Freedom will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 1.

GRTC bus riders were pleasantly surprised last week when Santa Claus took time away from his busy holiday preparations and greeted them at the transfer plaza in Downtown.

This year’s festival is scheduled from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. The festival opens 1 p.m. with the African Market.

The Henrico County resident was recognized for his service to the community and within the 113-year-old Richmond men’s club, whose mission is to promote “higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing.”

Joint Christmas gala was held during sparkling black-tie affair at a Williamsburg hotel.

John Finn is the first African-American to hold the association’s top volunteer post and brings leadership diversity to an organization with a diverse membership.

“Take what you’ve got. Go be a leader and be disruptive.”

As winter descends upon us, many Richmond children face cold days without a coat to protect them from the elements.

It has been 80 years since the death of Maggie L. Walker, the pioneer businesswoman from Richmond. For five days next week, the National Park Service will commemorate that anniversary.

Jewelry designer Jay Sharpe is all smiles at a holiday open house.

Chad Coleman has traveled the world as a videographer for the U.S. Army and acted in dozens of films and TV shows, including the award-winning HBO series “The Wire.”

Richmond’s holiday season kicked off last weekend with two long-running traditions — the Grand Illumination and the Christmas Parade.

They were friends and young mothers raising babies. They began meeting in 1954 to share child-rearing tips, organize activities for their children and socialize.

Roger Cornelius Brown is the leader of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, one of the oldest African-American groups in the state.

The holiday spirit will envelop Richmond this weekend with two big events — the joint Grand Illumination and Love Lights skyline lighting Friday night, Dec. 5, and the Dominion Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6.