Stories for November 2025 Richmond Free Press | Serving the African American Community in Richmond, VA

Wednesday, November 26

Local tradition returns with Giving Heart’s Thanksgiving Day feast

Richmond’s long-standing tradition returns Thursday as The Giving Heart hosts its 20th annual Thanksgiving Day Feast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Stranger turned hero brings families together after long wait

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be put in situations where we can help one another.” — Tony Williams

When William Minor stopped at a Midlothian Auto Zone in October, he didn’t expect to meet the man who helped save his life after a near-fatal crash more than two decades ago.

Slashed federal funding, rising costs could affect Abigail Spanberger’s agenda

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin said a group of corporate executives that advise him on how much tax revenue Virginia’s economy can expect are “cautiously optimistic” about the coming budget cycle.

‘We’re toast’: Virginia GOP erupts in finger-pointing after sweeping Democratic wins

Rick Buchanan didn’t expect to walk out before the first session even ended.

Avula proposes collaborative approach to Richmond public housing

Mayor Danny Avula urged Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority officials on Nov. 19 to put residents at the center of public housing decisions, calling for more cooperation, transparency and community involvement in developments like Gilpin Court.

New Richmond Code Refresh draft pulls back on upzoning proposals

Richmond planners rolled out a revised version of the city’s Code Refresh zoning map on Nov. 18, pulling back on several proposals from the first version — including limits on height, density and where additional units can be built — as they try to balance neighborhood concerns with a growing demand for housing amid a shortage.

Oldest survivor of Tulsa Race Massacre dies at 111

Viola Ford Fletcher, who as one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma spent her later years seeking justice for the deadly attack by a white mob on the thriving Black community where she lived as a child, has died. She was 111.

Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film ‘The Harder They Come,’ dead at 81

Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder They Come,” has died at 81.

Why giving Tuesday matters for Black communities by Julianne Malveaux

It’s the end of the year, which means you are being barraged by requests to give. Whether it is your alma mater, your church, a charity you gave to once upon a time — even a long, long time ago — you are getting repeated requests to give. Giving Tuesday this year is Dec. 2, and the encouragement to give is not a bad thing.

Pelosi’s leadership marked by democracy and equity by Marc H. Morial

If the measure of public service is how deeply one fights for the most vulnerable among us, then Nancy Patricia Pelosi stands among the most consequential leaders of our era.

The first Thanksgiving is a key chapter in America’s origin story – but what happened in Virginia four months later mattered more by Peter C. Mancall

Remembered and retold as an allegory for perseverance and cooperation, the story of the first Thanksgiving has become an important part of how Americans think about the founding of their country.

A Thanksgiving reminder that fighting poverty should rise above party lines by Ben Jealous

The world of our screens has many of us dreading Thanksgiving.

Richmond Floorball Club has new partner

The Richmond Floorball Club (RFC) recently wrapped up its fall season at Barton Memorial Rink in Hanover County and is entering the winter with a new partnership with River City Sports & Social Club (RCSSC). The collaboration is aimed at expanding access to floorball and strengthening Richmond’s growing community around the sport.

Personality: IBe’ Bulinda Hereford Crawley

Spotlight on the founder of IBe’ Arts Institute

IBe’ Bulinda Hereford Crawley, a researcher, artist and retired educator, grew up knowing that service to her community would guide her life.

Lester’s portraits capture the labor, pride and legacy of Jackson Ward

VMFA exhibition showcases 20 portraits from ’80s and ‘’90s

Those who recall the Jackson Ward of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s likely remember a neighborhood in flux.

Virginia Rep staging holiday production of ‘A Christmas Carol’

Virginia Repertory Theatre presents a holiday production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted and directed by Artistic Director Rick Hammerly.

Holiday closings

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, please note the following closings:

Program offers high school seniors free access to HBCU applications

Richmond high school seniors are getting an opportunity to apply to historically Black colleges and universities without paying application fees, thanks to a partnership between KR Scholars and Richmond Public Schools.

McClellan names 2025 Veteran of the Year for 4th District

U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan recently announced U.S. Air Force Col. William Woodard Butler as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.

