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Free Press staff report

Stories by Free Press

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Historical marker for Essex Old Folks Home unveiling this Saturday near Angel Visit

A historical marker recognizing the Old Folks Home, a facility that cared for impoverished elderly Black residents in Essex County during the early 20th century, will be dedicated this weekend. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources approved the marker, which will be unveiled Saturday, March 29, at noon. The marker is located across Route 17 from 28882 Tidewater Trail in Dunnsville.

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South girls and North boys triumph in 804 All-Star showdown

The 804 All-Star Games on March 22 brought together some of the top high school basketball talent in the Richmond-Petersburg area.

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Baseball game raises funds for inclusive sports programs

The rivalry between Benedictine College Preparatory and St. Christopher’s School will take on a different meaning when they face off in the 15th Annual Pass the Hat Baseball Game 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at RF&P Park’s Glen Allen Stadium. The game has become a beloved tradition in Richmond, where competition meets community to support a greater cause — raising funds and awareness for Jacob’s Chance inclusive sports programs.

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VUU athletes shine in field events at season opener

Virginia Union University men’s track and field team had a strong showing in its first outdoor meet of the season at the University of Richmond on March 13 and 14.

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City’s first tiny forest takes root at Fonticello Park

Richmond’s first tiny forest was planted at Fonticello Park on March 15, an effort led by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Richmond Parks and Recreation with the help of about 25 volunteers.

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Food bank outreach center launches School Pantry program to fight student hunger

Students facing food insecurity in Chesterfield County will now have greater access to nutritious meals and essential supplies with the launch of the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center’s (CFBOC) School Pantry Program. The initiative was officially unveiled during a special event March 25 at J.G. Hening Elementary School.

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5th Baptist Church hosts 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program

On the day after the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the community will come together to recognize individuals who continue his fight for justice and progress at the 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program, hosted by Living the Dream, Inc. The event will take place 2 p.m., April 5 at 5th Baptist Church.

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Rapper Styles P to perform at Ember Music Hall

Styles P, hip-hop artist and member of The Lox, will perform at Ember Music Hall on Saturday, March 29. Styles P will be joined by Technician The DJ, with Richmond’s DJ Hypeee providing additional music throughout the night. Cannondeck will open the show.

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Norfolk State’s Diamond Johnson named HBCU National Player of the Year

Norfolk State guard Diamond Johnson has been named the HBCU National Player of the Year, headlining the 2024-25 HBCU Division I Women’s All-American teams presented by BOXTOROW (Bringing Out the Excellence in Sports through Recognition of Outstanding Winners).

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¡FridaFest! at VMFA to honor Frida Kahlo and her Mexican heritage

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will bring Frida Kahlo’s legacy to life April 5, with a community celebration. From 1 to 7 p.m., ¡FridaFest! will mark the opening of the museum’s “Frida: Beyond the Myth” exhibition, offering visitors an experience filled with music, art, food and culture.

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Reynolds student earns New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship

Sidney King, a student at Reynolds Community College, was recently named Virginia’s recipient of the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship. King was selected from more than 2,100 applicants across 1,300 community colleges nationwide.

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IRS-certified students offer tax assistance at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

The University of Richmond is offering free tax preparation services for the 14th consecutive year, as part of the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg’s Tax Assistance Program.

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Henrico Education Foundation CEO to exit

Henrico Education Foundation CEO Damon Jiggetts will step down this spring to become president and CEO of Access College Foundation in Norfolk.

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Richmond 34 event rescheduled for March 28 at VUU

The postponed Richmond 34 event will take place this Friday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center at Virginia Union University.

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Maude Trevvett principal wins 2025 REB Leadership Award

During a recent school event, Arainau “Rainy” Neal was named the recipient of the 2025 REB Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership, marking a milestone in her career at Maude Trevvett Elementary.

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City sends property tax rebate checks with incorrect names

A mix-up with property tax rebate checks sent this week has left some Richmond residents with incorrect names printed on their checks. The city confirmed no personal information was compromised and is working to correct the error.

