Thursday, November 27
Edna H. McEachin, mother of state senator, succumbs at 87
Edna H. McEachin was a librarian assistant at Armstrong High School and taught special education for more than a decade at Thomas Jefferson High School before retiring in 1989.
No charges for Michael Brown’s killer
Michael Brown Jr.’s grieving parents likely will never see the killer of their teenage son face murder charges.
VSU wins NCAA first-round playoff game
Virginia State University’s football season falls into the category, “Who would have thought?”
What are you most thankful for?
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, when we are reminded of our blessings.
The blessing of Heaven
It’s about family togetherness
For Ayisha Carter and her children, every day is Thanksgiving.
Morgan State Bears in NCAA tourney in Richmond
The Morgan State University Bears football team is coming to Richmond for the first time since 1993.
Rudolph McCollum Sr., 78, remembered
Mr. McCollum drove buses commercially for more than 40 years. He considered his passengers his second family.
Tuesday, November 25
Free Press reporter honored by South Richmond church
Dr. Michael A. Sanders, pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church, presented Free Press reporter Joey Matthews with a plaque during the worship service Sunday, Nov. 16, at the church at 2611 Bells Road.
VCU headed next for N.Y. to play at Barclays Center in Legends Classic
A skeptic might need a high-powered microscope to detect any flaws these days with Virginia Commonwealth University basketball.
Fast food workers must perform community service
Community service, but no jail time for protesting low wages.
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.
Friday, November 21
Pipeline benefits don’t justify the risks
I voted “No." on a bill to force President Obama to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline would run 1,700 miles from Alberta, Canada, to the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Save our communities
It is time for Richmond’s black people to draw a line in the sand to save our communities.
Lynch may suffer GOP’s scorn of president
Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch by any account has the highest legal and educational pedigree imaginable to succeed Eric Holder as U.S. attorney general
Is GOP ready to welcome black people?
Since the Republicans takeover of Congress on Nov. 4, I have received numerous emails and phone calls from friends who are Democrats indicating that they are ready to join the Republican Party.
Mr. Boone and the FBI
Activist Dick Gregory used to say it all the time: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.”
Sharon Baptist Church building no longer for sale
Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward is still on the market, according to a major Richmond real estate company’s website.
$275K for VSU interim president
Dr. Pamela V. (for Valleria) Hammond is ready to jump into her new role as interim president of struggling Virginia State University.
CIAA champion VSU heads to NCAA playoffs
Virginia State University is the CIAA Football Champion for the first time since 1996 and eagerly awaiting its first-ever NCAA playoff game.
Personality: Courtland Lambert Jr.
Spotlight on Richmond's Firefighter of the Year
Courtland A. Lambert Jr. faces danger each time he suits up in firefighter gear, climbs aboard a truck at Richmond Fire Station No. 1 in Church Hill and responds to a call.
Solange Knowles marries former Richmonder
Sunday’s wedding of Solange Knowles, Beyoncé’s younger sister, and Richmond native Alan G. Ferguson will go down in “The Big Easy” as one for the ages.
Calhoun Cougars win city rec league championship
The Calhoun Cougars are the champions of tackle football in Richmond’s Recreation Center League for the first time in at least 20 years.
A steal for the Squirrels?
Baseball team gets sweet deal with city’s five-year lease at The Diamond
Virtually free rent. That’s what the minor league baseball team, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, got in their new five-year lease deal on The Diamond.
Tuesday, November 18
VUU receives $50,000 from Florida couple
Mr. Nathaniel Green, who grew up in Richmond’s Fulton neighborhood, said the new fund carries the Fulton name to recognize neighborhood residents who attended VUU, as well as the VUU graduates who taught him in city schools that served Fulton.
Update: Khloe ‘Texas Tornado’ Pointer wins state cross-country title
In cross-country romps over hill and dale, the 15-year-old Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School sophomore, Khloe Pointer, combines a tireless stride with a fierce competitive spirit that belies her petite 5-foot-4, 102 pounds.
Foundation eyeing former Catholic school for apartments
An abandoned Catholic school on North Side is being targeted for a projected $10 million transformation into 92 affordable apartments for the elderly and disabled.
Hampton alumna’s spicy taste buds win $1M
Meneko Spigner McBeth's award-winning Lay’s Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger potato chips soon will line the aisles.
Petersburg man lost dream, but made $45,000 profit
Montague D. Phipps had big dreams three years ago when he bought a derelict duplex from the City of Petersburg for the rock-bottom price of $5,000.
Friday, November 14
Personality: Jordan R. Pearson
Spotlight on young playwright who helps others
True or false: You have to be a grown-up to make a difference. That’s false, says 14-year-old Jordan Randolph Pearson. This poised youth with an easy smile and big personality is out to demonstrate how much a young person can do.
Afrikana film festival in Richmond
The Afrikana Independent Film Festival is presenting the award-winning documentary “Finding Fela” next weekend at the Byrd Theatre in Carytown.
3 area churches up for sale, auction block
The prominent Richmond Christian Center at 214 Cowardin Ave. is one of several sanctuaries that are on the market, including the former home of Second Baptist Church of South Richmond a few blocks away and Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward.
