Thursday, February 23
Parents, teachers question Holton elementary’s leadership, environment
When Richmond’s Linwood Holton Elementary School opened in 1999, it did so with the intention of reflecting the philosophy of its namesake, former Gov. A. Linwood Holton, who supported civil rights and school integration.
Lucille A.B. Roane, voting proponent, former detective, dies
Richmond voter advocate and former city police detective Lucille Aurelia Brown Roane has died. Mrs. Roane, who was the first Black president of the Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter of the League of Women Voters and the third Black woman to serve on Richmond’s police force, succumbed to illness Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. She was 94.
‘We’ve got to show up every year’
More than a dozen Black men gathered at TruFades Haircuts & Beards, 2010 E. Main St. in Shockoe Bottom on Feb. 18 to discuss to civic participation, voting, education and other issues crucial to them and their communities.
YWCA’s 2023 Outstanding Women Awards
Since 1980, YWCA Richmond has honored more than 300 women leaders for their achievements and contributions in the Greater Richmond area.
Ceremony honoring former VCU player Charles ‘Jabo’ Wilkins is Feb. 28
There is lot of Richmond basketball history hanging from the Siegel Center rafters ... and more is coming soon.
Commanders’ new assistant head coach arrives with Super Bowl success
Eric Bieniemy Jr. built a sparkling reputation as an offensive coordinator in Kansas City with superstar Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback.
All rise
Lawmakers applaud Justices stellar season; custom suits further accent team’s success
John Marshall High, named after the former Supreme Court Chief Justice, has been laying down the law this season on the basketball court. Virginia’s lawmakers have taken notice.
House Republicans kill two historic resolutions
Two resolutions expressing profound regret for past wrongs to Black people in Virginia have been killed in the Republican-dominated House of Delegates.
Railroad safety extends beyond rails, by Ben Jealous
People around East Palestine, Ohio, have been warned not to run their vacuum cleaners.
‘Lift every voice’ is for every voice, by Clarence Page
Some people suspect that Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” camp is barely a step away from “Make America White Again.” They found a lot of food for that thought in the MAGA world’s reaction to this year’s Super Bowl pregame show.
A moment in time
The Richmond Free Press extends its sincere congratulations to State Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan on her historic election as the first Black woman to represent Virginia in the U.S. Congress.
One less Confederate symbol
Richmond resident Michael Sarahan is celebrating success for his two-year campaign to rid the city of one of its last two monuments to the slavery-defending Confederacy.
North Side health hub planned
A nonprofit pharmacy and offices for medical specialists and behavioral health and job development services could be coming to a former Bank of America building in North Side.
Trailblazing dentists to be honored
Dr. James Avery Booker Jr. and Dr. Randy Adams will be honored for their work as dentists and medical trailblazers in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry on Saturday, Feb. 25, during the school’s 2023 Trailblazers Awards event.
VSU’s new homeowner program designed to make employees, community HAPI
Virginia State University’s new program that will invest thousands of dollars to help its employees become homeowners also is designed to assist the economies of Petersburg and the village of Ettrick, where the university is based, according to the university.
Hanover heritage society presents music showcase
The Hanover County Black Heritage Society invites residents age 18 and up to celebrate Black History Month with a showcase of African-American music on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place.
Chesterfield County students awarded scholarships
Six Chesterfield County high school seniors now have a $2,500 boost for their future education, courtesy of the Leadership for the 21st Century scholarships presented to them by Chesterfield County, Chesterfield County Public Schools and Virginia State University.
VSU hosts HBCU speech and debate championship
Four historically black colleges in Virginia will join HBCUs from throughout the nation for the fifth National HBCU Speech & Debate Championship Feb. 24 through 26 at Virginia State University.
VCU, Oakes family present hazing workshop and video
Two years after Adam Oakes died due to alcohol poisoning following a fraternity event as a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University, his family and VCU will host several workshops and discussions Monday, Feb. 27, to remember his life and educate students and staff about hazing.
City names new HR director
City Hall has named Tyrome Alexander director of human resources as part of efforts to rebuild the department and rev up efforts to recruit and retain employees. Mr. Alexander, director of human resources for Toledo, Ohio, for the past four years, will take over Monday, Feb. 27.
Free community COVID-19 testing continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following location:
Labor unions ready to represent City employees
City Hall is closer to having four unions represent employees — although two unions are now facing off in a bid to represent the city’s 475 labor and trades workers.