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Flying Squirrels reveal revamped Copa La Diversión branding

The Richmond Flying Squirrels unveiled a fresh new look for their Copa La Diversión identity, Las Ardillas Voladoras de Richmond, during a lively reveal event last week. The updated branding includes a revamped logo, new uniforms and an overall style makeover.

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John Marshall boys dominate in state title game, girls finish in 2nd place

The John Marshall High School basketball teams both made a run in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) state championship games last weekend at the Siegel Center. While the boys’ team came out victorious, the girls’ squad fell short.

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UR to host inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival

The University of Richmond will host the inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival March 21-24, featuring acclaimed contemporary Italian cinema and a restored classic.

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Ken Burns brings ‘The American Revolution’ to Richmond

Ken Burns will begin the promotional tour for his upcoming six-part documentary series, “The American Revolution,” in Richmond on March 23.

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Cemetery Collaboratory symposium to explore long-term cemetery care

The worn headstones and overgrown paths of many historic cemeteries tell a story of neglect, but a new symposium in Richmond is working to change that.

Jackson Ward hotel project moves forward with new development plan

A new development is set to transform a 2.95-acre site in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward.

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Virtual book talk explores slave trade in Civil War South

The Library of Virginia will host a free virtual talk by historian Robert K.D. Colby on his debut book “An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South” on Tuesday, March 25, from noon to 1 p.m. .

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Amy Popovich named new deputy chief administrative officer

The City of Richmond appointed Amy Popovich as the next deputy chief administrative officer for Human Services on Tuesday.

Dominion Energy, Elegba Folklore Society recognized for cultural contributions

Virginia Humanities has announced the three recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth Humanities Award, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the humanities and their impact on Virginia’s cultural landscape.

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Henrico to host 2025 wheelchair basketball national championships

In April, the Henrico Sports & Event Center will be the center of intense competition as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Adult and Junior Division National Championships return for a second year. With 104 teams and more than 1,200 athletes ready to battle for supremacy, the tournament promises high-energy action and unforgettable moments on the court.

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VCU heads to NCAA Tournament as No. 11 seed, set to face BYU

Virginia Commonwealth University is headed back to the NCAA Tournament after securing the Atlantic 10 Championship, earning the No. 11 seed in the West Region. The Rams (28-6) will face sixth-seeded Brigham Young University (24-9) Thursday afternoon in Denver in the tournament’s first round.

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Softball program receives support from Virginia Union

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The Virginia Union University softball team will host a clinic for Richmond Public Schools’ co-ed middle school program on March 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. More than 80 students from all eight RPS middle schools are expected to attend, according to Dr. Stefanie Ramsey, RPS coordinator for K-12 athletics and activities, who helped launch the program.

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Lounge to anchor year-round events at CarMax Park

The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Friday an expanded partnership with Atlantic Union Bank, which will become the first Founding Partner at CarMax Park, the team’s new ballpark scheduled to open in 2026.

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State officials highlight flood dangers, urge preparedness

As Virginians prepare for the upcoming spring downpours and hurricane season, state officials are urging residents to assess their flood risk and consider flood insurance during Virginia Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs March 9-15.

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City’s vacuum leaf collection program ends March 14

Piles of leaves still lingering in Richmond yards may not be going anywhere soon unless residents act fast. The city’s vacuum leaf collection program is wrapping up for the season, with the last day to request service set for March 14.

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VSU names alumna Tiffani-Dawn Sykes new athletic director

Virginia State University recently named Tiffani-Dawn Sykes as its new associate vice president for intercollegiate athletics, bringing a former Trojan student-athlete back to her alma mater.

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Former rivals partner to bring racing back to Southside Speedway

Friday night racing is set to return to the Richmond area as Southside Speedway prepares for a revival under new leadership.

