Ministry is ‘a family business’
It’s a family affair at Southside Baptist Ministries on South Side. Dr. Lonnie Stinson, 65, is the founder and senior pastor of the church at 5515 Bryce Lane.
‘War Room,’ with black cast, sleeper Christian hit
The box office underwent a religious conversion last weekend as Christian crowds flocked to see “War Room,” lifting the low-budget salute to prayer above two other more highly publicized debut films — the Zac Efron drama “We’re Your Friends” and …
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, 21, rising Broadway star
Kyle Jean-Baptiste appeared to be headed to acting stardom. This summer, the talented 21-year-old became the first African-American and the youngest performer to play Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” on Broadway.
NBA’s ‘Chocolate Thunder’ Darryl Dawkins dies at 58
Darryl Dawkins was a mountain of a man with a persona to match. To the delight of fans and the media, he shattered backboards, gave poetic names to his power dunks, sparked the invention of the breakaway rim and made …
A resurrection story
Richmond Christian Center climbing back from bankruptcy with entrepreneurial efforts
Promoter David ‘Big Daddy’ Cooper, 81, first to bring Jackson 5 to Richmond
David Junior “Big Daddy” Cooper had multiple careers in Richmond — from concert promoter to private investigator to truck driver and concrete layer. His multifaceted life is being remembered following his death Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at a Richmond hospital. …
Lecture: Role of black church in fight against apartheid
Black churches played an important but overlooked role in the battle to free Nelson Mandela from prison and overturn the harsh regime of apartheid in South Africa, according to Dr. Columba A. Nnorom, a Virginia Union University adjunct professor.
Black churches do better weathering decline in number of Christian faithful
At Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, the pews start to fill more than half an hour before the service begins. Ushers guide people of all ages to their seats. Some stand and wave their hands in the air as …
Louis Stokes, 90, Ohio’s first black congressman
Louis Stokes served 15 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives during which he investigated the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Loss of a legend
Through the relentless struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, Julian Bond always kept his sense of humor. His steady demeanor helped him persist despite the inevitable difficulties involved, his wife recalled. Mr. Bond “never took his eyes off the prize …
Rogers C. Wright, 98, founder of the Wright Family Singers
Rogers C. Wright loved to sing, play the guitar and harmonica and perform in front of audiences. That’s why he and his singing wife, Alcie Taylor, formed the Jubilee Duet gospel group after they were married in 1941. As the …
Cleo Hill Sr., 77, CIAA star, first-round NBA pick, dies
Cleo Hill Sr., one of the CIAA’s all-time basketball greats, has died. He was 77. Following a lengthy illness, Mr. Hill died Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at his home in Orange, N.J.
VSU Gospel Chorale wins $10,000 in national competition
The highly acclaimed Virginia State University Gospel Chorale continues to win accolades. The latest honor: The choir, under the direction of Richmonder Perry Evans II, claimed first place in the 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Gospel Choir Competition.
Million Man March organizing committee for commemoration hosts prayer luncheon
A prayer luncheon 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the Baptist General Convention building, 1214 W. Graham Road on North Side, will discuss plans for participation in the 20th anniversary commemoration of the Million Man March.
Rapper Lecrae leads Dove Award nominations
Christian rapper Lecrae, whose album “Anomaly” has topped the charts, leads the pack of nominees for the 46th Annual Dove Awards with seven nominations, including artist of the year.
