Taking it to the streets:
‘Violence interrupters’ will work to stop bloodshed
The city is hiring new “violence interrupters,” people with connections in the community who can help mediate situations on Richmond streets before they escalate into gun violence.
Advocates seek to save programs on Richmond schools budget chopping block
Fully fund computer-based learning. And maintain the current cadre of 21 family and community engagement ambassadors who are critical to keeping Spanish-speaking students engaged with Richmond Public Schools. That was the gist of the message that parents, teachers and other speakers passionately expressed to the Richmond School Board Monday night during a public hearing on the proposed budget that board members are now working to finalize.
Love Stories 2022
The Richmond Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the love stories of four Richmond area couples.
From blind date to years of wedded bliss...
Gearing up for Sunday’s big game – Super Bowl LVI
In looking for Super Bowl storylines, a good start might be the quarterbacks, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow and the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford.
The Rev. Charles Williams Jr., director of the Office for Black Catholics, dies at 70
The Rev. Charles Williams Jr., who led the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office for Black Catholics for three years, has died.
Richmond attorney Rhonda K. Harmon, who challenged Nationwide's redlining policies, has died
Rhonda Michelle King Harmon, a former attorney who helped overturn racist insurance policies that prevented Black homeowners in Richmond and elsewhere from gaining standard coverage for their property, has died.
The work of Dr. King is still not done, by Jesse Jackson
As we begin our celebration of Black History Month, we have just completed an extraordinary national tribute to a leader who did not amass a fortune, nor command an army, nor hold elective office, and yet transformed America. In the U.S., we too often love martyrs and not marches.
Teaching civil rights during February is not critical race theory, by David W. Marshall
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month by encouraging the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Celebrating black women on the federal bench, by Ben Jealous
President Biden’s first year in office has brought both triumphs and disappointments. There’s no question that the administration has work to do on voting rights and on passing the critical social infrastructure pieces of the Build Back Better plan. But firmly in the “wins” column is the president’s extraordinary success nominating and confirming to the federal bench extraordinarily qualified judges with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, especially Black women judges.
Biden must select a justice for all
After months of public speculation about his future, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer stood in the White House on Jan. 27 to announce his decision to retire. Justice Breyer, who has served on the high court since 1994, stood not far from President Biden, who minutes earlier declared his intention to nominate a Black woman to replace the retiring justice.
Janet Jackon doc, despite criticism, a hit for Lifetime
Janet Jackson’s four-part documentary on Lifetime was the network’s most-watched non-fiction show since “Surviving R. Kelly” three years ago, and viewership is continuing to grow.
Kobe Bryant’s widow honored for her sports leadership
Vanessa Bryant will be recognized as one of the leading women in sports at an event during Super Bowl week.
Ernie Francis gears up for St. Petersburg race
African-Americans are as rare on the IndyCar circuit as snowmobiles in Haiti, but that doesn’t bother Ernie Francis Jr., the latest contender for IndyCar honors.
VUU vs. VSU teams ready for the weekend
Virginia Union University fans will be able to return to women’s and men’s basketball games Saturday, Feb. 5.
CIAA rivals face off this Saturday at Barco-Stevens Hall
One team is battling for first place while the other is simply scrapping to get out of the cellar.
Willie O'Ree awarded Congressional Gold Medal
President Joe Biden on Monday signed legislation into law honoring Willie O’Ree, who became the first Black player to appear in a National Hockey League game, with a Congressional Gold Medal.
Black referee to lead Super Bowl
African-American Ronald “Ron” Torbert will be the lead referee — wearing the white cap — for the Feb. 13 Super Bowl in Inglewood, Calif.
Information is knowledge, near and far
Virginia State University is one of six Black universities that will participate in a $2.5 million research and design project to build a framework for digital learning at HBCUs.
Virginia War Memorial hosts Artifacts show
The Virginia War Memorial will again host its popular Artifacts Roadshow event Saturday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon.