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Smith qualifies for NCAA Indoor Nationals

Virginia Union University freshman Antonio Smith has qualified for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Nationals. Smith will compete Friday, March 14, at Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis.

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Outdoor Festivals signal the changing seasons in Richmond

As sure as the temperatures begin to rise, Richmond’s festival season begins, signaling the arrival of spring. The city’s streets and parks become gathering places for food, music and celebration as locals shake off the winter chill and welcome the outdoors again.

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Celebrity guests and activities highlight expanded GalaxyCon

The line between fantasy and reality blurs later this month when superheroes, villains and beloved characters from across the entertainment universe converge on Richmond for the city’s largest pop culture event. GalaxyCon returns to Richmond March 27-30 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for a four-day pop culture celebration.

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Patriots make history with dominant A-10 title win

George Mason University women’s basketball reached a historic milestone Sunday, securing its first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship with a 73-58 victory over Saint Joseph’s.

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Mayor Avula announces permanent appointments for city leaders

Richmond officials have permanently appointed five department directors, a move they say will strengthen leadership and improve city operations. The appointees, who previously served in interim or deputy roles, bring experience in public policy, communications, housing, utilities and general services.

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Concert honors Sister Rosetta Tharpe at Hippodrome

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a former Barton Heights resident often called the “mother of rock & roll,” helped shape modern music with her pioneering guitar work and gospel-infused rock style. Her influence can be heard in the music of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. During the height of her career, Tharpe made Richmond her home, and now a group of musicians are coming together to honor her legacy.

Richmond SCLC elects new officers, board members

The Richmond chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference chose new officers and board members during its election Feb. 27.

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Virginia State captures CIAA title, awaits NCAA selection

Virginia State claimed its first CIAA men’s basketball championship since 2019 with a 71-64 victory over Bluefield State in the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. .

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Fireworks, giveaways, special jerseys spotlight Squirrel’s 15th season

A night at a Richmond Flying Squirrels game is about more than baseball. Whether it’s fireworks lighting up the sky, fans walking away with unique giveaways or special theme nights transforming The Diamond, the Squirrels have built their reputation on making every game an event.

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Woodford announces bid for Virginia’s 73rd House District

Justin Woodford recently announced his candidacy for Virginia’s 73rd District in the House of Delegates, focusing his campaign on issues affecting working and middle-class residents.

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Two-day event to bring women together for inspiration, community

Women seeking encouragement, spiritual renewal and community support will come together for “Empowered Women of Faith: Inspiring Change and Breaking Barriers.”

Sigma Gamma Rho to host youth symposium focused on girls’ empowerment

In response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of young girls, the Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority will host its annual Youth Symposium on March 8 at Fairfield Middle School.

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Byers named Black College Football Player of the Year

Jada Byers, a record-setting rusher at Virginia Union University, was recently named Black College Football Player of the Year by the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

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Richmond to host Broadway hits, including ‘The Wiz,’ ‘The Outsiders’

Broadway in Richmond recently unveiled its 2025-2026 season lineup, which will feature four Richmond premieres, two returning family favorites and the return of an iconic musical.

Orchard House Middle School to host screening of ‘Daughters’

Orchard House Middle School will host a public screening of “Daughters” on March 20 in partnership with Girls For a Change. The documentary follows four young girls as they prepare for a Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, examining the impact of separation on their relationships.

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Calendar-Ray honored for a lifetime of community service

Cassandra Calendar-Ray was honored Feb. 22 for her dedication to improving the lives of Virginia families at a ceremony held at The Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center in Louisa. The NAACP Branch #7085 recognized her with the NAACP Phenomenal Woman Plaque and the Harry Leroy Nuckols Memorial Certificate of Recognition for her exceptional community service.

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Vick announces three new additions to Norfolk State football staff

Norfolk State football Coach Michael Vick announced three additions to his coaching staff Wednesday, welcoming Tim Smith, DeCedrick Quinn Sr. and Wilson Appleton for the 2025 season.

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