Special to the Free Press Asked what “A New Republic” means, visual artist Kehinde Wiley replies rapid-fire. “It’s a space-clearing gesture.”

James “Plunky” Branch’s music consistently contains elements of jazz, funk and soul linked with African concepts of “Juju” and “oneness.”

The report from the medical examiner who conducted Prince’s autopsy is tantalizing for what it doesn’t say. The single-page document released last week lists a fentanyl overdose as the cause of death, but it offers few clues to indicate whether …

An eclectic mix of Grammy Award winners, world-class singers and musicians and local talent will highlight this year’s Richmond Jazz Festival, sceduled for Aug. 11 through 14.

In the history of American television, there has never been anything like the original version of “Roots.” Broadcast in 1977, the miniseries based on Alex Haley’s account of tracing his enslaved ancestor Kunta Kinte back to Africa was watched by …

Two local grassroots organizations are sponsoring the 5th Annual Mobile Justice Tour from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at the East End Public Library, 1200 N. 25th St.

Some of the area’s best musical groups will be featured this summer at the 60th Annual Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell. The festival, sponsored by the City of Richmond, gets underway this weekend and will feature free dance, music …

Oprah Winfrey will star in an HBO movie based on the 2010 nonfiction book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.

Madonna paid homage to Prince by wearing his signature color and bringing another icon, Stevie Wonder, onstage to sing the classic “Purple Rain” at Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards. Sitting atop a purple throne, Madonna kicked off the tribute with a …

A Pennsylvania judge on Tuesday ordered comedian Bill Cosby to stand trial on accusations of sexual assault, the most serious setback so far for a man who epitomized the all-American dad on the 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show.” Judge Elizabeth …

The daughter of Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa has given up her clergy credentials after marrying a Dutch woman. Mpho Tutu told South African media that because her church did not recognize her wedding, she could …

Virginia State University President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah was beaming like a proud father during this, his first, and the university’s 130th commencement held last Sunday at the Richmond Coliseum.

“Go make the world a better place for people everywhere,” was the recurring message to the more than 5,000 graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University at commencement exercises last Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum. “This begins not only a new chapter …

Yoga and meditation are being offered at Richmond’s jail to help prepare inmates for positive re-entry into the community — and help keep them from returning to jail.

The Richmond Symphony and a host of community arts groups will spend the weekend entertaining the public at a festival in Abner Clay Park called “Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present and Future.”