Delegate Jeff Bourne to leave legislature
After six years in the legislature, Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne wants to spend more time with his family rather than run for a fourth two-year term in the House of Delegates or seek a Richmond state Senate seat.
Approval of budget amendments before state lawmakers adjourn still uncertain
For the first time in two decades, the Virginia General Assembly could adjourn Saturday, Feb. 25, without approving amendments to the current two-year budget, a potential boon for Richmond’s casino backers.
Arts funding to support opera about Loving court case
The Virginia Commission for the Arts has announced a special recognition grant of $15,000 per year for three consecutive years that will support Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony’s newly commissioned opera, “Loving v. Virginia.”
Baltimore hosts 2023 CIAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament
Whether you’re a basketball fanatic or not, this is an ideal week to be in Baltimore.
Leroy Mason, a voice for prison reform, dies at age 83
Leroy Mason is being remembered for helping to change the Virginia prison system where he spent most of his adult life and for helping other prisoners make a successful transition after their release.
Personality: Zenobia Cardwell
Spotlight on founder of 125 Black Women at Boushall Middle School
Zenobia Cardwell says she always has been active and involved in the community, so much so that she won the School Spirit Award her senior year as a student in the International Baccalaureate Program at Thomas Jefferson High School.
3 candidates vie for McClellan’s seat
The race to replace Congresswoman-elect Jennifer L. McClellan in the state Senate could be decided this weekend, with a quick Democratic firehouse primary or convention to choose between three candidates. Details were unsettled at Free Press deadline.
Victory
Jennifer L. McClellan elected Virginia’s first Black congresswoman
“I’m ready to fight for you in Congress for as long as you’ll have me,” State Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan declared Tuesday night.
Thursday, February 16
Black resistance to ignorance, by Julianne Malveaux
Each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History sets a theme for Black History Month. This year the theme is Black Resistance. It is appropriate for a time such as this because it reflects the work we must do in a climate where there has been active retrenchment of our rights.
Passion, purpose drive Diversity Richmond’s new CEO
When Diversity Richmond, parent of the city’s popular Diversity Thrift, was searching for a new executive director, the Rev. Lacette Cross wasn’t sure about throwing her hat in the ring. But, being “a good Baptist,” she looked to a higher power for answers. She also got some nudging from friends and colleagues. In the end, she decided to apply.
Reapply
Most of City’s HR employees’ jobs no longer guaranteed - ‘We’ve been told our department is the heartbeat of City Hall, but we’ve been left in the dark’
Richmond continues to struggle to fill vacant positions in multiple City Hall departments, ranging from police to finance. The situation could soon be more difficult as the city’s key recruiting and employee services department, Human Resources, undergoes upheaval.
A race to the finish
4th Congressional District voters will choose McClellan or Benjamin on Feb. 21
Jennifer L. McClellan’s campaign to become the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress will culminate next week in a special election she is heavily favored to win — and most aptly during Black History Month.
White supremacist gets life in prison for Buffalo massacre
A white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after relatives of his victims confronted him with pain and rage caused by his racist attack.
William L. Prentiss Jr., local and regional band director, musician and educator, dies at 58
William Leon “BB” Prentiss Jr., who molded thousands of student musicians as the director of high school marching bands in Richmond, Chesterfield County, Norfolk and four other localities, has died.
Personality: Teresa Cole
Spotlight on Fonticello Park Friends board president
As a child growing up in the 1980s, Teresa Cole was a “latchkey kid” who played outside a lot.
From Henrico to Kentucky
Born to compete, Jada Walker’s unafraid to take the ball
Jada Walker is an honest, law-abiding young woman until she gets on the basketball court. She then turns into a woman of steal.
What is Black History Month in a white Christian nation?
Just in time for Black History Month, the Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institution have released a fascinating new survey about Christian nationalism that points to the ways that stories about race in American history get told and why these stories matter.
Pregnant Rihanna soars in Super Bowl halftime performance
Rihanna was above it all. And pregnant to boot.
VUU’s tower sign stays; scooter rentals advance
Virginia Union University can keep its logo shining at night from the top of a historic 60- foot tower on its campus.
City’s annual financial report shows $35 million surplus
City Hall has completed its annual financial report, although it comes three months behind schedule and the first to come in late since 2016.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Elegba Folklore Society offers film screening and book expo
The Elegba Folklore Society’s 3rd Saturday Documentaries will screen “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket” on Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St.
