All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
From vaccines to pet meds, COVID-19 has been a year of pivots for HOPE Pharmacy
HOPE Pharmacy and its owner, Dr. Shantelle Brown, faced a dilemma.
Stay at home
Gov. Northam issues order through June 10
Life during the continuing coronavirus pandemic is taking a fresh turn following Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s stepped-up effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the state. On Monday, Gov. Northam turned his request for people to stay at home into an order.
Statewide vaccine registry system launches amid continuing questions about equitable distribution
Virginia just made it easier to sign up to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Medical professionals make push for vaccination efforts in Black and brown communities
With a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases and the continuing spread of the highly contagious delta variant, calls to vaccinate vulnerable populations have increased, with a variety of plans being floated to ensure the protection of people of color.
Miss America to VCU graduates: ‘You are stronger, you are wiser … as a result of the challenges you have faced’
The sound of trumpets, horns and drums filled Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center last Saturday morning as the university held its fall 2021 commencement ceremony.
Fewer Black youths in Richmond getting vaccinated, officials find
Richmond health officials are working to address the latest disparity in COVID-19 vaccinations, a racial difference among children.
Challenging times
Threat of COVID-19 shuts down schools, businesses and non-essential services across Richmond and the state as the number of cases and death toll rise
Virginia is gearing up for a months-long undertaking to stop the threat of coronavirus as each day brings more news of new cases, deaths and measures from local and state authorities to combat the spread.
Gov. Youngkin's administration taps retired army colonel, physician to oversee state health department
The first few weeks of Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s administration has brought changes big and small to Virginia’s approach to COVID-19, with executive orders on masking requirements and vaccines leading to debate in the General Assembly, confusion in schools and multiple pending lawsuits.
Otieno’s family seeks federal intervention after multiple charges dismissed
The family of Irvo Otieno is calling on federal officials to take up the prosecution of those charged with his murder at Central State Hospital last March. The call comes following the dismissal of charges against five people involved in the incident that led to his death.
Richmond, Chesterfield libraries join program to distribute free at-home COVID-19 test kits
Libraries across Virginia have joined the effort to make it easier for residents to test themselves for possible COVID-19 infection.
Hearing Jan. 14 on Hanover NAACP suit to rename Confederate schools
The fate of a federal lawsuit brought by the Hanover County Branch NAACP in a bid to force the Hanover County School Board to rename two schools currently named for Confederate leaders could be decided on Jan. 14.
Ready to reopen
Va. businesses, churches and some restaurants are poised to open on Friday under state guidelines despite VLBC's opposition
Editor's Note: In a major change that took place after publication of the May 14-16 edition of the Free Press, businesses in the city of Richmond will not reopen on Friday, May 15. At the request of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Gov. Ralph S. Northam issued a new executive order extending business closures in Richmond until at least Thursday, May 28. The order, released about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 14, also included Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, which also requested to delay openings. In the Richmond area, businesses in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, however, can reopen Friday under Phase One of the governor’s guidelines. Government leaders in those three counties submitted a letter to Gov. Northam rejecting any delay in opening.
Pushback
Maggie L. Walker’s grave, historic Black, Jewish cemeteries, hit by graffiti
Cleaning plans, discussions and investigations are underway after Maggie L. Walker’s gravesite at historic Evergreen Cemetery and at least four other historic sites — including two African-American cemeteries and a Jewish cemetery — were tagged with graffiti.
Hard hit again
It has been a week of recalculation and assessment, as Virginians collectively and individually continue to work to avoid the spread of COVID-19 amid new evidence that African-Americans and Latinos are being hard hit.
Covid-19 cases going unreported
Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Virginia and nationally, a gap in reported positive cases has continued throughout Virginia, one that has persisted as the approach to monitoring the worst of the virus and testing for infection has changed and expanded, locally and statewide.
Equity issues surround COVID-19 vaccinations
Is there inequitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to people of color?
Educator Wilbert H. Brooks remembered
Wilbert H. Brooks Jr., 83, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, leaving behind a decades-long legacy in Virginia education.
Dr. Melissa Viray steers local health departments through changing state COVID-19 policy
In the midst of shifts in Virginia’s COVID-19 policies, Dr. Melissa A. Viray is looking to continue the evolution and expansion of Richmond and Henrico County’s public health response as the new acting director of the Richmond and Henrico health districts.
Churches, apartment complex are latest sites for COVID-19 vaccinations
A chance to avoid further danger and tragedy. A message from a trusted pastor or fellow church member. An opportunity to keep themselves, their friends and their families safe. These reasons and others compelled seniors to get vaccinated against COVID-19 last Friday and Saturday during events held by the Richmond and Henrico health districts.
Roland ‘Duke’ Ealey was part of legal team that helped integrate Richmond Public Schools
In 1958, Bettie Elizabeth Boyers Cooper became fed up with segregation when her daughter had to ride a bus four miles to and from Carver Elementary School rather than attend the whites-only Westhampton Elementary School that was within walking distance of their home.
Prev Next