Dr. E.D. McCreary Jr., 95, mourned
Dr. E.D. — for Edward Daniel — McCreary Jr. was known as a “pastor’s pastor.” During a long career in the ministry, he influenced thousands of Richmonders. He also helped mold new generations of ministers as a professor at Virginia Union University’s seminary.
Quarterback sacked by DUI charge
Virginia State University is heading into its biggest game of the season minus a key component — quarterback Tarian Ayres.
Heartwarming return for Albert Hill coach
Coach Michele Drayton walked into the Albert H. Hill Middle School gym for the first time since suffering a stroke last month. The players on her girls’ basketball team excitedly ran over, showering her with hugs.
New boss at VSU
Hampton provost to take reins
Pamela V. Hammond is on track to become the first woman to lead Virginia State University in the school’s 132-year history, the Free Press has learned.
Wednesday, November 12
Gugu Mbatha-Raw brings depth to ‘Beyond The Lights’
Honored this past October with the “Emerging Icon” award from Elle Magazine at the celebration for their 21st annual “Women in Hollywood” issue, Gugu Mbatha-Raw is an actress on the rise.
Tuesday, November 11
Serena claims another title in Singapore
When Serena Williams is healthy, she is still far and away the world’s top tennis player.
Henrietta A. Morris, retired educator, succumbs at 86
Henrietta A. Morris was known for her faith, a warm smile, a deep passion for helping others and a dogged determination.
Faith helped police sergeant through childhood trauma
Richmond Police Sgt. Carol Adams says not a day goes by that she doesn’t have flashbacks of her father viciously beating her mother.
Monday, November 10
Altria Theater lights up with new acoustics, amenities
Revamped acoustics — including a new sound system and sound-absorbing materials — are among the biggest changes in the grand venue once known as The Mosque and Richmond’s Landmark Theater.
Friday, November 7
State NAACP convention addressed issues
The Virginia State Conference NAACP continues to address important issues that impact our members and people of color across the commonwealth.
Confederates to hold service at Downtown church
The executive director of the Historic Richmond Foundation is defending the organization’s decision to rent the historic church it owns and maintains in Downtown to a Richmond-based national group that glorifies the Confederacy.
Missing progressive candidates
Readers of your paper should be aware that when we vote, we do not win. We just do not lose quite as badly.
VSU’s next step
The vacancy left by Dr. Miller’s departure now mustn’t hold up the turnaround of the university. And we challenge the board during this pivotal time during the university’s history to find the right person to lead VSU securely into the future.
Richmonders join in Holy Day of Atonement in Jamaica
Maria Muhammad called it “an experience I’ll never forget.” The Church Hill resident was among 10 Richmonders who traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, the weekend of Oct. 17-19.
When does one become ‘black enough’?
The ongoing and bitter history of African-Americans who mistrust, ostracize and bully one another into following certain stereotypical traits, beliefs and concerns of the community has been a long and conflicting battle.
Buckle up
A Republican flood at the ballot box ensures an overwhelming change in the makeup and dynamics of Congress beginning in January. With the election, Republicans have gained control of the U.S. Senate and strengthened their grip on the House of Representatives.
Happy Dance moving to state Senate
Democrat Rosalyn R. Dance waltzed to victory in the special election to fill the 16th Virginia Senate District seat that General Assembly veteran Henry L. Marsh III resigned during the summer.
Saturday’s showdown: VUU vs. VSU
If you’re a CIAA football fan in Virginia, this is as good as it gets: Virginia State at Virginia Union for the Northern Division supremacy. The winner will go to the CIAA championship game Nov. 8 in Durham, N.C., with a chance to advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Former church first lady dies at 95
Julia Beatrice Fitzgerald Thompson maintained a deep inner strength and quiet confidence. She was a bulwark in her family, church and the community.
Fine Arts & Flowers
The Fine Arts & Flowers exhibit opened Wednesday at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 9.
Personality: Sonya Clark
Spotlight on award-winning artist and professor
Sonya Clark is a master in the use of beads, combs, thread, textiles and hair. She regularly is showered with critical praise while winning recognition as a top contemporary artist.
Warner to get new Washington term after nail-biter win
Whew! That’s how many supporters of U.S. Sen Mark Warner are reacting after he narrowly won re-election to six more years of representing Virginia in Washington.
Dr. Warner, 71, former Richmond psychiatrist
Dr. Dennis Anthony Warner was known for his generosity.
Thursday, November 6
Miller out at VSU
Dr. Keith T. Miller handed in his notice last Friday at the start of a closed-door meeting of the university’s board of visitors. His resignation comes four and a half years after taking the helm of the 132-year-old institution and more than two years before his contract was to expire.
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.
Wednesday, November 5
Va. chief justice portrait presented
A portrait of the late Justice Leroy Rountree Hassell Sr., the first African-American chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, now hangs in the state’s highest court building in Downtown.
Tuesday, November 4
Wallace wins NASCAR truck race, honors No. 34
Professional racing driver Darrell Wallace Jr. paid tribute to the late Wendell Scott with a truck painted and numbered for the Hall of Fame inductee. Then he drove the truck to victory lane.