VCU’s Wilder School announces annual awards program
Seven individuals and organizations will be recognized for their work during Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs’ 16th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards. Recipients will be honored at a luncheon Tuesday, April 11, at the Richmond Marriott Hotel, 500 E. Broad St.
Proposed GreenCity arena aims to be ‘greenest in America’
GreenCity Partners and ASM Global announced on Monday an agreement to develop and operate a proposed 17,000-seat GreenCity Arena in Henrico County.
CrossOver clinics offer saliva COVID-19 tests
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry is now offering a saliva-based COVID-19 test at its locations in Richmond and Henrico County to low-income, uninsured and underserved residents.
Marland Buckner named executive director of Shockoe interpretive center project
Marland E. Buckner will lead the “interpretive center project,” funded by the $11 million investment from the Mellon Foundation, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney announced this week. The $11 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, announced last December, is part of its Monuments Project. The grant will fund the creation of an “interpretive center” in 12,300 square feet of space in the lower Trainshed of Main Street Station. The interpretive center will be used to orient visitors to Shockoe Bottom, provide informative and im- mersive educational and artistic content about Richmond’s role in the domestic trade of enslaved people. Within the facility will be a high-tech immersive
Enrichmond’s remaining assets headed for receivership, sources say
A deal that could resolve issues related to the collapsed Enrichmond Foundation is in the works, the Free Press has learned.
Fitness DAWGS help kids ‘Eat Better, Move More and Learn’
Fun and friendship are what the Fitness DAWGS are all about. What started as an idea has grown into a series of children’s books, a TV show and a curriculum program designed around fitness and wellness for elementary students.
A force for change
It’s not too unusual these days to read about young people who, rather than sit on the sidelines doing little to enact economic, political or social change, devote much of their lives to serving the public.
Economic inequality places most risk for eviction on Black people, poor, by Charlene Crowell
For the first time in more than two decades of research, every state now has renters who are nearing a financial breaking point in housing affordability. New research released by Har- vard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), and Moody’s Analytics independently reach the same conclusion: Consumers are struggling with a growing percentage of their incomes going toward keeping a roof over their heads.
Recent Free Press article ‘was not a forum for litigation or absolution’
In my conversations with Mr. Jeremy Lazarus that resulted in the Jan. 26-28 edition of the Richmond Free Press article, “It’s Complicated,” I believe that I was clear in stating that I became an Enrichmond board member in October of 2017.
Clarence Thomas statue backed by Republicans in Georgia
Republican Georgia lawmakers are again trying to erect a statue of U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Georgia native Clarence Thomas on the State Capitol grounds in Atlanta, in what many Democrats, particularly Black ones, see as an insensitive display of partisan power.
LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as NBA’s all-time leading scorer
LeBron James long ago earned the nickname “King James.” Today the crown fits better than ever.
VSU announces fall schedule
Under first-year football Coach Henry Frazier III, Virginia State University doubled its win total in 2022, posting a 6-4 record after going 3-6 the season before.
VUU nets 76-65 win over Bowie
Just when you think Robert Osborne has hit full stride, he shifts into an even higher gear.
Pharrell named new Louis Vuitton menswear creative director
Louis Vuitton has named multi-talented singer-songwriter-philanthropist Pharrell Williams creative director of its menswear division, replacing the late Virgil Abloh, the company said Tuesday.
National museum curator to discuss Black music’s dynamics
‘Music is about community ... we are all part of music’s story’
Dwandalyn Reece, associate director for curatorial affairs at the National Museum of African Americn History and Culture, will bring the story of Black music to Virginia Commonwealth University as the 2023 VCU Libraries Black History Month Lecturer.
Docuseries on Black church highlights history, links to biblical orthodoxy
“How I Got Over,” a five-part series, examines the history of seven historic Black denominations and highlights major Black Christian leaders — well-known and lesser-known — who have contributed to American society. Officials of the AND Campaign, a nonpartisan think tank that promotes Christian civic engagement, released the first episode on YouTube Feb. 13.
Hampton appoints new athletic director
Anthony D. Henderson will soon lead the 18 varsity, NCAA Division I sports at Hampton University.
Charles ‘Jabo’ Wilkins’ VCU jersey to be retired Feb. 28
In the beginning of VCU basketball, there was Charles “Jabo” Wilkins.
