An editorial by Virginia Defender editor Phil Wilayto on Ralph Northam’s history of racism and the deeper problems this reveals about Virginia’s Democratic Party.
The Virginia Defender
Established in 2005 as The Richmond Defender, The Virginia Defender is a free community newspaper, published quarterly for the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. Print distribution is 16,000 and statewide. The online publication launched in Summer 2020.
IN WAKE OF RACIST PHOTO SCANDAL, CALLS FOR VA. GOVERNOR TO RESIGN INTENSIFY
Braving unusually cold weather, more than 30 community members gathered this morning outside the Governor’s Mansion for a quickly called protest demanding Ralph Northam resign his position as the Commonwealth’s chief executive officer after being exposed as a racist.
WE CAN’T AFFORD THESE ENDLESS WARS – AND NEITHER CAN THE REST OF THE WORLD!
The U.S. is now openly at war in Libya, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Pakistan. It has military bases in 70 countries and a military presence of some kind in 150. The wars are not being fought for our defense and they do not make us safe.
IN OUR OPINION: 2019
An editorial on the upcoming year, an impending anniversary, and race in Virginia.
‘I’M GOING TO FIGHT FOR MY FREEDOM!’ AN INTERVIEW WITH ABBIE HERRERA
Our interview with Abbie Arevalo Herrera, a 31-year-old mother seeking asylum in the U.S. after fleeing her native Honduras. After a change in the law led to Herrera’s ordered deportation, she and her children sought sanctuary in a Richmond church, where they have remained ever since.
IN OUR OPINION: GUNS
Our editorial on the topic of guns, gun control laws, and the deep disturbances in American society that lead to the tragedies we see so often.
PETERSBURG PROTESTERS CHARGE POLICE BRUTALITY
About 45 people, most of them African-Americans in their 20s, rallied June 16 outside the Petersburg police station just a few days after a video was posted on social media showing what appears to be police brutality against 19-year-old Devin Thomas. The rally was called by the police accountability group Virginia Cop Block.
