Alphonso H. ‘Al’ Bowers Jr., who fought for construction diversity, dies
Alphonso Hugo “Al” Bowers Jr., a veteran Richmond contractor who was outspoken in promoting Black inclusion in government building projects and promoted construction trades training program for unemployed adults, has died.
Griner’s home, but WNBA players still competing overseas
Brittney Griner is back in the United States after an arduous 10-month saga in Russia. Yet nearly half of her WNBA peers opted to compete abroad this winter to supplement their incomes.
Richmond entrepreneur releases P.O.W.E.R.
Local artists represent RVA on two compilation albums
A dream inspired Richmond entrepreneur Cecil “Cee”Miller to reach into his own pocket and fund an opportunity for new musical talent, including seven local RVA artists, a chance to further their dreams.
Richmond jail staffing shortage blamed for rise in injured deputies, inmates
In the past four weeks at the Richmond City Justice Center, one deputy had his shoulder dislocated after he was thrown to the ground while trying to stop two prisoners from assaulting another inmate. Another deputy was head-butted by an inmate after refusing to provide the inmate with another prisoner’s food tray, according to information provided to the Free Press. In addition, the Free Press has learned another inmate was stabbed during this period, apparently the fourth this year. And early Monday, the jail reported to Richmond Police the third death of an inmate this year, though the identification was not released. For the second time since late October, an inmate who was transported to the John Marshall Courts Building was found to be carrying a concealed blade, according to information provided to the newspaper.
RPS employee acquitted
The former director of an after-school program at Fox Elementary School has been acquitted of assault and battery of an unruly second-grader in the program.
’Tis the season for food justice, by Julianne Malveaux
Since early November, we’ve witnessed appeals to donate to food banks, food baskets and community food events.
Sheriff’s authority is ‘completely separate from mine as commonwealth’s attorney’
As a longtime reader and supporter of the Free Press, it is disheartening to see the author of this article (Nov. 23-26 edition), Mr. Jeremy Lazarus, so flagrantly violate the journalistic ethics that the Free Press exemplified under the leadership of its founder, the late Raymond Boone.
Officers who defended Capitol from Trump supporters honored
Law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were honored Tuesday with Congressional Gold Medals nearly two years after they fought supporters of then-President Trump in a brutal and bloody attack.
VUU’s Byers finalist for prominent award
Jada Byers has made history on the football field. Now he’s hopeful of making more history at the ballot box.
William & Mary heads to Montana State for quarterfinals
Michael London already has coached one school to the FCS championship. Now he’s looking to make it two.
A look back at football legends and HBCUs
Just for fun, let’s turn back the clock and imagine the greatest college football players of all time.
No new curriculum for RPS
Initial task force calls for changes in implementation
Richmond Public Schools does not need a new curriculum — rather, teachers want autonomy in how to customize existing curricula for their classrooms, according to a 15-member task force.
ROUNDUP
The search for Richmond’s next poet laureate is on. City officials recently launched the search for an artist who can bridge division in the city’s community through art.
Richmond area toy drives and distribution
Christmas drives are underway to try to ensure that children in struggling families receive gifts.
Memorial garden honors soldiers buried at Woodland Cemetery
Headstones and grave markers for 80 black military service members will move a step closer to their final resting places this weekend.
A.P. Hill’s statue removal on hold
City Hall remains stymied on removing the last of Richmond’s city-owned Confederate statues, despite securing an Oct. 25 court ruling from Richmond Circuit Court Judge D. Eugene Cheek authorizing the city to proceed. .
Street honoring Kirby Carmichael unveiled in Highland Park
Family, friends and admirers of radio personality Kirby Carmichael came out Tuesday for the unveiling of Kirby Carmichael Sr. Street at 1100 Front Street in Highland Park. The site is where the former WANT-AM radio station was housed when Mr. Carmichael, a pioneer of Black radio, was for decades known as the “tall man of soul” as he spun platters first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM.
‘Treat everybody like family,’ advises Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church
Last Saturday marked months of planning for the ordination and consecration of The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson as the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia on Dec. 3 at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
Deion Sanders trades Jackson State for Colorado
There is a time to come, and a time go, and Deion Sanders is leaving the Deep South and HBCU football for the Rocky Mountains and a Power Five conference.
