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Free Press staff report

Stories by Free Press

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‘Gabriel Gathering’ to honor enslaved rebellion leader

Supporters of efforts to reclaim and memorialize Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom district will gather Friday, Oct. 10, for the 23rd annual Gabriel Gathering.

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Norfolk State coaching legend Charles Christian set for Hall of Fame

Former Norfolk State University men’s basketball coach Charles Christian, a Richmond native and Armstrong High School alumnus, will be posthumously enshrined into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame this November.

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City expands Zoning Advisory Council

Mayor Danny Avula announced Wednesday the addition of four new members to the city’s Zoning Advisory Council, expanding the panel from 17 to 21 members in response to resident calls for broader representation in planning decisions.

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Korir, Hawkins lead VUU to fifth at HBCU Challenge

The Virginia Union University men’s cross-country team placed fifth out of 13 schools at the HBCU Challenge on Oct. 3 in Cary, North Carolina, led by medal-winning runs from freshmen Rodgers Korir and Darryl Hawkins Jr.

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Hispanic Football Hall unveils college Player of the Year watch list

Fifteen college football standouts of Hispanic heritage were named Wednesday to the first-ever watch list for the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award.

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Norfolk State to host only Virginia gubernatorial debate Thursday

Norfolk State University will host the only face-to-face debate between the Republican and Democratic candidates for Virginia governor on Oct. 9.

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Virginia Union rolls past Shaw 59-7

Virginia Union University’s offense piled up 611 total yards as the Panthers routed Shaw University 59-7 on Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

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Atlanta’s first all-Black high school polo team wins inaugural match

The Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Team made history at the eighth annual Atlanta Polo Party, not only becoming the first all-Black high school polo team to compete but also winning its debut match.

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Virginia State sweeps Lincoln in straight sets

Virginia State volleyball needed just three sets to dispatch Lincoln (Pa.) on Monday, rolling to a 25-9, 25-9, 25-11 win at the Multipurpose Center.

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Early voting

Richmond voters are now casting ballots early for the 2025 elections, including races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates.

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Harris, Moore urge Congressional Black Caucus to stand firm

Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore urged members of the Congressional Black Caucus to remain resilient and take action in the nation’s challenging political climate during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday.

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Jackson State tops 2025 HBCU football media poll

The Jackson State Tigers remain the No. 1 team in HBCU football for the sixth consecutive week, continuing their dominance from the preseason, according to the 2025 HBCU Football Media Poll administered by BOXTOROW.

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Virtual talk to explore roots of Confederate monuments

The Library of Virginia will host a free virtual talk at noon Wednesday, Oct. 8, featuring Donovan Schaefer, a Virginia Humanities fellow, on his research project “Nationalism & Cosmopolitanism in the Creation of Richmond’s Confederate Monuments.” Registration is required at https://lva-virginia.libcal.com.

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Faith, festivities to highlight first Catholic Fest

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond will host its inaugural “Catholic Fest” on Saturday, Oct. 11, at The Diamond, offering a day of free activities for families and the broader community.

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ICA at VCU rolls out fall slate of artist talks and performances

The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University is opening its fall season with an expanded schedule of artist talks, performances, film screenings and a new chef residency.

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VMFA extends hours for ‘Frida: Beyond the Myth’ exhibition

Due to popular demand, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will offer extended hours for the exhibition “Frida: Beyond the Myth” during its final five days, Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 28.

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Westmoreland church to host marker dedication for landmark civil rights case

A state historical marker will be dedicated next month in Westmoreland County to commemorate a late 19th-century federal court case that helped lay the groundwork for one of the country’s earliest civil rights organizations.

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Panthers roll past Johnson C. Smith

Virginia Union University defeated Johnson C. Smith University 28-10 in the Willard Bailey Classic on Saturday at Hovey Field.

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From Church grounds to community homes

Plans for a new affordable housing complex in Richmond — years in the making — are now taking shape.

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Lift Your Gift gospel fest to celebrate faith, music and fellowship

The Lift Your Gift gospel fest will bring faith, music and fellowship to Petersburg on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will run from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax St.

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Richmond honors longtime city employees at annual service award ceremony

More than 560 Richmond city employees were recognized Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Main Street Station for reaching service milestones with the city recently.

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Red light cameras coming to high-risk Richmond intersections this fall

The City of Richmond is expanding its Safety Camera Program to address red light running at crash-prone intersections, with enforcement expected to begin at the end of September, weather permitting.

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RVA East End Festival set for MLK Jr. Middle School

Richmond will celebrate its homegrown musical talent at the RVA East End Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

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Hispanic Football Hall of Fame launches to honor legends and inspire future players

A new chapter in American football history began recently with the launch of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to recognizing Hispanic players, coaches and contributors at every level of the sport.

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Virginia authors celebrated at library’s Literary Awards

Seven authors received the Library of Virginia’s 28th annual Virginia Literary Awards on Friday at the state library’s annual dinner and gala.

