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City Hall is being proactive in pushing safe practices during the pandemic. This sign was prominently displayed outside the second floor City Council Chambers on Monday before the nine council members were sworn in — including seven women, the most ever. Only a few people, mostly media and some family members, were allowed in the chamber for the ceremony. Others were able to connect to online channels to see the public ceremony.

City Hall is being proactive in pushing safe practices during the pandemic. This sign was prominently displayed outside the second floor City Council Chambers on …

Published on January 7, 2021

A ceremonial mechanical excavator is on site for the groundbreaking at the CoStar Group’s campus in Downtown Richmond in front of the current CoStar headquarters building at 5th and Tredegar streets. CoStar, founded in 1987, provides commercial real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces for real estate transactions. Community partners, CoStar employees and the public witnessed the ceremonial groundbreaking and announcements about the $460 million project that is projected to bring at least 2,000 new jobs to the area.

A ceremonial mechanical excavator is on site for the groundbreaking at the CoStar Group’s campus in Downtown Richmond in front of the current CoStar headquarters …

Published on November 3, 2022

A ceremonial mechanical excavator is on site for the groundbreaking at the CoStar Group’s campus in Downtown Richmond in front of the current CoStar headquarters building at 5th and Tredegar streets. CoStar, founded in 1987, provides commercial real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces for real estate transactions. Community partners, CoStar employees and the public witnessed the ceremonial groundbreaking and announcements about the $460 million project that is projected to bring at least 2,000 new jobs to the area.

A ceremonial mechanical excavator is on site for the groundbreaking at the CoStar Group’s campus in Downtown Richmond in front of the current CoStar headquarters …

Published on November 3, 2022

High school student Mecca Patterson-Guridy, 17, poses for a portrait in Philadelphia. Scrutiny from conservatives around teaching about race, gender and sexuality has made many teachers reluctant to discuss issues that touch on cultural divides. To fill in gaps, some students, including Mecca, are looking to social media, where online personalities, nonprofit organizations and teachers are experimenting with ways to connect with them outside the confines of school.

High school student Mecca Patterson-Guridy, 17, poses for a portrait in Philadelphia. Scrutiny from conservatives around teaching about race, gender and sexuality has made many …

Published on December 15, 2022

Judge Jamison retiring // Family and friends join in unveiling the portrait of outgoing Judge Birdie Hairston Jamison, right, that will hang in the Richmond General District Court. With her at Friday’s ceremony at the Manchester Courthouse are, from left: Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr., Judge Jamison’s sister, Paige Hairston, Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, former Delegate Jean W. Cunningham, Richmond General District Court Chief Judge D. Eugene Cheek, former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III and Judge Jamison’s other sister, Mable Lewis. Judge Jamison, 57, is the dean of the state’s traffic court judges. She began hearing cases in Richmond in 1991. Her tenure on the court officially ends Tuesday, Nov. 30. She must step down because the General Assembly declined to reappoint her to a new term last January. Numerous speakers at the retirement ceremony lauded her service to the court.

Judge Jamison retiring // Family and friends join in unveiling the portrait of outgoing Judge Birdie Hairston Jamison, right, that will hang in the Richmond …

Published on November 25, 2015

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch Portraits” featuring top Richmond high school graduates, other individuals and families during the pandemic. With schools across the state closed in mid-March and classes continuing online, Amia said the pandemic taught her to “value the little things in life and appreciate all of my blessings and the people in my life.”

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch …

Published on January 7, 2021

Construction continues at Virginia’s Capitol Square as seen here last month. The Capitol Visitor Center has been closed to the public since May 2 for numerous projects. According to a press release from the Department of General Services, the closure is expected to continue until next month, during which time the historic Capitol will remain open. All visitors must use the west entrance to the Capitol, where they are screened upon entry. Buses, tour groups and other large multiple-passenger vehicles can unload on the eastern-most lane of 9th Street near the Capitol Square vehicular entrance at Grace Street. Individuals who need accessibility accommodations and are arriving via a passenger vehicle can call (804) 389-5338 and arrange for drop-off inside Capitol Square. It is advised that all Capitol Square visitors should stay clear of fenced construction areas for safety reasons. The subterranean Visitor Center opened in 2007 and includes two large event/meeting rooms, a café, gift shop, exhibit space, and a media room. The closure of the Capitol Visitor Center is necessary for DGS to safely complete both critical waterproofing and tunnel construction projects.

Construction continues at Virginia’s Capitol Square as seen here last month. The Capitol Visitor Center has been closed to the public since May 2 for …

Published on November 10, 2022

Members of CASA, a national immigrant advocacy organization, rally at the State Capitol’s Bell Tower last week, where the group announced its policy for Virginia’s legislative session. Approximately 50 immigrants stood in solidarity, listening to speakers such as Daisy Serano, 29, originally from Honduras but who now lives in Springfield. Ms. Serano said Virginians need the minimum wage to be $15 per hour and that gradual increases are sufficient for raising a family. The crowd often chanted, “Si, Se Puede,” meaning “Yes, we can.” The local group also used the day to lobby and educate lawmakers about legislation they believe will help immigrants and working families. Luis Aguilar, CASA’s Virginia director said, “Immigrants have been at the forefront of this pandemic the last two years, which is important to highlight their contribution to the Commonwealth of Virginia during this legislative session. We will continue the fight in Richmond, just as CASA members, immigrants and working-class families have done during these tough times.”

