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L. Douglas Wilder: Continuing 30 Years of History, Then & Now
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Kim B. Gray beams as Viola O. Baskerville, a former city councilwoman and state official, leads applause Sunday for the first announced challenger to Mayor Levar M. Stoney. More than 125 people attended the 2nd District councilwoman’s official campaign launch.
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Councilwoman Kim B. Gray launches bid for mayor
By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Kim B. Gray drew cheers from more than 125 supporters as she vowed to usher in a hands-on, people-centered city government if she wins the race for mayor in the November election.
The 2nd District City Council representative kicked off her campaign Sunday at Bar Solita on Broad Street in Downtown with a firm pledge: “I will not leave the management of the city government to any bureaucrats, appointed or not, or be directed by the biggest campaign donors. The only ‘boss’ I will have, and have always had in my elected tenure, is the people.”
The 49-year-old Richmond native is now finishing up her first term on City Council. She previously served two terms on the Richmond School Board.
The crowd included two members of City Council, Kristen N. Larson, 4th District, and Reva M. Trammell, 8th District; city Treasurer Nichole R. Armstead; 2016 mayoral candidate Jack Berry; and Viola O. Baskerville, a former council member and vice mayor who later served in the House of Delegates and as the state secretary of administration.
Ms. Gray told the crowd that she will do what the elected mayor law approved 16 years ago was supposed to do: Eliminate the “cesspool of corruption, ineffectiveness and inefficiency” at City Hall.
She said she is running because that change has not happened under Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Witness the shenanigans relative to nepotism, cronyism and wasting of tax dollars in this current administration,” she said. “Look at the unanswered questions, and the timeless delays in permitting, street paving or repairs. Look at the closing of the Coliseum, with no reasons given and no plan to reopen. “Shouldn’t the people have some say through their representatives?” she asked, adding that she will have a transparent, responsive and accountable administration that promotes “real and sustainable growth.”
Ms. Gray pledged to work with the council and the community to create a “real strategic plan that clearly outlines our collaborative vision for growth” that would not be derailed or put on hold by “big shiny objects.”
Attendees praised Ms. Gray as a listener who seeks different points of view and educates herself before taking a position. Also, several noted that she does not view the mayoral position as a stepping stone to higher office.
Mayor Stoney did not issue a response to Ms. Gray’s criticism.
Her launch comes as at least two other people appear poised to challenge Mayor Stoney, 38, who has said he will seek re-election to a second term.
One is Paul Goldman, 73, a former state Democratic Party chair who played a key role in the Richmond charter change making the mayor a publicly elected position. Most recently, he led the “Put Schools First” campaign for new city school buildings and opposed Mayor Stoney’s unsuccessful $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement and Downtown redevelopment plan.
While Mr. Goldman has declined to say whether he will run for mayor, he had people at city polls on Tuesday collecting signatures for his candidate petitions, which are required to run for election.
Separately, attorney Justin Griffin, 30, a South Side resident who gained public attention with his NoColiseum.com blog that helped undermine support for the Coliseum replacement plan, has formed an exploratory committee for a mayoral run.
Ms. Bryan Want to start a business? Get a better handle on family finances? Find out about investing?
That’s the kind of information that will be offered during the three-day AfroEconomics Financial Freedom Fest that Richmond-based financial advisor J.B. Bryan will stage this weekend at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown.
Open to the public without charge, the financial festival that will mark Ms. Bryan’s 25 years in the financial industry begins Friday, March 6, with a program from 3 to 5 p.m. on the Underground Entrepreneur and a networking meet-and-greet from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring music, games, food and other activities.
On Saturday, March 7, the event will feature workshops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on topics ranging from family finances and investing to health and business development, followed by an awards celebration from 8 p.m. to midnight.
The festival will wrap up Sunday, March 8, with a pop-up church from 9 to 11 a.m., including a talk on Bible-based finances, followed by a financial summit for teens from noon to 4 p.m. Details: www.Afroeconomics.com or (844) 522-7926. 3-day AfroEconomics Financial Freedom Fest starts Friday
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 9:00 AM - 5: 00 PM Virginia Union University irty years ago Virginians elected the rst black Governor in the nation. Join us for a day-long event as we explore the signi cance of Governor Wilder’s historic election. Invited guests include Governor Deval Patrick, Chief Judge Roger Gregory, and political commentator, Larry Sabato.
“ ere will be those who will tell you that you can’t make it because of how you look, because of the way you talk. We all have heard that. I almost listened.” - L. Douglas Wilder, 66th Governor of Virginia
is event is open to the public.
For more information & to purchase tickets visit: eventbrite.com or call 804-342-3938
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for Beautillion 2020
The 25th Annual PROC Foundation Inc. Beautillion — 2019
Professionals Reaching Out to the Community (PROC) Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit, non-stock corporation of Pi Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. PROC Foundation, Inc. is currently accepting applications for its 2020 Beautillion. All male high school sophomores and juniors are welcome to submit an application. The “Beaux” will participate in community service projects, social etiquette classes and leadership development workshops. The culmination of the Beautillion Season will be a formal presentation of the young men at an elegant black-tie affair on November 21, 2020 at the Richmond Convention Center. In addition to cultural and educational activities, participants will have an opportunity to earn scholarships and prizes. An information Session will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 3pm in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Rosary Catholic Church located at 33rd and R Streets. This Information Session will provide the necessary information to help you make your decision on participation. A mandatory Orientation Session will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 3pm at the Fellowship Hall of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. To obtain an application or additional information, contact Mrs. Brenda J. Foster at beautillion@procfoundation.org, 740-6162 or visit our website at www.procfoundation.org. The deadline to submit an application is March 29, 2020.
