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MLK Day celebration in Petersburg to include special proclamation
A special program honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 50th anniversary of the city declaring a holiday in the slain civil rights leader’s name, begins 3 p.m., Jan.15 at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.
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Wanted: Another political party
Donald Trump’s messages have made it clear that what is needed is a viable third political party to compete with and against the current GOP primitive economic illiteracy and plutocrat philosophy.
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VUU’s new Center for African-American Pentecostalism & Leadership Development hosts convocation
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, nationally known for its noted graduates such as Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, Dr. Jeremiah Wright and former Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy, will hold its first Pentecostal Convocation on Monday, April 24, through Thursday, April 27, the school has announced.
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City Council approves 1% pension hike for retirees starting Jan. 1
As anticipated, Richmond City Council unanimously approved a 1 percent pension increase for retired city employees, beginning Jan. 1, during a special meeting on Monday.
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Jehovah's Witnesses convene in Downtown
As national and world events cause polarization and despair, there’s a need for individuals to have a source of release and a positive outlook for the future. The Jehovah’s Witnesses plan to address the issues in a series of weekend conventions through August in Richmond.
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Medicaid expansion, state budget talks continue
Virginia’s budget impasse remained unresolved Wednesday as the Virginia House and Senate adjourned about 90 minutes into the special session called by Gov. Ralph S. Northam without taking any action.
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Reactions to Lt. Gov. Fairfax
“The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus takes all allegations of sexual assault or misconduct with the utmost seriousness. Given the recent allegations regarding Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, the VLBC will continue to assess this developing situation as more details become available.”
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Free Press wins NNPA award
The Richmond Free Press has been recognized with a national award. The Free Press won the Ada S. Franklin Best Women/Lifestyle Award June 28 at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s annual convention in Norfolk.
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History marker dedicated to Charles City County lynching victim
Virginia’s first history marker to a lynching victim now stands near the historic courthouse in Charles City County. The new marker recalling the brutal hanging of Isaac Brandon was dedicated Sunday, April 7, 127 years almost to the day when it happened.
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Walking trail sidetracks GRTC’s speed
GRTC is creating a 10-year strategic plan for improved service across the Richmond region.
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Huguenot senior hurdles to state champion
Huguenot High School senior Shaunté Harris has a passion for fashion. But if there’s one thing she relishes more than a sporty, chic look, it’s running the high hurdles — an event famous for its thrills — and also its spills. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see Harris wearing distressed denims to school, rather than a trendy shirtdress. “My legs aren’t the nicest,” she says with a wide smile. “I’ve taken plenty of spills, lots of hard falls. My legs have cuts and scratches. It kind of never stops.”
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Mayoral election: Time to navigate Richmond toward a better future
It was the early to mid-1990s. The setting: The Commonwealth Club on West Franklin Street in Downtown. A gathering of Richmond’s most prominent civic and business leaders — African-American, white people, public and private representatives — was underway. The order of business? To envision Richmond’s future.
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Personality: Elizabeth Lee ‘Bee’ Wright
Spotlight on Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden top volunteer
When Elizabeth Lee “Bee” Wright started volunteering at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside more than 25 years ago, she did not have her sights set on receiving an award.
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Officials pump up COVID-19 testing, begin mask and hand sanitizer distribution to city's at-risk residents
Efforts to combat COVID-19 continue in Richmond’s high-risk communities and underserved neighborhoods.
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Federal unemployment checks ease money worries for newly laid off during pandemic
Just a few weeks ago, journalist-turned-bartender and server Lyndon German was feeling desperate. In the past year, the 26-year-old Mechanicsville native has seen his reporter jobs in Hopewell and Petersburg end as a result of newsroom cutbacks, and now his restaurant job in a popular local café has disappeared as a result of COVID-19.
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Palpable relief doesn’t ease the pain
For anyone who owns a home or land, it has become common to receive a text or letter from a persistent real estate agent or investor offering to purchase their property. In most Black communities, where homeowners have labored long and hard to acquire a home for themselves or family members, the response to such predators is a polite — or not so polite — “no.”
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Journey for Justice’ makes stop in Richmond
“The struggles (for civil rights) that our parents and grandparents fought still continue. Those who would take away hard-earned rights take note: A new generation has taken up the challenge. As we march on this America’s ‘Journey for Justice,’ we say to everyone, ‘We will not turn around!’ ”
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Roland Martin kicks off African Arrival Day commemoration
A blistering August sun did not deter guests from attending a special outdoor ceremony last Saturday at Fort Monroe in Hampton. The event, staged to remember the 1619 arrival of the first 20 Africans to America, was held on the fort grounds near the site of the first arrival.
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Trump uses Black people to defend him at RNC
President Trump has aggressively asserted control over the Republican National Convention, a four-day event that started Monday and featured African-Americans defending the president’s history of racist rhetoric and actions. Former NFL star Herschel Walker, speaking on the opening night, defended President Trump, whom he called a “personal friend,” and said he isn’t a racist.

