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Diversity efforts lead to key appointments at U. Va.
The endeavors go to hiring, as well as representation on key university boards and committees.
Leonard W. Lambert, longtime Richmond lawyer, dies at 77
“My mother said it was important to be educated and give something back to the church and to the community.” Leonard W. Lambert Sr. told the Free Press those were the life lessons his mother, Mary Frances Warden Lambert, taught him and his six siblings long before her death in August 2014.
Community groups announce anti-violence summit on Feb. 11
Over the years, countless well-intentioned individuals and groups have organized rallies, prayer vigils and community meetings to stem the tide of violence in Richmond. While the number of homicides and violent crimes in the city has declined during the past 15 years, too many Richmond residents still suffer as victims.
One year after saying ‘I do,’ couple enjoys wedded bliss
“It’s like we’re experiencing love all over again,” said Shamika Fauntleroy.
Selma march inspires Richmonder
Rita Willis said she was overcome with emotion when she reached the top of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., late Sunday afternoon. “I just broke down and cried,” the 65-year-old Henrico County resident said. Ms. Willis was among the tens of thousands of people from across the nation — including President Obama, his family, dignitaries and foot soldiers from the time — who assembled in Selma last weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “Bloody
Mayor touts anti-poverty efforts in city address
Mayor Dwight C. Jones spoke of “a tale of two cities” in his State of the City address. “Right now, one part of town is vibrant, prosperous and forward-looking,” he told an attentive audience of about 300 people Jan. 29 in the auditorium at Huguenot High School on South Side. “And then when you cross the Martin Luther King Bridge, you find another Richmond — one that has largely been ignored, overlooked and shunned.
VCU to drop SAT requirement
Virginia Commonwealth University is joining a growing national trend and no longer will require applicants to submit Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. The change will apply to applicants with a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher. VCU President Michael Rao delivered the news in his State of the University address Tuesday to students, faculty and staff in the University Student Commons.
Richmond schools seek money to fulfill needs
Lucille M. Brown Middle School is facing a serious communications problem. The South Side school has not had a working intercom system since December.
Coalition strategizes to end violence
As nearly 400 people met at an East End church last week to discuss solutions to stem the tide of violence in the city, Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham somberly rose to address the audience.
April 7 opener
Flying Squirrels bringing their AA game
As the Richmond Flying Squirrels leave spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz., later this week and fly to Richmond on Sunday to prepare for their new Eastern League baseball season, their roster will include two players who are former first round draft picks, a third flame-throwing closer who consistently throws 100 mph fastballs and a new manager who spent the past three seasons at the helm of the Diablos Rojos in the Mexican League, leading the team to the 2014 league championship.
Tea Party’s Brat to be sworn in Nov. 12
Republican Dave Brat, a darling of the ultraconservative Tea Party movement, easily topped Democrat Jack Trammell in Tuesday’s 7th District House of Representatives race.
Richmond School Board elects new chairman
“I think we are at a critical time at our tenure and at a critical juncture in making progress in Richmond Public Schools. I felt compelled to continue the progress that we have made.” Jeffrey M. Bourne, 3rd District, told the Free Press on Tuesday that’s why he agreed to serve as chair of the Richmond School Board.
City’s anti-poverty office losing director
The city is looking for a new director to lead its anti-poverty effort through the city Office of Community Wealth Building. Thad Williamson announced he is resigning as the director to return to his position as associate professor of leadership studies at the University of Richmond.
Democrats choose Dance
She is the nominee to replace Marsh
Petersburg Democrats strongly backed Delegate Rosalyn R. Dance to be the Democratic candidate for 16th District Senate seat, previously held by Henry L. Marsh III.
‘Ambassador of Compassion’ dies at 62
Even in the final few days before she succumbed to heart failure, Alicia C. Rasin found the time and energy to assist others in need.
Local Democrats jubilant over Clinton win
Two groups of Democratic supporters gathered Tuesday night at separate viewing parties two blocks apart at restaurants in Shockoe Bottom. Shortly after the polls closed at 7 p.m., both venues quickly transformed into jubilant celebrations of Hillary Clinton’s resounding win over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in Virginia’s presidential primary. When it was all said and done, Mrs. Clinton easily trounced Sen. Sanders in the state, winning 64.3 percent of the vote to his 35.2 percent.
Designs for Broad St. rapid transit unveiled
Travelers along Broad Street will see a far different thoroughfare through the heart of the city in October 2017. That’s when the highly anticipated bus rapid transit known as “GRTC Pulse” is scheduled to whisk riders along a 7.6- mile route from Willow Lawn in the West End to Rocketts Landing in the East End.
School Board tensions rise
Richmond Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden wore an incredulous look when two members of the School Board tried to scuttle an agreement aimed at putting the city’s worst middle school, Fred D. Thompson, on the road to regaining accreditation.
City readying community for September bike races
Hundreds of bike riders will pedal at break-neck speeds along Richmond area streets past cheering spectators during the upcoming UCI Road World Championships. Elite bicyclists from around the world are scheduled to compete in 12 races over nine days from Saturday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 27. Courses will range from 14 miles to 160 miles and will wind through Richmond and Henrico and Hanover counties.