City to install pedestrian hybrid beacon at Cary and Commonwealth

The city will install a pedestrian hybrid beacon at Cary Street and Commonwealth Avenue to improve access to Mary Munford Elementary School and the nearby playground.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving

Today, I make my Sacrament ofThanksgiving.

VUU falls 27–24 to California (PA) in NCAA Division II playoff

Virginia Union University rallied in the fourth quarter but came up short, losing 27-24 to California (PA) in Saturday’s NCAA Division II playoff at Willie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium.

VCU stuns Dayton, falls in five-set A-10 final to Loyola Chicago

The VCU women’s volleyball team made a statement in the Atlantic 10 Tournament before coming up just short in the championship match at the Siegel Center on Sunday.

Terry ‘Tornado’ Richard named to Global Football Total’s ‘Ideal XI’

Richmond’s Terry “Tornado” Richard has been named to the October “Ideal XI” by Global Football Total, a Spanish-based organization that develops young soccer talent.

Virginia State bench fuels 82-64 road win over UDC

Virginia State’s bench provided a spark Saturday as the Trojans pulled away for an 82-64 victory over the UDC Firebirds.

Kickers announce initial returning roster for 2026 season

The Richmond Kickers have announced their initial group of returning players, pending league and federation approval, as the club prepares for its 34th consecutive season in 2026.

Richmond Symphony to open holiday season with ‘Let It Snow’ concerts

The Richmond Symphony will launch its annual holiday concert tradition Thanksgiving weekend with two performances of its “Let It Snow” program at the Dominion Energy Center’s Carpenter Theatre.

Main Street Station to host second annual holiday open house

Families can celebrate the season with festive activities, shopping and live entertainment at Main Street Station’s second annual Holiday Magic Open House on Sunday, Dec. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at 1500 E. Main St.

Zion Baptist Church honored for community service

Zion Baptist Church of South Richmond was one of two churches in Virginia recognized with a 2025 Servant Award for its work supporting the community.

Thursday, November 20

Court lifts seal on motion in FOIA dispute with former officer

A previously sealed court filing in a lawsuit over the city’s handling of public records was made public on Nov. 13 after tense exchanges between the judge and the city’s attorney.

Rally calls for VRS divestment over Gaza

About 30 demonstrators rallied outside the Virginia Retirement System headquarters on Nov. 13, demanding the fund divest from companies they say are involved in the Gaza war.

Local Starbucks employees join national walkout demanding better pay

Richmond Starbucks workers joined baristas at more than 40 stores across the U.S. on Nov. 13 in an open-ended strike over contract disputes, closing 65 unionized locations on the company’s annual Red Cup Day.

Hylton appointed interim Dale District supervisor

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors has appointed LeQuan M. Hylton as interim Dale District supervisor, filling the seat left vacant after the death of James M. “Jim” Holland, who died Oct. 14.

Spanberger appoints former state education secretaries to transition team

Two former state education secretaries and multiple education experts have been appointed to serve on Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s transition team, tasked with preparing the new gubernatorial administration for the next four years.

Richmond Public Schools outlines framework for 10-year facilities upgrade

Families across Richmond could see big changes down the line to their neighborhood schools as the city’s public school district begins developing a decade-long plan to reshape and modernize its buildings.

MacKenzie Scott’s billion-dollar defiance of war on diversity by Stacey M. Brown

Guest Editorial

There are moments in American life when truth steps forward and refuses to be convenient.

Time to bring the ballot home by Ben Jealous

Americans aren’t just anxious about next year’s elections — they’re uneasy in a deeper way.

Harlem project blends housing, culture and opportunity by Marc H. Morial

“This project is befitting of the legacy of greatness that so many Black New Yorkers have built here in Harlem.

When corporations ignore justice, our wallets must respond by Julianne Malveaux

Every year corporations expect us to line up, log on and lose our minds for Black Friday.

VCU soccer standout Moussa Ndiaye credits large family for competitive edge

Growing up, Moussa Ndiaye had a lot of catching up to do.

VUU eyes postseason success despite title game defeat

Virginia Union University will face California University of Pennsylvania in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at Hovey Field in Richmond.

