LGBTQ rights and protections a must in Virginia
Throughout my career as a public servant, I’ve worked to make sure that Virginia is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. The law should protect all of us.
Low Line park request was for $125,000
Re “Mayor withdraws proposal to name city park plaza for Dominion Energy,” Free Press Feb. 6-8 edition: Thank you for the informative piece about Capital Trees and our work in the community. We are proud of our work to create public landscapes in the city that enrich and build community.
Remembering gun violence survivors by Marc H. Morial
On Jan. 8, 2011, I was performing my favorite duty as a congresswoman — meeting with my constituents — when it happened. In a matter of seconds, a gunman shot and killed six people, injured 12 others and shot me in the head outside a Safeway in Tucson, Ariz. I keep the memories of those we lost that day — 9-year- old Christina- Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, Gabe Zimmerman and Judge John Roll — close to my heart. And I will be forever bonded to my fellow survivors who will spend the rest of their lives dealing with injuries and trauma. — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Hair discrimination alive and well by Julianne Malveaux
Andrew Johnson, a high school wrestler, was forced to submit to the humiliating act of having his dreadlocks shorn or have his New Jersey team forfeit their match to the opposing team. A gleeful white woman seemed too pleased to invade the young man’s person, and his team won, but at what price? When this happened in December 2018, there was a national outcry and the referee was suspended.
Lessons learned
Editorials
We applaud Richmond City Council for putting the brakes on the expensive project to replace the Coliseum and redevelop a portion of Downtown.
'Hair Love' gives color to Oscar winners list
A touching story about an African-American father trying to do his daughter’s hair for the first time is an Oscar winner.
Events celebrating Black History continues
The celebration of Black History Month continues through February around the area.
5 African-American leaders recognized as 'Strong Men & Women in Virginia History'
Five African-American leaders, including a retired judge, NASA scientist and inventor and a former NFL player, were honored during the eighth annual “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” awards program Feb. 6 at a Downtown hotel.
Love Stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.
Neither of us attended graduate school with the intentions of finding a soulmate, but that’s the thing about love — it doesn’t much care about your plans.
Gridiron pioneer Willie Wood dies at 83
Willie Wood, the college quarterback who became an NFL Hall of Fame safety, died Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, at age 83.
VUU signs 20 to 2020-21 Panthers football team
The Richmond area is well represented on Virginia Union University’s list of football signees. Out of 20 recruits announced by Panthers Coach Alvin Parker, 13 are from Virginia and six from the 804 area code.
2 with area ties on 'watch list' for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar national award
Armando Bacot has made a big splash during his freshman season at the University of North Carolina. The former Trinity Episcopal School standout is one of 20 players on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Watch List. The award is given to the top center in NCAA Division I.
From tribal college to VUU, Railey has growing power
It’s not where you come from, but how you play the game that counts. Tyriek Railey is making an impression at Virginia Union University despite having arrived from a school few Richmonders have ever heard of.
Sunday's NBA All-Star Game to have tributes to Kobe, daughter
You don’t need to be an NBA expert to predict someone wearing either No. 24 or No. 2 will be MVP of Sunday’s All-Star Game. In honor of the late Kobe Bryant, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who were killed Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif., players on LeBron James’ West team will wear No. 2 in honor of Gianna, while players on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s East team will wear No. 24 in honor of Kobe.
National religious leaders, scholars expected for symposium Feb. 19-21
Scholars from across the country are expected to attend a national symposium in Richmond exploring the politics of black religion through the legacy of Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, a civil rights icon, theologian and key aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The symposium, “Wyatt Tee Walker and the Politics of Black Religion,” will be held Feb. 19 through 21 starting at the University of Virginia and then moving for the final two days to the University of Richmond. All sessions are free and open to the public.
New research reconsiders writings of enslaved Muslim scholar
He was from Senegal, wrote in Arabic and was enslaved. Or was he an Arab prince? He was a scholar who memorized vast passages of the Quran and mastered numerous Islamic texts. Or were his writings unintelligible? He was a devout Muslim. Or did he convert to Christianity? These are just some of the conflicting narratives about Omar ibn Said (or more correctly Sayyid), a black Muslim scholar captured in Senegal in 1807 and taken by boat to Charleston, S.C.
Dr. Aaron L. Dixon, former principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, dies at 62
“Impact children’s lives today for tomorrow.” That slogan shaped the career of Dr. Aaron Lorenzo Dixon, his family said.
Longtime area photographer Waverly L. Williams Sr. succumbs at 76
Have camera, will travel. That was the motto of photographer Waverly Lee Williams Sr., who was always on the go to capture images of people, places and events, mostly in the Richmond area.
Personality: Robert M. Lester
Spotlight on president of Club 533
An invitation from a friend and fraternity brother brought Robert M. Lester to Club 533 in 2012, offering him the opportunity to meet and listen to members from across decades. That night sparked Mr. Lester’s interest and desire to be a part of the club, now 64 years old, that still brings together men of accomplishment dedicated to improving the social and civic welfare of the community.
