intashat sub location in Kenya, a community of about 5,000 people that has suffered from severe drought conditions throughout the Horn of Africa. During her March 17-24 visit to Richmond, where she is being hosted by Suzanne Hall, sixth from left, Mrs. Koisenke is raising awareness about her community and also is selling traditional beaded jewelry that she and the Maasai Mara women of her region make to raise money for villagers’ basic necessities such as food, shelter, sanitary items and more.

You deserve a world of love on this special 90th birthday and always.

Grandmommy, I’m thinking loving thoughts of you — I celebrate you and the grace of God upon your life, and I wish you a 90th birthday as special as you are! — Nicole t

Mom, Happy Birthday! You are smart and strong, you drop wisdom everywhere that you go! — Lois t

Grandmommy it’s your 90th birthday you raised 7 children 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. You have been a blessing to all of us. Thank You Love You and Happy 90th Birthday. — Bryan

Happy Birthday, Grandma. Remember, age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you! — Jason t

A birthday cake would be special for you because you are very special! — Kevin t

Mom, Happy Birthday! You are God’s gift to us! Beautiful, funny, smart and strong, you drop wisdom everywhere that you go!

— Lois

They should put a picture of you beside the word “Giver” in the your family and to others. We’re so blessed to have you as a grandmother and great grandmother. — Lawrence, Amanda, Liliana, Autumn, Lennox, & August t

Great Grandma can cook extremely wait to dig in on her delicious food. We just love how well she can cook!!! this at 90 years old! — Love, Liliana, Autumn, Lennox, & August t

Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and grandmother. — Malinda

Happy Birthday! Grandma Cora taught you and you taught me. Thanks for all of your love and support. You’re one of my favorite people. — Love, Lauren

Hi Mom, I love you and always will!!! Have a great birthday! — Freddie

Hi Grandma, I love you. Have a great 90th birthday. — Faith

Hi Grandma, I love you. Wishing you the best on your 90th birthday. — Freddie Jr