Ed Reed’s criticism of Bethune-Cookman costs him coaching job
Ed Reed is out, and Raymond Woodie Jr. is in as Bethune-Cookman University football coach.
Flying Squirrels’ GRASP program seeks VUU, VSU applicants
The application process is underway for the $5,000 Richmond Flying Squirrels “34” Scholarship. .
Thursday, February 9
City seeks to battle climate, continue using fossil fuel
When it comes to battling climate change, Richmond wants to reduce public and private emissions of greenhouse gases while still allowing its natural gas utility to keep pump- ing out fossil fuel to power homes and buildings.
Free community testing for COVID-19
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Details for voting in Feb. 21 congressional election
Deadlines are approaching to vote early in the 4th Congres- sional District election to replace the late U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin.
Democrats reject 3 Youngkin appointees
Virginia Senate Democrats voted Tuesday to reject several appointees of GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin, including the state health commissioner.
Free tax services available
Need help with filing taxes? United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg once again is offering free tax preparation services in partnership with a variety of organizations and volunteers.
Jackson Baynard named chief of Division of Fire
Henrico County appointed Jackson P.F. Baynard to serve as chief of the Division of Fire, effective Jan. 28.
Blood drive for firefighter’s cancer fight
When Richmond firefighter Jonathan Clarke went for a routine visit to his primary care doctor last year, he left with a referral to see a hematologist.
Cash call
Unconditional cash assistance is having a moment. Even before the pandemic, there was growing recognition that our heavily work-conditioned safety net is inadequate.
Just One Look
The Richmond Free Press congratulates the five brave couples who shared their recipes for finding and sustaining love and marriage in this year’s Valentine’s “Love Stories.”
Housing is a vaccine for poverty, by Mayor Levar Stoney
When I was growing up in Hampton Roads, we lived paycheck to paycheck. My father regularly stated we were just one missed paycheck, one missed rent payment from potentially losing our home.
AP course tests our racial politics, too, by Clarence Page
Sometimes people who want to show you how clever they are only end up exposing their own ignorance.
‘Why support legislation designed to obstruct a Richmond casino?’
I am strongly opposed to any legislation that has been crafted specifically to obstruct economic development in the city of Richmond. The fact that a state senator, who represents Richmond, would lead the charge to strategically cut Richmond out of an opportunity to build a casino, while feverishly promoting a casino in Petersburg, is unconscionable. Richmond was one of the five original cities selected by the legislature to build a casino. Curiously, the other four cities have all moved forward with building their casinos without opposition. It has not gone unnoticed that the proposed Richmond casino would be the only Black-owned casino in the state and that it plans to offer profit-sharing for its employees. The Richmond proposal indicates that ap- proximately 2,050 new jobs would be created by the casino. According to the state’s own research, a Richmond casino would generate almost $300 million in net gaming revenue, over $91 million in local tax revenue and over $33 million in state gaming tax. In fact, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission reported that a Richmond casino would be the highest earning facility in the state. The proposed Richmond casino will be an $800 million private investment, which will greatly enhance economic development in our capital city. It will undoubtedly create a long-lasting opportunity to positively impact the citizens of Richmond and the entire state. So the “million dollar question” is, “WHY” would anyone support legislation that was crafted with the single purpose to obstruct Richmond from realizing such a tremendous economic opportunity? BIRDIE HAIRSTON JAMISON Richmond
Is our gun-crazed society reflection of entertainment biz?
The prop gun killing on the “Rust” movie set by Alec Baldwin reminds me of other reckless gun-violence disasters on movie sets. Specifically, when the actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shoot- ing himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the 1984 CBS television series “Cover Up.” As well as when actor Brandon Lee, 28, son of the late martial arts star Bruce Lee, died after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the 1993 movie “The Crow.”
Love Stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature. It shares the Love Stories of five Richmond-area couples.
VUU defeats Elizabeth City 87-71 on live TV
Harding, Osborne score 17 points each
Tahj Harding looks good on camera.
The secret is out about Trinity’s football dominance
It all started about four years ago. First one standout football player enrolled at Trinity Episcopal School. Then another ... and another ...
JM’s Lady Justices go all in this season
Richmond has two state champion basketball contenders, and both have the same address: 4225 Old Brook Road on the North Side.
Grammy moments: Hip-hop tribute for the ages, Beyoncé triumphs
Beyoncé sits alone atop the Grammy throne as the ceremony’s most decorated artist in history, but at the end of Sunday’s show it was Harry Styles who walked away with the album of the year honor.
