D.C. begins removing Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House
Starlette Thomas remembers coming down almost daily to the intersection of 16th and H streets, to protest police brutality and systemic racial iniquities during the summer of 2020. On Monday, the 45-year old Bowie, Md., resident returned to the site of those protests to mourn the end of Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Carlton T. Brooks, Richmond funeral director for seven decades, dies at 98
For decades, Carlton T. Brooks was a trusted figure in Richmond, serving both the living and the departed. The founder and owner of Carlton T. Brooks Funeral Home died Monday, March 3, 2025, at 98, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Patriots make history with dominant A-10 title win
George Mason University women’s basketball reached a historic milestone Sunday, securing its first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship with a 73-58 victory over Saint Joseph’s.
Adjusting to a new rhythm in Ghana
Time moves differently in Ghana. Conversations stretch, schedules shift and community takes precedence over the clock. For African Americans moving there, adjusting to this cultural rhythm can be one of the biggest challenges.
Public mobility leads way in People’s Budget submissions for city
Richmond residents are calling for improved public spaces, enhanced pedestrian safety, and better access to healthy foods, based on submissions from a pilot program that allows the public to decide how $3 million in city funding is allocated.
Mayor Avula announces permanent appointments for city leaders
Richmond officials have permanently appointed five department directors, a move they say will strengthen leadership and improve city operations. The appointees, who previously served in interim or deputy roles, bring experience in public policy, communications, housing, utilities and general services.
State officials highlight flood dangers, urge preparedness
As Virginians prepare for the upcoming spring downpours and hurricane season, state officials are urging residents to assess their flood risk and consider flood insurance during Virginia Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs March 9-15.
Charges against VCU encampment protesters dismissed
All charges have been dropped for 13 individuals arrested and charged with unlawful assembly and trespassing during a protest and encampment against the war in Gaza at Virginia Commonwealth University nearly a year ago.
New amphitheater must answer to climate and culture
A few weeks ago, a Richmond Free Press letter writer questioned the need for a new amphitheater in the city. In case you weren’t aware, the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront is a 7,500-capacity outdoor Downtown concert venue set to open in June.
How Bloody Sunday shocked America into action, by Marc H. Morial
“At times history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point that is man’s unending search for freedom. So it was at Lexington and Concord. So it was a century ago at Appomattox. So it was last week in Selma, Ala.” — President Lyndon Johnson
When grandstanding falls flat, by Clarence Page
My advice to congressional Democrats: If you’re going to embrace performative politics, be sure you give a good performance.
Pentagon purge targets Tuskegee Airmen photos in DEI crackdown, by Ben Jealous
My grandfather’s first cousin was Lt. Col. Howard Lee Baugh. Cousin Howard was part of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the first unit of the Tuskegee Airmen. This month marks the 84th anniversary of the activation of the squadron at Chanute Field in Rantoul, Ill., about 120 miles southwest of Chicago.
Former rivals partner to bring racing back to Southside Speedway
Friday night racing is set to return to the Richmond area as Southside Speedway prepares for a revival under new leadership.
Hanover County neighbors raise concerns over proposed landfill expansion
Neighbors from Brown Grove, a historically African American community in Hanover County, attended a town hall meeting March 10 to express their concerns over the proposed expansion of the Ashcake Road Landfill. Jeff S. Stoneman, a member of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors representing the Beaverdam District, hosted the meeting at the Hanover County Administration Building for constituents to share their concerns.
Personality: CiNease Freeman
Spotlight on the 2024 Ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer
CiNease Freeman, who was young and had no family history of the disease, ignored the symptoms of rectal cancer for two years. But at 28, she could no longer overlook the condition, which typically affects men around age 62 and 63 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. Two years later, Freeman is celebrating both her 30th birthday and being two years cancer-free.
Concert honors Sister Rosetta Tharpe at Hippodrome
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a former Barton Heights resident often called the “mother of rock & roll,” helped shape modern music with her pioneering guitar work and gospel-infused rock style. Her influence can be heard in the music of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. During the height of her career, Tharpe made Richmond her home, and now a group of musicians are coming together to honor her legacy.
City’s vacuum leaf collection program ends March 14
Piles of leaves still lingering in Richmond yards may not be going anywhere soon unless residents act fast. The city’s vacuum leaf collection program is wrapping up for the season, with the last day to request service set for March 14.
‘Prides of March’ protest headed to State Capitol
Protesters will take to the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol on Saturday, March 15, as Virginia 50501 hosts a “die-in” to advocate for transgender rights and gender equity.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, March 8, COVID-19 accounted for 1.1% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates low and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time.
Citizens group calls for halt to Fall Line Trail
The Fall Line Trail will be a major construction project and a permanent addition to the city. It should be built only after thorough study and consideration of the cost, safety, environmental, traffic and neighborhood impacts.