Flying Squirrels unveil new uniforms, release 2026 home game times

The Richmond Flying Squirrels introduced refreshed branding and new uniforms Monday at The Byrd Theatre ahead of the team’s inaugural season at CarMax Park.

Personality: Jo White

Spotlight on Saving Our Youth’s founder, CEO and executive director

Jo White’s life experiences shaped her resolve to overcome adversity, leading her to found Saving Our Youth to equip at-risk youth with the tools to do the same.

GardenFest of Lights opens at Lewis Ginter with new theme, attractions

Visitors to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden are already walking under glowing archways and past trees wrapped in millions of lights as Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights fills the gardens for the holiday season.

Community works to reclaim historic Old St. John’s Cemetery

Volunteers from across Lancaster County gathered Nov. 15 in Kilmarnock to help reclaim Old St. John’s Cemetery, a long-neglected African American burial ground on Calvary Drive.

Ex-shelter director pleads guilty

Former RVA Sister’s Keeper leader admits to stealing nearly $200,000 in grant funds

RVA Sister’s Keeper former director Kia Player has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to a homeless shelter for women and children that operated from 2022 to 2023.

City, VCU launch plan to improve intersection safety with left-turn hardening

At several busy intersections across Virginia Commonwealth University’s campuses, drivers often cut corners on left turns, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to stay alert.

Former U.S. ambassador Timmy Davis to speak at VCU graduation

Timmy Davis, former U.S. ambassador to Qatar, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University’s commencement next month.

VUU names honorees for 48th annual MLK Community Leaders Breakfast

Virginia Union University will host its 48th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast on Jan. 16 at the Richmond Marriott, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work reflects the civil rights leader’s legacy.

Petersburg’s first casino is set to open early next year — in a tent

On Wagner Road, alongside Interstate 95, lies a white tent with 75,000 square feet of space inside.

Virginia same-day voter registration doubles in off-year election

The number of voters who used same-day registration this election doubled compared with the last odd-year election.

Trojans battle past Shaw for USCAA championship

Virginia State capped its inaugural season in the USCAA with a 1-0 win over Shaw on Sunday to claim the Division I women’s soccer national championship.

59-year-old Glen Allen athlete sets world records in powerlifting

Tammy Albanese of Glen Allen, 59, recently set world records in all three lifts at the U.S. Powerlifting Association’s Northeast Regional Championships.

Youth combat sports series to bring national event to Williamsburg

The Gladiator Gladiatrix Combat Series will bring one of its national tour stops to Williamsburg starting in 2027 through a three-year partnership with Visit Williamsburg. The event is expected to draw thousands of athletes, families and fans for a multiday competition.

Model Railroad Show returns to Science Museum

The Science Museum of Virginia will bring back its longtime Model Railroad Show from Nov. 28-30, offering three days of train-themed displays and activities that have become a holiday tradition for many families.

Ken Burns to receive inaugural Commonwealth Prize from VMHC

Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will be honored with the inaugural Commonwealth Prize by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the museum announced.

Church partnerships to bring Thanksgiving meals to local families

StarCity Behavioral Health will distribute 100 Thanksgiving turkeys and meal boxes to Richmond families on Saturday, Nov. 22 through partnerships with Church Hill Christian Wellness Center and Operation REACH.

Thursday, November 13

Council backs rental program and boosts housing fund

Richmond City Council took major steps on housing Monday, approving a new rental inspection program and transferring $2 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support long-term affordable housing and neighborhood stability.

School Board votes to alter bargaining rules

After months of debate and public pushback, the Richmond School Board approved changes to the district’s collective bargaining resolution.

Segal to lead Richmond Fire and Emergency Services with focus on reform

Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal has been appointed as the permanent head of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, city officials announced this week.

Jones, Gardner to face off in 'firehouse primary' on Sunday

For some Richmond-area voters, it’s already election season again.

Local influencer rallies support for Jamaica hometown

Shanisse Palmer, a Richmond-based family lifestyle influencer, is using her platform to aid her hometown in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa left it in ruins.

Union Hill garden preserved for community use through land transfer

The Jefferson Avenue Community Garden in Union Hill has secured its future through a conservation easement and a transfer of ownership to Verdant Richmond.

