WCCUSD may close Kennedy High and several other schools to close budget shortfall for 2009
RICHMOND, CA - With the downward spiral of the state's economy, school districts across California are facing some of the most drastic cutbacks in recent memory. "The big question citizens have for the board members of the West Contra Costa Unified School District is how do we get the local cities involved in the discussion of how to keep the schools on the hit list open," says Rev. Andre Shumake Sr. "This school district serves Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole and Hercules, so there is a lot at stake in terms of safety and academic achievement for thousands of youth that reside in these communities." SEE STORY
RIA travels to Washington, DC for premiere of "Poverty in America" documentary special
WASHINGTON, DC - When Martin Luther King III traveled to Richmond, California in 2007 for his national "Poverty in America" tour, he was touched by the tireless work being conducted the Richmond Improvement Association. The Richmond group's work is being featured in a segment of the special two-hour documentary that will be aired on AmericanLife TV Network's telecast featuring many in-depth stories on the affects of poverty and how it crosses different racial lines in the different regions of America. CONTINUE STORY
RIA's Inmate Community Re-entry program at San Quentin Prison is providing opportunities for change through the Richmond Project
RICHMOND, CA - With the recidivism rate for parolees returning to prisons in the California Department of Corrections system hovering around the 70% rate, a heavy emphasis is now being placed on the types of viable resources being provided to the thousands of inmates being released back into their communities. The Richmond Project Inmate Community Re-entry Program facilitated by the Richmond Improvement Association is a major component of the group's Zero Homicide Campaign.

Partnership Project in Richmond joins forces with NGO Athletes United for Peace to create
a "Culture of Peace" through jamboree event
RICHMOND, CA - The City of Richmond's newly remodeled community center facilities served as the summer kickoff for RIA's efforts towards creating a "culture of peace" in Richmond. The partnership with United Nations NGO Athletes United for Peace and the City of Richmond conducted the Community, Peace, Sports and Recreation Jamboree.

The event at Booker T. Anderson Community Center featured music entertainment, BBQ, sports, cultural activies for youth and adults, and a special ceremony with many city officals honoring the late Charlie Reid (the godfather of sports and recreation in Richmond). SEE PROCLAMATION