Petersburg man lost dream, but made $45,000 profit
Montague D. Phipps had big dreams three years ago when he bought a derelict duplex from the City of Petersburg for the rock-bottom price of $5,000.
Heartwarming return for Albert Hill coach
Coach Michele Drayton walked into the Albert H. Hill Middle School gym for the first time since suffering a stroke last month. The players on her girls’ basketball team excitedly ran over, showering her with hugs.
Quarterback sacked by DUI charge
Virginia State University is heading into its biggest game of the season minus a key component — quarterback Tarian Ayres.
Dr. E.D. McCreary Jr., 95, mourned
Dr. E.D. — for Edward Daniel — McCreary Jr. was known as a “pastor’s pastor.” During a long career in the ministry, he influenced thousands of Richmonders. He also helped mold new generations of ministers as a professor at Virginia Union University’s seminary.
3 area churches up for sale, auction block
The prominent Richmond Christian Center at 214 Cowardin Ave. is one of several sanctuaries that are on the market, including the former home of Second Baptist Church of South Richmond a few blocks away and Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward.
Afrikana film festival in Richmond
The Afrikana Independent Film Festival is presenting the award-winning documentary “Finding Fela” next weekend at the Byrd Theatre in Carytown.
Personality: Jordan R. Pearson
Spotlight on young playwright who helps others
True or false: You have to be a grown-up to make a difference. That’s false, says 14-year-old Jordan Randolph Pearson. This poised youth with an easy smile and big personality is out to demonstrate how much a young person can do.
New boss at VSU
Hampton provost to take reins
Pamela V. Hammond is on track to become the first woman to lead Virginia State University in the school’s 132-year history, the Free Press has learned.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw brings depth to ‘Beyond The Lights’
Honored this past October with the “Emerging Icon” award from Elle Magazine at the celebration for their 21st annual “Women in Hollywood” issue, Gugu Mbatha-Raw is an actress on the rise.
Henrietta A. Morris, retired educator, succumbs at 86
Henrietta A. Morris was known for her faith, a warm smile, a deep passion for helping others and a dogged determination.
Serena claims another title in Singapore
When Serena Williams is healthy, she is still far and away the world’s top tennis player.
Faith helped police sergeant through childhood trauma
Richmond Police Sgt. Carol Adams says not a day goes by that she doesn’t have flashbacks of her father viciously beating her mother.
Altria Theater lights up with new acoustics, amenities
Revamped acoustics — including a new sound system and sound-absorbing materials — are among the biggest changes in the grand venue once known as The Mosque and Richmond’s Landmark Theater.
State NAACP convention addressed issues
The Virginia State Conference NAACP continues to address important issues that impact our members and people of color across the commonwealth.
Confederates to hold service at Downtown church
The executive director of the Historic Richmond Foundation is defending the organization’s decision to rent the historic church it owns and maintains in Downtown to a Richmond-based national group that glorifies the Confederacy.
Missing progressive candidates
Readers of your paper should be aware that when we vote, we do not win. We just do not lose quite as badly.
When does one become ‘black enough’?
The ongoing and bitter history of African-Americans who mistrust, ostracize and bully one another into following certain stereotypical traits, beliefs and concerns of the community has been a long and conflicting battle.
Former church first lady dies at 95
Julia Beatrice Fitzgerald Thompson maintained a deep inner strength and quiet confidence. She was a bulwark in her family, church and the community.
VSU’s next step
The vacancy left by Dr. Miller’s departure now mustn’t hold up the turnaround of the university. And we challenge the board during this pivotal time during the university’s history to find the right person to lead VSU securely into the future.
