Appomattox elections board seeks to close precincts that serve Black voters

by Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury A proposal to close and consolidate two voting precincts in Appomattox County has sparked concerns about voter access and racial equity, as the changes would disproportionately impact Black and minority voters. The county’s Board of Elections made the request at the Jan. 21, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, targeting precinct […]

Prince William County Launches Resource Hub for Residents Impacted by Federal Workforce Actions

by Prince William Office of Communications and Engagement In response to the recent federal workforce reductions, Prince William County has launched a comprehensive online resource page to assist those affected. The page provides information on employment opportunities, career support, workforce training, housing and financial counseling, food security and mental health services.  Prince William County is […]

Black Mother-Son Partner to Launch Vegan Scalp and Hair Solution

MelanBrand Skin, the groundbreaking skincare brand founded by Patrice Chappelle and her 14-year-old son, Bron Echols, has introduced a new product to the market: MelanGrow Scalp & Hair Oil. This vegan, non-toxic solution is designed to address scalp concerns, dryness, and dandruff while promoting healthy, nourished hair for children ages five and up and adults […]

Committee Perspectives on Panhandling & Safety

by Prince William Office of Community Safety In a continued effort to enhance support for the homeless population, the Office of Community Safety, the Department of Social Services, and H.U.G.S. joined the conversation hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100 to discuss proactive strategies for addressing homelessness and panhandling. The meeting emphasized the commitment […]

How Workplace Hair Discrimination Can Impact the Health of Black Women

The following article is by Terry Turner, and with permission by Consumer Notice.org Back in 2020, the PW Perspective ran an article on how Black women suffered workplace hair discrimination. However, using chemical hair straighteners to conform to spoken and unspoken rules comes at a significant cost, including scalp damage, pain and an increased risk […]

Maternal health bills move forward, now Youngkin holds the final say

by Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury For the first time in her career, Nichole Wardlaw feels like policymakers are finally listening — not just to her, but to Black maternal health professionals and the patients they serve.  “I feel like I’ve been seen and heard, and I’ve been doing this work for a long time,” […]

Founder of Soul Food Starters, Launches Program to Help Black Non-Profits Raise Funds For Their Cause

As major retailers and funding programs scale back or abandon their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Chef Claude Booker, Founder and CEO of Soul Food Starters, is stepping up with a powerful alternative. Through its Fundraising Partnership Program, his Black-owned brand now enables communities to raise funds for their organizations while supporting a business that […]

GOP immigration bills crushed in Virginia Senate committee

by Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury A Democratic-controlled Senate panel on Monday swiftly blocked multiple Republican-backed measures aimed at tightening immigration enforcement in Virginia, dealing a blow to GOP efforts just one day before the General Assembly’s legislative midpoint. The Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted to kill three proposals that would have expanded immigration status […]

Celebrate Black History Month with Prince William County Parks

Courtesy of Prince William County Communications Prince William County has a unique and extensive African American history that is preserved and interpreted through its surviving buildings and many individuals who have helped shape the County’s complex past. Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation serves as stewards of County-owned historic structures, cultural and natural resources, historic landscapes, […]