As a part of the First African Baptist Church Music and Fine Arts Black History program, the Richmond Free Press was recognized as having made significant contributions to the community on Sunday,  Feb. 11, 2024, during the morning worship service.

In a presentation by First African’s Drama Ministry, the Free Press’ founding publisher, the late Raymond H. Boone Sr. and his wife, Jean P. Boone, were commended for their vision in establishing a weekly newspaper that “was an extension of his passion and advocacy and a platform to use the lens of civil rights and justice to provide solid, fair-minded news stories to empower readers and motivate them to take action on important issues in their lives.”

A video, set to the song “Glory” written by Common, John Legend and Rhymefest, was presented. It included images of numerous awards the Free Press has received since its founding on Jan. 16, 1992.

After Mr. Boone’s death in 2014, Mrs. Boone became publisher of the newspaper.

“On behalf of our pastor, Rev. Rodney D. Waller, we present this award to your unwavering commitment to journalism for getting it right,” said Kimberly B. Williams, executive assistant to the pastor. “We thank you. Please continue the legacy of the Richmond Free Press for your outstanding commitment.

We thank you, we thank your family, we thank your staff for the many years of contribution. Amen and bless you.”

Mrs. Boone, accompanied by her daughter, Regina H. Boone, and her son, Raymond H. Boone Jr., (photo top right) expressed her “love and gratefulness” for First African and its congregants.

“I am filled with gratitude,” she said. “My family is filled with gratitude. We could not be here without you. You keep us in business and if you weren’t there, there would be no us.” The VCU Black Awakening Choir, right, was the musical guest at the service.