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NBPC names Russell Wilson ‘Quarterback of the Century’

The National Black Players Coalition recently named New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson its “Quarterback of the Century,” citing his career achievements on and off the field.

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Historian to discuss LGBTQ+ history in Virginia at library event

Historian Charles H. Ford will discuss his new book about LGBTQ+ history in Virginia during a free presentation at the Library of Virginia this month.

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Burton named to Obama Foundation Leaders program

Chris Burton, director of the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary, has been selected for the 2025-26 class of the Obama Foundation Leaders program.

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Flying Squirrels close The Diamond era with record attendance

The Richmond Flying Squirrels ended their final season at The Diamond with record-setting crowds and a 5-2, 10-inning loss to the Hartford Yard Goats on Sunday.

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Tigers upset Virginia Union on field goal

Ryan Gagne kicked a 35-yard field goal with seconds remaining to lift Edward Waters to a stunning 41-38 upset of defending CIAA champion Virginia Union on Friday night.

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Colonial Downs ends record-setting 2025 race season

Colonial Downs closed its 2025 thoroughbred racing season Sept. 13 with record numbers and a first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race.

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Panel to encourage political candidacy

A panel discussion aimed at encouraging community members to run for political office will be held Sept. 23 at Eggspectation Restaurant in Stony Point Fashion Park.

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Virginia Union University to host Huston-Tillotson president for convocation

Virginia Union University will welcome Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, as the speaker for its opening convocation on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Allix B. James Chapel.

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Third Baptist Church to hold candidates forum

Third Baptist Church will open its doors to the community Sept. 23 for a public “Conversation with the Candidates” forum ahead of the 2025 Virginia general election.

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City wins electric vehicle policy award

The City of Richmond received national recognition last month for its electric vehicle policies and jumped 21 spots in a national ranking of sustainable municipal fleets.

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Sarah Garland Jones Center to host 2025 Gospel Fest and clothing drive

The Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living will host the 2025 Gospel Fest and clothing drive on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 2600 Nine Mile Road. Doors open at 4 p.m.

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VSU professor awarded $1.1M grant to study glowing mushrooms

Virginia State University Associate Professor Xianfa Xie has received a $1,148,010 grant from the National Science Foundation to study bioluminescent fungi, or mushrooms that glow, according to a VSU press release.

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River Road Church welcomes educator Joshua Cole for forum event

River Road Church will welcome award-winning educator Joshua Cole on Saturday, Sept. 27 for a session on inclusivity as part of its Distinguished Speaker Forum.

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Dance festival to celebrate Richmond’s cultural diversity

Sixteen dance troupes representing cultures from around the world will take the stage at Deep Run Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, as Richmond’s International Dance Festival returns for its second year.

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VCU, Reynolds launch program to smooth transfer process

Virginia Commonwealth University and Reynolds Community College have launched a dual-admission program designed to give community college students additional support as they transfer to VCU.

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Virginia War Memorial to hold annual Patriot Day ceremony on Sept. 11

The Virginia War Memorial will host its annual Patriot Day ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11, honoring all Americans who were killed or injured in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 24 years ago.

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Richmond to host monthly boxing series supporting local charities

A new monthly boxing series will bring world-class fighters to Richmond starting Sept. 17, with proceeds benefiting local youth programs and nonprofit organizations.

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Diamond gets sendoff with former players, fan activities

The Richmond Flying Squirrels recently announced additional promotions for the final series at The Diamond, including former player appearances and special concessions.

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Wilder Symposium to spotlight Virginia’s impact on national politics

Virginia voters will help set the tone for national politics this fall when the state holds one of only two gubernatorial elections in the country.

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Norfolk State rallies past Virginia State 34-31 in overtime

Norfolk State scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to rally past Virginia State 34-31 in overtime Saturday night at William “Dick” Price Stadium.

Henrico Education Foundation names Jennifer Boyle as CEO

The Henrico Education Foundation has named Jennifer Boyle as its new CEO following a national search, the organization announced Tuesday.

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Panthers’ rushing attack overwhelms Miles in Hall of Fame Classic

Virginia Union opened its 2025 season with a statement.

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VA Pride unveils headliners for Pridefest

VA Pride recently announced that rapper Saucy Santana, trans pop singer Mila Jam and club icon Kevin Aviance will headline Pridefest 2025 at Midtown Green on Saturday, Sept. 27.

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R&B Festival to return to Kanawha Plaza

The sounds of classic R&B will fill Kanawha Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 6, as the third annual Richmond R&B Festival brings together some of the genre’s defining voices from the 1990s and 2000s.

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Employers to showcase career opportunities at Life-Ready expo

Henrico County Public Schools will host its annual Life-Ready Expo on Sept. 17 at Hermitage High School, giving middle and high school students and their families a chance to explore career options and connect with local employers.