
A space for fun ... and dreams
Marsh Elementary School’s colorful new playground spells success
Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School, named after former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, one of Richmond’s African-American political trailblazers, opened two years ago at 813 N. 28th St.

George Wythe Principal Riddick T. Parker Jr. dies at 49
George Wythe High School in South Side will start a new school year Monday, Aug. 29, without the principal who was looking forward to starting his second year of helping students achieve success in school and in their future careers.

Upbeat about Armonii Burden
Armonii Burden would love to be known as the second-best defensive player to ever come out of Williamsburg’s Lafayette High School. The incomparable Lawrence Taylor, of course, is No. 1 on that list.

Personality: Lynette Lewis Allston
Spotlight on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Board of Trustees president
When the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts named its newest Board of Trustees president, Lynette Lewis Allston became the first Native American elected to the role in the museum’s 86- year history. The current chief and chair emeritus of the Tribal Council of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia also will be the first Native American board chair of a top 10 U.S. comprehensive art museum.

Excavation of graves begins at site of Colonial Black church
Archaeologists in Virginia began excavating three suspected graves at the original site of one of the nation’s oldest Black churches on July 18, 2022, commencing a month's long effort to learn who was buried there and how they lived.

$10,000
Biden announces big student loan forgiveness plan
President Biden on Wednesday announced his long-awaited plan to deliver on a campaign promise to provide $10,000 in student debt cancellation for millions of Americans — and up to $10,000 more for those with the greatest financial need — along with new measures to lower the burden of repayment for their remaining federal student debt.

On a roll
Petersburg’s casino prospects gain momentum
Petersburg has already started interviewing developers as the Cockade City’s prospects for replacing Richmond as a host city for an upscale casino-resort appear to be gaining momentum.

Youngkin partnership pushes Petersburg’s economic health
Majority-black Petersburg is getting special treatment from Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin.

Jackson State adds former NFL analyst, banner class of recruits
Deion Sanders is pulling out all the stops to bring an HBCU national football championship to Jackson State.

VMHC and The Community Foundation partner on film series
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture have announced a five-year strategic partnership focused on new and expanded community programming.

VSU hopes for a winning season
With football practices in full swing, Virginia State University is hopeful some of that Bowie State Bulldogs magic rubs off on the Trojans.

Church of Christ Pastor Joseph H. Brown dies at age 85
One of Richmond’s longest serving ministers, Pastor Joseph Hugh Brown, has died. Pastor Brown, who served the Church of Christ for more than 50 years, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. He was 85.

A first: African-American marine promoted to 4-star general
The first African-American four-star general in Marine Corps history, Gen. Michael E. Langley, credited his father with telling him to “aim high” and predicted that his recent rank would have an impact on younger people.

Personality: Lynda Sharp Anderson
Spotlight on the president and CEO of The DBALSA Foundation
Three decades ago, when Lynda Sharp went to a magazine marketing event with friends, she didn’t know the young man named Dolson Barnett Anderson Jr. who was there with friends of his own. They both volunteered to help the magazine, became better acquainted and later became a married couple. The rest, Mrs. Anderson said, is history.

Glennys E. Fleming, Girl Scout leader, community servant, dies at 68
When Glennys Elaine Fleming joined an organization, others quickly took note of her energy, dedication and passion.

Portsmouth to name street for hometown hero Missy Elliott
A Virginia city is honoring hometown hero Missy Elliott by naming a boulevard in a new entertainment district after her.

Tillman shoots for gold in Denver
Basketball has taken Justin Tillman around the world. Now he’s back in the U.S. and looking to play on the highest level — the NBA.

Charles Leno’s durable tackles, high rankings
If Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is to be safe and successful in his first season in Washington, Charles Leno Jr. might be a top-of-the-list reason why.

Mixed deal
Sheriff’s playing cards lack ‘empathy’ for crime victims’ loved ones
Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who has been under fire for her jail management and attacks on deputies, has sought to shift the narrative.

Los Angeles high school basketball team’s 4 players with famous dads
It would be noteworthy for a high school basketball team to have one son of a famous NBA player. But four?