#NNPA BlackPress

IN MEMORIAM: Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia Dies at 61

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Congressman McEachin was only 61. He was the first African American to be nominated to run as Virginia Attorney General. McEachin was only the third African American to serve in the U.S. Congress from Virginia along with John Mercer Langston and Bobby Scott.
The post IN MEMORIAM: Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia Dies at 61 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2022

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Though many were aware he’d been battling health issues over the last few years, the death of Richmond Congressman and former State Senator and Delegate Don McEachin is still a big shock.

Congressman McEachin was only 61. He was the first African American to be nominated to run as Virginia Attorney General. McEachin was only the third African American to serve in the U.S. Congress from Virginia along with John Mercer Langston and Bobby Scott.

McEachin was elected to the House of Delegates in 1995 and ran for Attorney General in 2001. He won a four-way primary with 33.6% of the vote but was defeated in the general election to Republican Jerry Kilgore. McEachin was elected to Congress in 2016.

A statement released by his staff late in the evening on Monday, Nov. 28 jolted many and set off a round of phone calls in initial disbelief. McEachin’s staff was in Richmond for a retreat on Monday.

In recent weeks and months, McEachin kept his schedule and was seen during CBC Week in D.C. at the Virginia reception and other events, including a panel discussion he hosted on climate change. He easily won re-election to represent the fourth congressional district on Nov. 8.

In the moments after his office posted the press release below at 10:19 p.m. announcing his death, the tributes to McEachin poured in.

“I am simply devastated to hear the news of the passing of this gentle giant. Rest easy Donald,” wrote Richmond City Councilman Mike Jones.

“Words can’t express the gratitude I have for this man. He took a chance on me. He was my first supporter. He gave me tough love. He gave me his listening ear. He gave me sound advice. He gave me opportunities. Sometimes he felt like a big brother, sometimes a father – not sure why he chose me but I’m grateful. My heart aches for Colette and the family. Rest well A. Don Mac!,” wrote Richmond Del. Lamont Bagby, who is the Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

“I served in the General Assembly with Donald McEachin for over 20 years, watching him make history as the first ever African American nominee for Attorney General of VA in 2001 before he went to Congress. Hearing the news of his death sent a shock of pain through me tonight,” wrote L. Louise Lucas, who is President Pro Tempore of the Senate of Virginia.

“Donald was a thoughtful and principled legislator and respected by people on both sides of the aisle… The Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation have lost one of its most dedicated public servants and fiercest advocates for justice and equality,” wrote the Dean of the Virginia congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott.

“He was the son of an Army veteran and a public-school teacher and grew up in the area that he would go on to represent in the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress,” Rep. Scott continued.

McEachin was also an attorney. He graduated from UVA Law in 1986. He formed a law firm based in Richmond, McEachin & Gee. Many noted that McEachin focused on environmental racism and climate change issues.

“Virginia and our nation are better because Don McEachin chose a life of selfless service. He lifted us all higher, and we can now see farther. Because of that, Don will forever be a part of our brightest future. Our love to Colette and the McEachin Family. #Godspeed,” wrote Virginia’s 41st Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Don McEachin. I have worked with him since our days in the Va House of Delegates and have known him to be a gentle giant in fighting to ensure everyone has a level playing field, my prayers to his family and loved ones. He will be missed,” wrote State Senator Lionell Spruill.

“We are devastated by the passing of Congressman McEachin. As a champion for the Metro Richmond area, his loss will be felt greatly. He consistently supported us, showed up, and gave space to young leaders. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Collette, and the McEachin family,” wrote the Metro Richmond Democrats in a statement.

The Commonwealth of VA has lost a true statesman in Don McEachin. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Collette and their family,” wrote Virginia House Democratic Leader Don Scott.

“Up until the very end, Don McEachin was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend,” wrote U.S. Senator Mark Warner on McEachin.

McEachin is survived by his wife Colette and their three children.

Seven members of the 118th Congress have died in office. They are McEachin, Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, R-La., who died of COVID—19 before taking office in late 2020, just after being elected. Reps. Alcee Hastings, Ron Wright, Jim Hagedorn, Don Young, Jackie Walorski.

The 119th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2023.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

The post IN MEMORIAM: Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia Dies at 61 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Attorney Ben Crump Brings Star-Studded TheGrio Awards Crowd to Its Feet in Dr. King-Inspired Acceptance Speech

Don't Miss

OP-ED: The Time is Now for Increasing Diversity in American Media Ownership

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

4 days ago

May 28, 2025

admin

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: