A community made whole
The VMFA’s sixth annual public art project once again commemorates Black History Month with an art installation that unites local artists and the community to pay tribute to individuals who positively impact the Metro Richmond community. This year’s RVA 2024 Community Makers Unveiling took place at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Feb. 15.
Hair care products founder Joe Dudley dies
Joe Louis Dudley, who rose from humble beginnings and overcame a speech impediment to create a multimillion-dollar, Black-owned hair care company, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at age 86. Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 19, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C.
Elmer T. Seay Jr. remembered for his civic, social activism
Elmer T. Seay Jr. known for his community activism, social work and talents as an artist died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. He was 90 years old.
NFL’s head coaching ranks starting to look more diverse, by Marc H. Morial
Two years ago this week, I met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, along with my fellow civil rights leaders, to discuss the failure of the “Rooney Rule” to diversify the ranks of the League’s head coaches.
Congressman Troy Nehls — Rash, brash, out of control, by Julianne Malveaux
Republican Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX) recently attacked his colleague, St. Louis Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO), with rash, brash, and out-of-control language. It happened at the end of January, but somehow, his attack stuck in my craw.
VLBC sees progress
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announced progress in its legislative agenda in terms of voter rights, criminal justice, education, arrest and confinement, and more.
VUU, don’t destroy hospital that took the Black community decades to build
Thank you for your recent editorial, “Don’t pull plug on historic hospital, VUU” and the coverage of Virginia Union’s development plans, which omit the old Richmond Community Hospital building on Overbrook Road.
Personality: Gregory D. Suskind
Spotlight on chair of CARITAS Board of Directors
Richmond native Gregory D. Suskind has been involved with CARITAS for more than a decade. Since May 2022, he has been board chair of the non-profit organization that focuses on helping people experiencing homelessness and/or addiction by creating safe spaces for healing and recovery and providing support to help them rebuild and renew their lives.
‘Human suffering involved,’ says business owner
City Council passes steps to address meals tax concerns and homelessness
Among the ordinances unanimously passed by Richmond City Council on Monday was one that would change how the Finance Department collects and applies meals tax payments.
At least 8 children among 22 hit by gunfire at end of Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade; 1 person killed
Eight children were among 22 people hit by gunfire in a shooting at the end of Wednesday’s parade to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, authorities said, as terrified fans ran for cover and yet another high-profile public event was marred by gun violence. One person was killed, a motherof two identified by her radio station as a DJ.
Rev. Thomas S. Simmons, a ‘people’s pastor,’ dies at 80
The Rev. Thomas S. Simmons always was willing to help somebody — anybody. “He truly never met a stranger,” his daughter, Angela Simmons Cason said. “Once you met him, he loved you and you loved him.”
Glory
As a part of the First African Baptist Church Music and Fine Arts Black History program, the Richmond Free Press was recognized as having made significant contributions to the community on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, during the morning worship service.
One word says it best: ‘Mahomes!’
Chiefs win Super Bowl on Mahomes’ clutch play
Give the man a cape. He’s become the “Superman of the Super Bowl.” Patrick Mahomes now has three Super Bowl MVPs to go with a trio of Super Bowl victories following Kansas City’s 25-22 win over San Francisco on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.
Coble honored for longtime work in golf
E. Lee Coble’s lifetime golf achievements have earned national recognition.
Franklin from ‘Peanuts’ gets to shine in the spotlight of a new animated Apple TV+ special
The mild-mannered Franklin — the first Black character in the “Peanuts” comic strip — gets to shine in his own animated Apple TV+ special this month in a story about friendship.
Lawmakers take up ‘skill games,’ minimum wage, marijuana as Assembly hits midpoint deadline
Virginia lawmakers plowed through hundreds of bills Tuesday as they reached a key deadline for this year’s legislative session.
Youngkins’ announce high school essay contest
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and the Virginia Council on Women have announced the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare (STEAM-H) essay contest. The contest is open to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online or through certificated STEAM-H courses.
R.E.B. Awards nomination deadline is Feb. 20
The deadline is approaching for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence, a program of the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, which recognizes public schoolteachers who distinguish themselves with inspiring classroom performance.
President’s Day 2024
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 19, please note the following:
VCU alum Jeffrey Blount to discuss new book
Award-winning author Jeffrey Blount will discuss his new book, “Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library.
