UPDATE 4, Tuesday 3:30pm: According to The Virginian-Pilot, the General Assembly will take up the compensation legislation in the special session! . Arthur Whitfield, who served 22 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, who waited almost five years for a pardon for that crime, and who has yet to be compensated … Continue reading Whitfield has liver cancer – will GA compensate now?
Category: Norfolk
Bruce Smith Hall of Fame induction Saturday
Norfolk native Bruce Smith, a resident of Virginia Beach, will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday. Smith, the NFL's all-time sack leader, played 19 seasons in the NFL. He was elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility. Smith graduated from Norfolk's Booker T. Washington High School and Virginia … Continue reading Bruce Smith Hall of Fame induction Saturday
Kaine grants conditional pardons to 3 of Norfolk 4
I'm still listening to Governor Kaine's press conference via telephone but just received his press release on this via email. In the release, the governor granted conditional pardons to the four former sailors who were convicted in the rape and murder of Michelle Moore-Bosko. Four ex-sailors who served together in Norfolk during the late 1990’s … Continue reading Kaine grants conditional pardons to 3 of Norfolk 4
I saw a delegate candidate
I attended Norfolk's National Night Out celebration Tuesday evening. Saw a lot of people there that I hadn't seen in a while. The church where we gathered was literally overflowing with people - so much so that a lot of folks gathered outside, listening to the events inside over the loudspeakers. After the program, it … Continue reading I saw a delegate candidate
Voices of Honor tour comes to Norfolk Thursday
The Voices of Honor tour makes a stop in Norfolk this Thursday. A joint project of the Human Rights Campaign and Servicemembers United, the tour discusses the effect of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The Norfolk event will be a townhall meeting beginning at 6pm at Nauticus (click on picture to enlarge) and will feature both … Continue reading Voices of Honor tour comes to Norfolk Thursday
Whitfield: Spruill, Miller support
Two more local delegates are on board for the inclusion of compensation for Arthur Whitfield in the special session. In a phone call earlier today, Chesapeake Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr. (D-77th) reaffirmed his support of the Legislative Black Caucus legislation I previously posted. "Mr. Whitfield deserves this compensation and I fully support the consideration of … Continue reading Whitfield: Spruill, Miller support
Challengers Abbott, West support Whitfield
Democratic candidate Robin Abbott (93rd) and Gary West (94th) each issued statements today in support of the inclusion of compensation for Arthur Whitfield in the special session. Their statements are below the fold. From Abbott: Candidate Robin Abbott Supports Legislative Action To Address Aid For Arthur Whitfield Newport News, Virginia – July 30th, 2009 – … Continue reading Challengers Abbott, West support Whitfield
On limiting special session topics
Eight days ago, on the day it was announced, I called for the inclusion of compensation for Arthur Whitfield in special session. I have been pleasantly surprised at the reaction: given the opportunity, our legislators will do the right thing, and legislator after legislator has come on board. The sticking point, though, seems to be … Continue reading On limiting special session topics
Whitfield: Pilot backs special session inclusion
The editorial page of Thursday's Virginian-Pilot carried the cartoon you see here (click to enlarge). It captures the essence of the struggle Arthur Whitfield has faced in his quest for justice. The accompanying editorial championed the case as well, concluding: ... legislators can make a tangible difference in the life of one man who so … Continue reading Whitfield: Pilot backs special session inclusion
Whitfield: count in Amundson, Shannon
"Add my name to the list," says retiring Del. Kris Amundson. We ought to add legislation to compensate Mr. Whitfield to our Calendar for August 19. And AG candidate Steve Shannon joined the chorus as well. In a press release today: “Arthur Whitfield spent twenty-two years of his life in prison for crimes he did … Continue reading Whitfield: count in Amundson, Shannon
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