Michael Ray Pearson Sr. is on speed dial to help others in need. For the past eight years, his Richmond-based nonprofit — Friends Helping Friends — has put on a free summer basketball camp at Armstrong High School in the …

More than 4,000 children in the Greater Richmond community sleep better at night, thanks to the efforts of Jenny J. Jones and a legion of other volunteers at Beds for Kids Inc.

Suzanne D. Hall proudly calls it a “pinnacle moment” — winning the Thomas Jefferson Award in Public Relations from the Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Frances T. Hayes served two terms as president of the Richmond Chapter of Club Dejouir Inc. in the 1970s. Now, four decades later, she has embarked on her third term as president of the nonprofit women’s social and civic organization.

Dr. Lynn Gary Atkins Jr. is artistic director of Richmond’s One Voice Chorus, the interracial singing group that has been making beautiful music for more than a decade.

When Miasia K. Scruggs joined the Fairfield Court Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond as an elementary school student, she had no idea it would be a life-changing move.

Lamar Antoine Greene draws his inspiration to be a classroom standout from his mother, Kimberly Greene, who is a dental assistant. “I am motivated to study because I have seen how hard my mother works to provide for me and …

Helivi L. Holland knew at a young age that advocating for justice was her passion. “I was willing to verbally challenge others, including the teachers, when I felt someone was being unfairly treated. That started around second grade,” she said.

Chef Amory M. James, food production manager of the FeedMore Community Kitchen, his staff and volunteers cooked up something extra special this week.

Virginia Commonwealth University senior Sixto Martin Cancel is headed to the White House next week, where he will be recognized for making a difference in the community. He is one of 12 former foster youths from around the nation who …

Fore! Be on the lookout for golf, fun and fellowship. That’s what organizers of the National Negro Golf Association (NNGA) are aiming for next weekend when the organization kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration with golf, get-togethers and commemorations in …

Dr. Phillip Benteley Duncan will go to any lengths — or to be more specific, any heights — to raise awareness about heart failure. The Chester cardiologist plans to climb the 19,340-foot Uhuru Peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro — the highest …

Monica Brinkley Davis does not take lightly her role as a trailblazing officer of the Junior League of Richmond. The Henrico County resident is the first African-American president of the 89-year-old organization, whose mission is to train strong female leaders …

Arlette J. Teele founded the Purple Pumps Chapter of the Red Hat Society with the goal of bringing women in the Richmond area together “to greet middle age with verve, humor and élan.” At chapter gatherings, members are colorfully attired …

Christian P. Dundas says he came up with the idea for a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Church Hill three years ago when he was playing recreational basketball. It was about the …