All results / Stories / Darlene M. Johnson
Gen Z’er takes advantage of once-low interest rates to purchase first home
In 2021, Raven Moseley needed a place to stay, but she could not afford an apartment that she felt comfortable in without splitting the bill with a roommate. Plus, she could not find a suitable roommate. That is when her mother gave her the idea to buy a home.
Churches continue to alter services in era of COVID-19
‘It gives you a reason to reach out to others’
Like other parts of the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed church services throughout the Greater Richmond Region.
Schools prepare for partial solar eclipse in Richmond
It all happens Monday, April 8 when a total solar eclipse will span across the U.S., Mexico and Canada as the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight.
WWII veteran reflects on a century of life
A life that spans a century is a milestone few are privileged to celebrate. Welford Williams of Glen Allen was “blessed” to become a centenarian on Oct. 25. Formerly one of the youngest members of his family, the World War II veteran is now the oldest person in his family.
Granite Community Foundation unearths lost community legacy in South Side
Bridget Blake and Katrina Clarke are on a mission to preserve their family history and honor their ancestors buried in Green Cemetery located in the Granite community near what is now Stratford Hills in Richmond’s South Side.
RPS principals receive R.E.B. Awards
John Marshall High School Principal Monica Murray is a recipient of the 2024 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership, according to an announcement by Richmond Public Schools. William Fox Elementary School Prinicipal Daniela Jacobs was named a finalist for the award.
St. Catherine’s student awarded almost $2M in scholarships
After applying to over 30 colleges and universities, 17-year-old St. Catherine’s School student Ava Holloway was awarded over $1.98 million in scholarships.
Sacrifice for success
Parents of student athletes willingly go, and pay for, the extra mile(s)
Willie Starlings, 50, became a sports parent when his son, Joel Starlings, played flag football as a 4-year-old at Hotchkiss Field Community Center in Richmond.
Jonathan Young resigns from RPS School Board
Jonathan Young resigned from the Richmond Public School Board April 12 after it was revealed that a December 2023 incident between him and a 15-year-old female student resulted in the student filing a harassment complaint against him.
Robinson triplets turn 10
Three times the charm
A decade ago, Deirdre Harris welcomed three of her daughters, Kali’Co, Keri’Co and Koh’Co Robinson. Triplets, the girls were delivered two months prematurely by Cesarean section on Oct. 21, 2013, and required medical support.
School Board’s Dawn Page not running for re-election; board considers training
In a statement sent to the Free Press, the Richmond School Board’s 8th District representative Dawn Page announced that she will not run for re-election.
SAD? There are ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year, usually fall and winter, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Review: ‘Quiet’ causes whispers for network TV
Disturbing claims by former Nickelodeon cast, crew
There have been plenty of retrospective documentary exposés about entertainment’s dark side; “Surviving R. Kelly” and “We Need to Talk About Cosby” are just two examples.
From youthful harmonies to senior sounds
Melvin Short's love for community never misses a beat
Melvin Short Sr. might be the first person to say he is surprised to have founded and led multiple youth and senior singing groups over the years.
Community bands together to renovate Charles City’s historic Mt. Zion School
A tarp covers part of the roof of an abandoned building on Route 623 in Charles City County. Underneath the tarp, clear plastic drapes a weathered window, perhaps to further shield the decaying wood structure from elements endured nearly 110 years.
Coming Together Virginia to explore impact of racism on mental health
For the next three months, Coming Together Virginia (CTVA) will host its Racism at Work (RAW) series to tackle how racism affects physical and emotional well-being. Founded by Danita Rountree Green and Martha Rollins in 2014, the nonprofit’s vision is of “a racially healed world of thriving, equitable and just communities.”
RPS school board member Jonathan Young responds to student allegations
The Richmond School Board plans to revise its standards of conduct policy following an independent attorney’s investigation into School Board Member Jonathan Young’s behavior toward a 15-year-old student, according to a WTVR-CBS 6 news report.
City School Board hears pros and cons about cell phone pilot program
Absent devices bring on boredom, missed buses, and language barrier, say students
Meeting for the first time since the Huguenot High School graduation shooting trial ended last week, the Richmond School Board failed to discuss the trial, which resulted in Amari Pollard, 20, accepting a plea deal.
‘We have seen enough’
Crusade for Voters calls for removal of RPS Superintendent Kamras
The Richmond Crusade for Voters (RCV), a historically Black political organization, is calling for the immediate removal of RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. In a statement released Tuesday, the organization said they have “seen enough” to make this determination.
Judgment day
Court orders RPS to release Sands Anderson report; findings show negligence
The external report by the Sands Anderson law firm regarding the June 6, 2023 shooting after the Huguenot High School graduation at the Altria Theater was ordered to be released to the public by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