Kaine says protecting federal workers behind his vote to end shutdown

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told reporters Monday that Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger supports his decision to vote with Republicans on a deal to reopen the federal government after its longest shutdown in history.

Virginia Democrats plan to capitalize on 2025 ‘tsunami’

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, says Democrats would act with restraint next year while simultaneously claiming his chamber’s near-supermajority has a mandate to enact an agenda.

Mail, war and courage of Black women

Veterans Day is meant to honor service and sacrifice, but it also offers a chance to reckon with the complexity of that service, especially for Black Americans whose contributions have often been ignored or minimized.

Election results show strength of inclusion by David W. Marshall

For those opposing diversity, equity and inclusion, the recent elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City were discouraging. Democrats won big, and candidates representing racial, gender and religious diversity also prevailed.

‘Sandwich guy’ trial shows the Justice Department’s missteps by Clarence Page

For decades, I have been hearing the old courtroom saying about how a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich if given the chance, but I never expected to see it happen.

Voters decided Jones’ texts paled in comparison to threats against democracy by Roger Chesley

Lance Watson, senior pastor of a large Baptist congregation in Richmond, must have spoken for hundreds of thousands of Virginians Sunday when he mentioned the prospects of Jay Jones, then the Democratic attorney general candidate, in last week’s election.

Quarter of Virginia inmates waiting for prison education programs, study finds

Roughly one in four inmates in Virginia are waiting to enroll in prison education programs — a backlog that state officials say could hinder rehabilitation and reduce chances of success after release. Lawmakers this week heard a range of possible fixes aimed at expanding access and lowering recidivism rates.

Virginians can now use smartphones for ID at airports, DMV and ABC stores

After a lengthy development process, Virginians will now be able to use their smartphones at select locations to share their personal identification cards, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Wednesday morning.

Personality: Marland Buckner

Spotlight on the Shockoe Institute president and CEO

Three local A-10 standouts named to Becky Hammon watch list

Three of the Richmond area’s top women’s basketball players are drawing national attention as the 2025-26 season tips off.

City pauses utility disconnections, late fees due to federal shutdown

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is temporarily pausing disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment and suspending late fees for November to help residents affected by the federal government shutdown, according to a city news release.

Chief of Chickahominy Tribe to speak at VCU about Native sovereignty

Stephen R. Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University about the journey of Virginia’s Native nations toward federal recognition and sovereignty.

Two local teachers to explore Africa, London and Quebec through REB grant

Two Henrico County teachers will soon take their lessons far beyond the classroom — one to Africa, the other to London and Quebec.

RMTA executive chosen to guide global transportation leaders

Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Joi Taylor Dean was elected president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association for 2026.

Election sends message to politicians

Letters to the Editor

The people’s voices were heard loud and clear, by the electorate going to the ballot box and voting. We have seen enough divisive antics thrown our way.

Richmond’s Coliseum deserves a second chance

Letters to the Editor

It’s been announced that the 54-year-old Richmond Coliseum will be demolished. After giving a thumbs-down to the Navy Hill development, Richmond City Council decided to move forward with what is now the City Center project.

VUU tops VSU to clinch spot in CIAA title game

Virginia Union University secured its place in the CIAA Championship Game with a 14-3 win over rival Virginia State University on Saturday afternoon at Hovey Field.

‘Gabriel’ musical extended after sellout performances

The musical “Gabriel,” produced by ATLAS Partnership, will continue its run following a series of sold-out performances.

Poet to discuss new book on Black Appalachian cooking

Poet and author Crystal Wilkinson will discuss her new book, “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks,” Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Library of Virginia.

First Baptist Church of Ashland to host Caregiver Expo

Caregivers, families and community members are invited to Hanover County’s fourth annual Caregiver Expo on Monday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ashland, 800 Thompson St.

New book examines legacy of Negro Leagues founder

More than a century after he organized the first Negro National League, Andrew “Rube” Foster’s influence on baseball and Black entrepreneurship is still felt.