Members of CASA, a national immigrant advocacy organization, rally at the State Capitol’s Bell Tower last week, where the group announced its policy for Virginia’s …

Published on January 27, 2022

Virginia Union University running back, Andre Mack, 23, works out with his 5-year-old nephew, Ka’Reem Moore, on Tuesday in the 700 block of 30th Street in Church Hill. The youngster wants to play football like his uncle, a junior at VUU. The coaching and workout sessions also keep Mr. Mack in shape until the Panthers practice again in August, according to Mr. Mack. Until then, Mr. Mack is finishing his college courses online and having Zoom meetings with his teammates.

Virginia Union University running back, Andre Mack, 23, works out with his 5-year-old nephew, Ka’Reem Moore, on Tuesday in the 700 block of 30th Street …

Published on April 30, 2020

Wellness center dedicated // Once a gas station, this Church Hill site is now home to the new Sarah Garland Jones Center for Health Communities. The new $1.5 million center developed by Bon Secours Virginia Health System with private donations opened Tuesday at 2600 Nine Mile Road. Bon Secours officials announced at the dedication that the building will bear the name of Dr. Jones, the pioneering African-American physician who in 1902 founded and ran the forerunner to Richmond Community Hospital, which is now part of Bon Secours. The building’s renovation and opening took longer than expected. Groundbreaking took place in April 2016, with plans to open four months later. The new center has three components, according to Bon Secours. First, the building houses a commercial kitchen for Class-A-Roll, a Bon Secours program that provides community cooking classes and food skills training to promote healthy eating. The kitchen also will be available for preparation of community dinners. The building also includes space for a coffee shop that nonprofit Church Hill Activities and Tutoring, or CHAT, plans to operate to provide jobs and entrepreneurial experiences for neighborhood teens. Finally, the building includes a separate 900-square-foot community room to be used for health and wellness programs and meeting space for neighborhood groups.

Wellness center dedicated // Once a gas station, this Church Hill site is now home to the new Sarah Garland Jones Center for Health Communities. …

Published on May 20, 2017

Club 533 celebrated its 65th anniversary last Saturday with an anniversary and holiday ball held at a Downtown hotel. Started in 1956, Club 533 is one of the oldest private groups in Richmond founded by seven men seeking to improve the social and civic welfare of people in the community. The Jackson Ward club has been used as a meeting place to develop strategies for social, political and economic gains that would benefit the African- American community. In the 65 years since its founding, the organization has grown to more than 200 members— all men of accomplishment, including 41 new members who were welcomed during the summer. Members and their guests enjoyed the festive black-tie dinner dance featuring Legacy Band. President Robert M. Lester, right, honors the club’s longest-serving members of more than 40 and 50 years with plaques. They are, from left, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, the evening’s keynote speaker; Linwood Eddleton; Dr. James McCain; Dr. Anthony Malloy; and Alexander “Jack” Mosby.

Club 533 celebrated its 65th anniversary last Saturday with an anniversary and holiday ball held at a Downtown hotel. Started in 1956, Club 533 is …

Published on December 9, 2021

Henry L. Marsh III, a former state senator and Richmond’s first African- American mayor, is greeted on Aug. 27 by School Board member Cheryl L. Burke as he gets his first look at the new $40 million elementary school named for him in Church Hill, located at 813 N. 28th St. The school, which replaces the former George Mason Elementary that Mr. Marsh attended as a child, is one of three new city school buildings that were ready for use but remained closed as Richmond Public Schools students continued with online classes in the fall.

Henry L. Marsh III, a former state senator and Richmond’s first African- American mayor, is greeted on Aug. 27 by School Board member Cheryl L. …

Published on January 7, 2021

Marching to beat the bans-Hundreds of women and their advocates, including Kristin Rodriguez, 40, took to the streets last Saturday for the Bans Off Our Bodies RVA rally and march to show their support for a woman’s right to make her own decisions when it comes to abortion. The Richmond rally was one of scores held across the country last weekend in advance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s new session that began Monday in which a case challenging abortion rights will be heard. That case, out of Mississippi, is expected to be argued Dec. 1, and has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that guaranteed women the constitutional protection of being able to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. Texas recently passed a law that also would ban abortion after six weeks, a timeframe when many women don’t know whether they are pregnant. In Richmond, speakers urged people to work to protect women’s reproductive freedom. The rally was held at Diversity Richmond, followed by a march down Sherwood Avenue to Hermitage Road. Ida Allen, who led chants with the bullhorn during the march, was a lead coordinator of the event.

