Black History Museum names new executive director
Shakia Gullette Warren will become the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia’s new executive director following an extensive national search. Her appointment is effective May 1.
The battle for parental rights and government oversight remains alive
Huguenot High School’s library functions as a type of escape from the pressures of student life, a place where students can come and “chill out,” as librarian Kevin Murray puts it. He doesn’t give out grades or assign homework, so it makes sense why so many students like spending their time there, a serene space away from the bustling halls of high school.
Youngkin spikes restoration of voting rights
The roughly 1,000 people a month released from Virginia prisons are no longer having their voting rights restored almost automatically.
A Black woman’s unequal cost of protesting, by Julianne Malveaux
The 45th president is in the news again, facing indictments in New York and Georgia for criminal behavior regarding illegally paying a porn star (New York) and election tampering (Georgia).
Conservative groups don’t speak for all moms, by Svante Myrick
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about moms and honoring motherhood. I’ve written before about how my mom instilled values in me, including respect for everyone’s rights – not just my own. Mom also worked multiple jobs to support our family through some very hard times. She represents my ideal of what a mother should be, without a doubt.
Jennifer McClellan’s leadership skills in Virginia will be critical in Washington, by Reginald Stuart
When Richmond area voters elected former Virginia State Sen. Jennifer McClellan to Congress last month, the new federal responsibilities for the veteran state lawmaker were already on the agenda for the seasoned politician.
Justices’ court rulings continue - JM’s Dennis Parker Jr. named Player of the Year
Jaedyn Cook named to All-State first team
In what may be an unprecedented achievement, all five of John Marshall High’s starters were named to the Class 2, All-State first team.
NBA legend Willis Reed dies at age 80
He led the Knicks to titles in 1970 and 1973
Willis Reed, who belongs in any conversation about the greatest HBCU basketball players of all time, died Tuesday, March 21, 2023, of heart failure. The Grambling State and New York Knicks legend was 80.
People to see, places to go!
Looking for something to do or new experiences in the weeks ahead? Here are just a few of the upcoming fun events and adventures:
Former record store owner remembered
William F. “Bill” Kennedy, founder and owner of BK Music, a record store in Richmond’s South Side, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, after a bout with pneumonia. Mr. Kennedy, who was 70, had decades of experience in the music industry having worked for Harmony Hut and Peaches Music and Video before opening his own store in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center in 2001.
Lamont Bagby viewed as favorite in Tuesday’s special Senate election
Henrico Democratic Delegate Lamont Bagby is poised to become the newest state senator from the Richmond area.
‘Just trying to breathe’
Video shows Irvo Otieno pinned to floor before his death
A large group of sheriff’s deputies and employees of a Virginia mental hospital pinned patient Irvo Otieno to the floor earlier this month until he was motionless and limp, then began unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, newly obtained surveillance video shows.
Helen Harris, a leading voice for Henrico County’s Black residents, remembered
‘Her leadership and tireless advocacy made the county a more inclusive and equitable place’
Thanks to Helen Virginia Epps Harris, Henrico County annually celebrates the holiday in honor of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and also has dramatically increased its hiring of Black employees. Her impact on public policy is just part of the influence she wielded during a life that her family said was devoted to service to others and fueled by a desire to see Black people advance and thrive. Mrs. Harris’ multiple contributions to community betterment are being remembered following her death on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at age 83.
Personality: Margaret Rose ‘Meg’ Medina
Spotlight on National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Amid ongoing campaigns against certain kinds of literature in the United States, Margaret Rose “Meg” Medina has been given a new platform and new responsibility to champion the value of the written word.
VCU loses to Saint Mary’s 63-51 in NCAA West opener
Ace Baldwin’s injury makes losing more painful
VCU’s exceptional basketball season ended with a resounding, “What if?”
Bubba’s Block Party returns
NASCAR driver William D. “Bubba” Wallace will again host a block party for the Richmond community as part of the return of racing to the track in Henrico County, it has been announced.
Ambulance charges may dramatically increase
$600 trips to medical centers could more than double
City Hall is pressuring the Richmond Ambulance Authority to nearly triple its charge for transporting patients to hospitals or other treatment centers based on a consulting firm’s recommendation, the Free Press has learned.
Free testing, vaccines for COVID-19
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Change must come
I woke up hearing the weeping of people in lieu of all the senseless crime that has taken place. I humbly ask that you would put this in the Richmond Free Press, inspired by God.