First Tee – Greater Richmond honored for community outreach

First Tee – Greater Richmond has received the Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award, a national honor recognizing the chapter’s leadership in reaching underserved youth and promoting inclusion in golf.

T.D. Jakes launches weekly podcast exploring life, purpose and culture

Bishop T.D. Jakes is launching a new weekly podcast, “NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes,” aimed at helping listeners navigate life transitions and explore their purpose.

Thursday, November 6

Voter empowerment, social justice take center stage at rally

Chants for justice, equality and voting rights echoed through downtown Richmond on Sunday as about 100 residents marched from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School to the state Capitol in the first “United We Stand” March and Rally for Voter Empowerment and Justice.

Swipe left

Virginians turn away from Republican rule, elect Spanberger and Democrats statewide

Virginia made history in several ways Tuesday after elections that saw landmark gains for Democrats statewide and nationally.

General Assembly passes initial vote on redistricting measure

An amendment that would allow the General Assembly to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts passed its first hurdle Friday afternoon, when state senators voted 21-16 along party lines to approve it after about three hours of floor discussion.

Petersburg casino hosting job fairs as opening of first phase nears

As construction continues on the new Live! Casino Virginia, the developers are launching a series of community career fairs to prepare for the first phase of the resort’s opening.

Civil rights groups sue Virginia over rejected student voter registrations

Civil rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit in Virginia alleging that state and local election officials are unlawfully rejecting student voter registration forms because they lack dormitory names, room numbers or campus mailbox information — details that the groups say are both irrelevant and discriminatory.

Ladies first

Led by two accomplished and capable women, the Democratic Party of Virginia secured a political trifecta this week, winning the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Young people must defend democracy in dark times by Ben Jealous

We just fell back. The season of darkness is coming. But this year, more than any I can remember, that darkness feels existential, not just seasonal.

Hegseth’s war on ‘woke’ is an assault on American history by Clarence Pagfe

When Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the cancellation of any official observance of “cultural awareness” months in the military service, I immediately wondered what it would mean for the legacy of Milton Olive.

Endorsing Kamala Harris was Dick Cheney’s finest hour by Julianne Malveaux

Dick Cheney, who died this week at age 83, was one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern American politics.

Winsome Earle-Sears’ candidacy a missed opportunity by Sophia A. Nelson and Colita Nichols Fairfax

When Winsome Earle-Sears — who lost to Democrat Abigail Spanberger by nearly 15 points Tuesday — became the first Black woman nominated for governor of Virginia by a major political party, history took note.

Personality: Micheal Sparks

Spotlight on the CEO of the Underground Kitchen and founder of UGK Community First

Drawing on years of global culinary experience, Micheal Sparks blends food education and cultural tradition to promote healthier eating within the African American community.

‘A Distinct Society’ to premiere at Firehouse Theatre

Firehouse Theatre will stage the Virginia premiere of “A Distinct Society,” a play written and directed by acclaimed playwright Kareem Fahmy, opening Nov. 14 on the Carol Piersol Stage at 1609 W. Broad St.

VCU tips off season with fresh faces, familiar ambitions

Fans at the Siegel Center on Monday night might have been wise to grab a program on their way in to watch VCU’s 103-74 victory over the Wagner Seahawks.

Franchise QB Jayden Daniels, All-Pro Marvin Mims Jr. injured late in blowouts

With a surge in blowouts in the NFL, head coaches might want to take stock of two scenarios that backfired when star players were injured in the waning moments of games that were already way out of hand.

Equipment failure delays Richmond utility bills for about 5,000 customers

An equipment malfunction has forced the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to delay billing for roughly 5,000 customers on the city’s South Side. The department discovered the issue Oct. 17 and paused billing to avoid issuing inaccurate statements.

NAACP Virginia State Conference names new leadership

The NAACP Virginia State Conference has elected new officers for the 2025-27 term during its 90th annual convention Oct. 24-26 in Richmond.

Chesterfield School Board announces interim Clover Hill representative

The Chesterfield County School Board appointed Jenna Darby as the interim representative for the Clover Hill District, effective Jan. 1, following the announced resignation of Dorothy Heffron, who is stepping down after controversy over a social media post. Her resignation is effective Dec. 31.