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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Thursday, April 9, 2021.
This time last year, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration made it clear in a report that the coronavirus made people of color more vulnerable to physical and behavioral health issues. As states move to address these inequities, clinicians shared with VPM News what they’re doing to address mental health in the Black community.
Richmond will receive nearly $6 million for homeless services as part of the latest federal coronavirus relief package. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine provided the estimates Thursday. The money will be used to house individuals and families who are homeless, fleeing domestic violence and military veterans. Overall, Virginia will receive $96 million from the American Rescue Plan. Chesterfield and Henrico counties are also expected to receive roughly $2 million and $3 million, respectively.
Gov. Ralph Northam has endorsed his predecessor, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, to be his successor. He picked McAuliffe over a large Democratic field that includes two Black women.
Today, the University of Richmond’s faculty is expected to hold a vote of no-confidence for board of trustees rector, Paul Queally. This all stems from controversial comments Queally has made about the names of buildings on campus with connections to slavery and segregation. He allegedly referred to the efforts to change the names as a part of “cancel culture.” The university’s Black Student Coalition held a march this week to protest the names. According to theRichmond Times-Dispatch, there are about 470 voting faculty members, and all that is needed to ratify the vote is just over half.
- Gov. Northam’s office has announced a pool of nearly $47 million to help private schools cover some of their pandemic-related costs. The money comes from a federal coronavirus stimulus package passed in December. Private schools can use the funds on things like sanitation supplies, PPE and training staff on COVID-19 safety measures. Applications are due by April 26, and schools must follow accreditation guidelines to qualify.
