Eliminating women in power, by David W. Marshall
In 2024, four women held the rank of four-star general or admiral. One year later, in 2025, there are none. This is just one example of how individuals and groups who believe in social equity and fairness are embroiled in a cultural war—and the opposing side is winning.
The history they fear is the truth we carry, by Ben Jealous
The last living link of my family’s story of origin in antebellum Southern Virginia died at age 105 a few years ago.
Earth Action Day: Unleashing our power for our planet, by Susan Bass
Soon, April 22 will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The power of those 20 million voices that came out on the streets that first Earth Day led the United States to create the Environmental Protection Agency and the first generation of environmental laws addressing clean air, clean water and toxics.
Ashland Train Day rolls into town with family fun and rail-themed festivities
Ashland Train Day returns to Downtown Ashland on Saturday, April 26, offering a day of family-friendly fun, food and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Protest, Rally, Repeat
Students, workers keep up pressure with demonstrations
Nicole Subrayan-Bailey, a nurse, visited the Social Security office Tuesday morning to request a physical copy of her Social Security statement—previously accessible online—because she was concerned her benefits might be erased, she said. “I thought I was getting a statement today. Oh no, honey. They were like, ‘No, this is to make an appointment to get your statement.’ And I couldn’t even make an appointment! She’s like, ‘the system’s down,’” Subrayan-Bailey said.
PepsiCo meets with Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott
Leaders at PepsiCo met on Tuesday with civil rights advocates from the National Action Network to discuss the company’s recent decision to roll back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Annual prayer breakfast brings Christian leaders together May 1
The 32nd Annual Christian Leadership Prayer Breakfast is set for Thursday, May 1, bringing together more than 300 Christian leaders from across the Richmond area for worship, fellowship and reflection.
VCUarts and VSU exhibitions spotlight emerging artists’ voices
Two exhibitions are showcasing the dynamic work of emerging artists in the area. The VCUarts MFA Thesis Exhibition at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) and Virginia State University’s (VSU) “Seeing Red” at the Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL) are offering a platform for students to present their research-driven, socially engaged work.
Iverson Classic returns to Hampton, featuring top NBA prospects
The next generation of basketball royalty arrives in Allen Iverson’s hometown May 1-3 as the Iverson Classic showcases the nation’s top high school prospects at Bethel High School’s Allen Iverson Gymnasium.
Richmond Free Press staff earns honors in statewide journalism contest
The Richmond Free Press has added to its long tradition of excellence, with multiple staff members recognized in the 2024 Virginia Press Association News & Advertising Contest.
Kickstarter CEO, Richmond Fed president to speak at local commencements
Two prominent business leaders will deliver commencement addresses at Richmond-area universities in May.
VSU music chair receives grant for HBCU band research
The syncopated rhythms of marching bands have long been a hallmark of HBCU. Now, a Virginia State University professor is digging into that legacy with support from one of academia’s most competitive grants.
From moon to middle school
Richmond’s first Moon Tree was dedicated at Thomas C. Boushall Middle School through a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, NASA, and the school. The tree’s seeds orbited Earth and the Moon during NASA’s Artemis I Mission, honoring the legacy of the Apollo 14 Mission.
Early voting begins in Richmond for June 17 primary
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary starts on Friday, May 2, and continues through Saturday, June 14. Richmond voters can cast their ballots at the Office of Elections at 2134 W. Laburnum Ave.
Hanover County names Binokhar Harris as new deputy fire chief
Hanover County has named Binokhar “Bino” Harris as the new deputy chief of Hanover County Fire-EMS, with the appointment set to take effect May 1.
Restaurants, salons top recipients of small business grants
Last week, the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) selected 117 Richmond small businesses to receive grant disbursements from the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund, which provides financial support to businesses impacted by the January water outage.
The COVID-19 Report
For the week ending Saturday, April 12, COVID-19 represented 0.5% of all emergency department visits in Virginia. Overall, respiratory illness rates were minimal and continued to trend downward compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported at press time.
Black Women’s History Month: GPS technology legend and Virginia native Gladys West reflects on leading the way with career, contributions
Spring has officially arrived across Virginia, and with it comes travel plans for many as students prepare for upcoming spring breaks. From popular destinations to hidden gems, Virginians are exploring the Commonwealth in greater numbers as the weather warms. Travelers will likely get some help navigating their journey with technology developed by Virginia native Gladys West, who was key in creating the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Chaos wears a suit, and smirks
There he is again, a friend said to me and pointed at the television. Why won’t somebody stop him? I took a look and wondered the same thing.
‘Improper ideology’ or accurate history? by Clarence Page
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that directs Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums, educational and research centers and the National Zoo.
