The COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on Richmond’s housing crisis even as it has exacerbated it. Despite both the continuing spread of the virus and the persistence of housing issues, temporary protections meant to alleviate the pandemic’s effects are coming to an end. When they do, the consequences will not be evenly distributed.
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.
RUSSIA, UKRAINE & THE U.S. – THE BACKGROUND THEY’RE NOT TELLING YOU
In the winter of 2022, the news is dominated by growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Will Russia invade? How close is the region to war? How would the U.S. be involved? Editor Phil Wilayto on the background of the the crisis.
MALCOLM X’S PRISON CELL NOW THE FIRST OF 1,000 ‘FREEDOM LIBRARIES’
The prison cell where Malcolm X was confined back in the 1940s has been transformed into the first of 1,000 projected “Freedom Libraries,” thanks to the vision and hard work of another former-prisoner-turned-activist, Reginald Dwayne Betts.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: LETTER FROM BRANDON SEWARD, GREENVILLE
Brandon Seward’s letter to the editor about mass incarceration.
IN OUR OPINION: NOT EVEN CLOSE
Things are not going well, to put it mildly. Take a break, then get back to it.
NEW NATIONAL COALITION SUPPORTS OPENING COINTELPRO FILES
A newly formed coalition of more than 30 activists and advocacy groups is promoting a federal bill that would force the FBI to allow full disclosure of COINTELPRO, the FBI’s program that targeted civil rights, antiwar and leftist organizations with the aim of disrupting their activities, no matter how legal and Constitutionally protected they might be.
AUGUSTA COUNTY: UNION ORGANIZING AT HERSHEY PLANT
Workers at the Hershey Chocolate plant in Stuarts Draft, Va., filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board Jan. 18 to be represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM). According to the Staunton News Leader, workers say the main issues are a lack of time off, disrespect on the job and frequent changes that are poorly communicated by management.
The Virginia Defender 