Grammys rebound from COVID years, reach 12.4 million viewers
An estimated 12.4 million people tuned in to watch stars Harry Styles, Lizzo and Bad Bunny perform at the Grammy Awards, along with a tribute to 50 years of hip-hop.
Ma Cong’s ‘Firebird’ mixes storytelling and dance
The Richmond Symphony will accompany ballet’s East Coast premiere
The storyline of the ballet “Firebird with Serenade” is set in a fairytale. It involves princesses, spells and castles. However, the foundational theme of the piece is based on the realities of reunion and love.
Black History Museum launches event management arm
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is expanding from curating exhibits to curating and hosting events.
Biden in State of the Union: ‘Finish the job’
President Biden exhorted Congress on Tuesday night to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a State of the Union address aimed at reassuring a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions.
Love and loss
Local woman’s book seeks to help families, youngsters work through trauma
Amanda Lynch’s 10th book as a self-published author is one that she wishes she’d only imagined. But the book’s core is the 43-year-old Richmond author’s ongoing nightmare, a family trauma she thought was one almost too gutting to live through, let alone write about.
Personality: Ari Abad
Spotlight on co-founder of Woman Life Freedom RVA
When Mahsa Jina Amini, a 22-year old Kurdish woman from the city of Saqqez in the Kurdistan Province, died Sept. 16, 2022, in police custody after being arrested for not properly wearing her hijab, the story resonated with Ari Abad. Hijab’s are headpieces worn by some Muslim women.
Report card
Funding, other details still unclear a year after Fox Elementary fire
It will take at least two more years to reopen historic William Fox Elementary School in The Fan — but only if nearly $26 million is available to make it happen.
Senate committee’s ‘no’ vote for Morrissey casino bill may mean ‘yes’ for Richmond
With two weeks to go in the 2023 General Assembly session, Richmond appears to be on track to retain the right to hold a second vote on hosting a casino in November. While it could all change, Richmond gained much needed help from a slim majority of the Senate Finance Committee. Last week, the committee voted 8-7 to kill Petersburg Democratic state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey’s bill to add the Cockade City to the list of cities allowed to have a casino and authorize that city to host a referendum before Richmond made a second attempt to get voters to approve after a majority rejected a casino plan in 2021. If the majority holds in the Senate Finance Committee, the same fate would await an identical bill that Petersburg Repub- lican Delegate Kim Taylor successfully pushed through the House on Tuesday. Petersburg believed it had a good chance to win after sign- ing an agreement with The Cordish Companies of Baltimore to deliver a casino and related developments worth $1.4 bil- lion. Despite the setback, that city is still is likely to hold a November referendum seeking approval from its voters for the Cordish proposal. Richmond is not guaranteed to retain the right to hold a referendum. With Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin seeking to lift up Petersburg, the Free Press has been told that some of those who opposed Sen. Morrissey’s bill in the committee could use the Petersburg casino measure as a bargaining chip when the House and Senate conferees meet to finalize the budget. A year ago, after Sen. Morrissey’s bill appeared to be dead after losing 9-7 in the Finance Committee, budget language re- vived it. The legislature followed Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan’s
Black quarterbacks Hurts, Mahomes will be center stage during Super Bowl
It is fitting that this year’s celebration of Black History Month coincides with a first in Black football history.
Dr. Dean Climmon Williams remembered as a compassionate, caring physician
Dean Climmon Williams, known to his colleagues as “Dr. Dean,” passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at his home in Richmond, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and care in Virginia’s medical community.
Myrna Pride’s happy her children are home
A ruling last Thursday by retired Judge Robert S. Brewbaker Jr. reunited Myrna Pride with the three children she shares with estranged husband, Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond.
Thursday, February 2
PGA tour event to honor Marcus Byrd
Marcus Byrd has been chosen to receive the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption for the upcoming PGA Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
McDonald’s games to include “Bronny” James
LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. will soon display his basketball talents on a national stage.
Miles Mallory’s blocking sets records
Warning: Trying to score inside against Miles Mallory can be hazardous to your shooting percentage.
Newark next stop for HU, NSU match
Hampton and Norfolk State universities are packing their bags and taking their “backyard rivalry” on the road again.
Black college network to broadcast VUU weekend game
Virginia Union University fans can enjoy basketball with their lunch this Saturday.