Marching to beat the bans-Hundreds of women and their advocates, including Kristin Rodriguez, 40, took to the streets last Saturday for the Bans Off Our …

Published on October 7, 2021

Marching to beat the bans-Hundreds of women and their advocates, including Kristin Rodriguez, 40, took to the streets last Saturday for the Bans Off Our Bodies RVA rally and march to show their support for a woman’s right to make her own decisions when it comes to abortion. The Richmond rally was one of scores held across the country last weekend in advance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s new session that began Monday in which a case challenging abortion rights will be heard. That case, out of Mississippi, is expected to be argued Dec. 1, and has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that guaranteed women the constitutional protection of being able to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. Texas recently passed a law that also would ban abortion after six weeks, a timeframe when many women don’t know whether they are pregnant. In Richmond, speakers urged people to work to protect women’s reproductive freedom. The rally was held at Diversity Richmond, followed by a march down Sherwood Avenue to Hermitage Road. Ida Allen, who led chants with the bullhorn during the march, was a lead coordinator of the event.

Marching to beat the bans-Hundreds of women and their advocates, including Kristin Rodriguez, 40, took to the streets last Saturday for the Bans Off Our …

Published on October 7, 2021

Socks for others: Home-schooled students who take online classes through Virginia Virtual Academy decorate a large Christmas stocking last Friday at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch in Downtown. Honoring the spirit of the season, the youngsters stuffed the decorated stocking with new socks of all sizes. The giant stocking then was donated to St. Joseph’s Villa to help people in need. Denise Haverty-Jackson of Petersburg, standing, checks the decorating progress of her son, Emmanuel Hollis-Jackson, and the other students, Dahlia Mohr of Bowling Green and James Searles of Fredericksburg. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Socks for others: Home-schooled students who take online classes through Virginia Virtual Academy decorate a large Christmas stocking last Friday at the Richmond Public Library …

Published on December 21, 2018

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family, she says, has experienced health scares in recent weeks, both related and unrelated to the coronavirus. “I have always valued family and friends, yet the communication with loved ones is even more cherished than before,” said the founder of BareSOUL Yoga. The experience also has shifted how she connects with people and the community — through online offerings and resources. The silver lining? “I am able to appreciate, explore and enjoy my home.”

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during …

Published on April 30, 2020

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The 13-year-old Henderson Middle School student, the son of Michael and Otesa Miles, received a trophy and $400 for his first place showing in the four-round competition involving 10 youths. Jace started playing chess in an afternoon elementary school program. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he further developed his chess skills by playing online with a cousin who lives in New York. In between, he continued to play the game.

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum …

Published on February 16, 2023

Pittsburgh NCAA college football defensive back Damar Hamlin poses for a photo with Bryce Williams, 3, of Mckees Rocks, Pa., after the youngster picked out a toy during Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation community toy drive at kelly and Nina’s Daycare Center, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Mckees Rocks, Pa. Hamlin wanted to raise $2,500 online to buy toys for needy kids. It took about two years. Then came Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, when the Buffalo Bills safety was critically injured during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He instantly became one of the biggest stories in sports, and thousands of people found his GoFundMe page. The result: Roughly $3.7 million donated in the first 12 hours.

Pittsburgh NCAA college football defensive back Damar Hamlin poses for a photo with Bryce Williams, 3, of Mckees Rocks, Pa., after the youngster picked out …

Published on January 5, 2023

Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler and Zora Neale Hurston. Asked how their lives are different during the pandemic, Mrs. Achalam, executive director of Project Yoga Richmond and an herbal healer with True Grit Botanica, said, “We’ve launched an online membership platform where the community can remotely access yoga and mindfulness content from PYR ambassadors.” Mr. Achalam, a reggae artist and educator, said, “Shows are postponed. But we’ll regroup and spend more time in the studio.” On April 4, he performed in “Couchella,” a digital music festival that helped raise money for the Makindu Children’s Center in Kenya. The money will help install hand-washing stations at the center to combat the spread of COVID-19. Asked about the silver lining, both say the crisis has caused them to slow down and concentrate on the health and well-being of themselves and family.

Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler …

Published on April 16, 2020

Standing with Bennett: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, left, meets with alumnae of Bennett and Spelman colleges Monday evening at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond to rally efforts to help raise $5 million by Feb. 1 to save Bennett College. Dr. Cole previously served as president of both institutions, the only two historically black women’s colleges in the nation, and was central to a video the group made Monday and posted on social media. United in sisterhood, the video calls on Spelman women and Bennett Belles to support the Greensboro, N.C., college, which may lose its accreditation if it cannot gain a more sound financial footing by the Feb. 1 deadline. The effort came together within 24 hours. “I have never witnessed black women move so quickly with one mission to make sure African-American women have the opportunity to  receive a quality education,” said Marissa Jennings, Bennett Class of 2003. Dr. Cole’s message is available online at https://vimeo.com/314049002. To donate, go to www.bennett.edu/donate. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Standing with Bennett: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, left, meets with alumnae of Bennett and Spelman colleges Monday evening at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond to …

Published on February 1, 2019