All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
African-American pastors join effort to abolish death penalty
In 1608, Virginia became the first jurisdiction in America to execute someone under the death penalty. In the centuries since, Virginia has gone on to execute around 1,400 people, more than any other state. Now, state faith leaders and justice advocates are working to ensure it never happens again.
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.
Historic hospital tops endangered sites list
Preservation group deems Richmond Community Hospital at risk
A key part of Richmond’s African-American history. A criticalvresource at a time of medical segregation. A place where many who worked, were born, or said goodbye to loved ones. And now, one of Virginia’s many endangered historical sites.
Unicia Buster’s quilt art paints perfect picture for 2nd Street Festival poster design
Artist Unicia R. Buster’s quilt art has been seen for years around Richmond and elsewhere.
Officials, volunteers revving up for return of Armstrong-Walker Classic this Saturday
More than 40 years after the last official Armstrong-Walker Classic football game and parade, enthusiastic former teachers and alumni are working with city officials and community volunteers to ensure its successful return this Saturday, Nov. 27.
Juneteenth being recognized as state, city holiday
On June 19, Virginia will see the first steps of a new celebration for the Commonwealth.
Servant leader Gregory A. Cummings dies at 67
Former MEGA Mentors president assisted thousands of area youths
Gregory A. Cummings, a role model for Chesterfield County and Petersburg youths, was memorialized Tuesday at Second Baptist Church in South Side Richmond. He died Saturday, May 20, 2023, at age 67.
RISC gets affordable housing commitments from some City Council members
A coalition of religious and community groups have received new commitments from City Council members to address affordable housing, including the state of mobile homes, in the city.
Boushall teacher on leave after confrontation with student
A Richmond Public Schools teacher identified as a female is currently on administrative leave after a video of a confrontation with a student over speaking Spanish sparked criticism from the community and calls to deal with long-standing issues for Latino students in the city.
VSU recognizes 700 grads in first in-person commencement since 2019
It was a day of celebration last Sunday at Virginia State University, as three classes of graduates marched and were recognized during the first in-person commencement held at the university since 2019 because of the pandemic.
Confederate statues in State Capitol remain unaddressed
As the General Assembly wrestles over whether to give localities the right to control their Confederate monuments, their debate is being waged in the State Capitol — a virtual shrine to the Confederacy.
MJBL members pitch in for hurricane relief
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League saw a huge turnout from the Richmond community during the group’s efforts to collect hurricane relief items last Saturday at The Diamond.
Theft at area mailboxes under investigation
Postal and law enforcement officials are investigating a series of mailbox break-ins and thefts outside six area post offices.
Richmonders tend to procrastinate when filing taxes, study shows
With Tax Day less than a month away, Richmonders are likely to be among residents in more than 100 cities throughout the country who wait until the last minute to file their taxes.
Hanover School Board turnaround orders Confederate signs down by Sept. 7
The Hanover County School Board did an abrupt and unexplained about-face Tuesday night and voted 6-1 to remove the signs from two schools named for Confederate leaders before Sept. 7.
Remembering Gabriel and the enslaved
More than 220 years after Gabriel planned a rebellion against his enslavers in Henrico in 1800, more than 80 people gathered at the site in Shockoe Bottom where he was executed and where roughly 22,000 other African-Americans of that time are buried.
Concerns about RPS mold, safety issues continue to spread
Complaints about mold in several Richmond Public Schools have persisted since the beginning of the current school year.
Online sessions to highlight Weekend of Mourning on Oct. 23 and 24
With gun violence occurring regularly in Richmond, members of Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities, or RISC, are collaborating with Temple Beth-El for a two-day Weekend of Mourning to reflect on the lives lost, pray for those affected and to call for meaningful action by city leaders.
Area churches to celebrate Easter in various, special ways
Area churches are ready to celebrate Easter by welcoming congregants back to services both inside their sanctuaries and some outdoors.
Suggestions welcomed until Nov. 27 for replacement of Lee statue in U.S. Capitol
NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson; John Mercer Langston, a law professor and Virginia’s first African- American representative in Congress; and Ona Judge, a woman enslaved by George and Martha Washington who escaped to freedom in 1796 are among the latest nominations to replace the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol.