Population growth continues to widen affordability gap in Richmond
The need for more and varied affordable housing continues to grow in the Richmond region.
Push for rental inspection program appears to gain traction
Properties yielding high-volume complaints, code violations would be targeted
Maybe the third time is the charm when it comes to a rental inspection program for Richmond.
VMHC to spotlight civil rights hero Curtis Harris and Great Dismal Swamp
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will feature the following films at part of its Black History Month programming:
A new George Wythe High School will cost a record $86,111 per student, data show
The cost of replacing George Wythe High School has ballooned to $154.6 million, far more than anticipated.
Rail agency begins historic cemetery review for estimated 22,000 souls
It took nine months, but the Federal Railroad Administration is keeping its promise to take a fresh look at a historic Black cemetery in Richmond and its potential impact on proposed rail improvements between Richmond and Washington.
Let’s talk Social Security instead of about Morrissey
Instead of wasting time, energy, resources and newsprint on calling for Sen. Joe Morrissey to resign, I suggest you focus your efforts on changing a common practice that leads to perpetual inequality.
Enrichmond article ‘is inaccurate and misleading
Jeremy Lazarus’ Jan. 26, 2023, article, “It’s complicated” is a one-sided story that provides little clarity.
Woodson’s wisdom, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
Carter Godwin Woodson, The Father of Negro (Black) History, remains an invaluable source of historic information and critical thinking, which prepares today’s young African- Americans to confront and challenge the persistent racism that continues to plague the national psyche.
'Black history in Virginia is Virginia’s story'
Museum exhibit explores freedom, justice, equality
From a weathered slave auction block used in 19th Century South Carolina, to the military attire, documents and scientific tools of soldiers, teachers and doctors, each item in Jackson Ward’s Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia tells a story.
Gun violence and the disease behind it, by Ben Jealous
We’ve had more mass shootings this year than we’ve had days this year.
Lessons in photo ops
The front page of the Free Press’ Jan. 26 edition shows Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his wife, First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, surrounded by adorable first-graders at Richmond’s Carver Elementary School.
City jail deputy shortages continue
“This feels like an emergency situation. It feels like we are in a crisis.”
Pioneering Harvard entrepreneur to be honored by Howard University
Lillian L. Lambert is being recognized by Howard University with its Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Morrissey banned from Henrico jail
Henrico County Sheriff Alisa A. Gregory released a statement Tuesday confirming a Jan. 28 incident that led to the revocation of Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey’s, D-Richmond, visiting privileges to Henrico’s Jail West and Jail East for 90 days.
City School Board, NAACP raise concerns about RPS budget proposal
Superintendent Jason Kamras’ budget presentation during a School Board meeting last month launched the school division’s budget talks for the 2023-2024 school year, while also raising questions about budget allocations for RPS students.
Trevor Noah returns as Grammy host with comfort, nervousness
Trevor Noah feels more comfortable hosting the Grammy Awards for a third-straight year, but the former “The Daily Show” host still has some nervousness about leading the ceremony with big-time acts like Beyoncé, Adele and Harry Styles looking on.
Dominique Bailey leads John Marshall in basketball and college credits
From the bleachers, it’s easy to see that Dominique Bailey is a multitalented guard for John Marshall High’s undefeated Justices. What spectators can’t see about Bailey, from afar, is just as interesting.
Personality: Amy Black
Spotlight on Pink Ink Fund founder
Amy Black fell in love with tattoo art after getting her first tattoo as a college student at Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio.
Faith leaders react to Tyre Nichols police video beating with grief, goals
Religious leaders reacted swiftly — with legislative appeals and collective grief — to the release of video footage of police officers beating Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died days after a traffic stop in Memphis, Tenn.
Impassioned calls for police reform at Tyre Nichols’ funeral
Tyre Nichols ’ family and friends gathered Wednesday for a funeral that blended a celebration of his life with outrage over the brutal beating he endured at the hands of Memphis Police and heated calls for police reform.
Capital of compassion
Mayor Stoney’s upbeat agenda: Increased home ownership, public safety, enhanced learning
As he launched his seventh year in office, Mayor Levar M. Stoney painted a rosy picture of a thriving city “filled with promise and hope ... and purpose” Tuesday in delivering his State of the City address.
Michael Jackson’s nephew to star in King of Pop biopic
Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the planned biopic “Michael” to be directed by Antoine Fuqua.
