Thursday, April 29
City Council recommends big pay raises for city employees
Coming this year: A major pay increase for city employees.
Oscars awarded to people of color during year of pandemic
The 93rd Annual Academy Awards was a mix of triumphant firsts for African-Americans, other people color and women during a glitter fest held Sunday for the first time at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
Richmond Flying Squirrels sell out opening day for 11 years running
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have hung the “Sold Out” sign on The Diamond box office for the 11th straight home opener.
Adele C. Johnson, Black History Museum executive director, succumbs at 70
Adele C. Johnson pushed to ensure the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia lived up to its name during her four-year tenure as executive director.
Personality: Donald S. ‘Don’ Richards
Spotlight on vice chair of Autism Society of Central Virginia
After decades in broadcasting, Donald S. “Don” Richards is gearing up for a new chapter of community advocacy.
Price of new Wythe High School skyrockets to $140M
The price tag to replace aging George Wythe High School has jumped to $140 million, a 40 percent hike from the previous estimate of $100 million.
Families want answers in latest police shootings in Va. and N.C.
Families in North Carolina and Virginia are still demanding answers from law enforcement authorities fol- lowing separate shootings by sheriff’s departments that left one man dead and another fighting for his life in intensive care.
NSU wants new football coach to bring Southern U. magic
Norfolk State University hopes Coach Dawson Odums can do for the Spartans what he did for the Southern University Jaguars.
1st Black player drafted by NFL in 1949
With the 129th pick of the 1949 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears made history by selecting George Taliaferro from Indiana University.
Jackpot?
Councilman Michael Jones defends $5,000 campaign contribution from potential casino operator
A key figure in the competition to develop a Richmond casino was an early contributor to 9th District City Councilman Michael J. Jones’ now ended campaign for the House of Delegates.
Richmond to get millions under federal American Rescue Plan package
The American Rescue Plan, which provided a $1,400 check to almost every adult in the country, is about to rain even more money on City Hall.
Clarence Wall, administrator at Central State Hospital, dies at 86
Clarence Edward Limas Wall, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and former director of hospital programs at Central State Hospital, has died. The Richmond native died Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was 86.
Monroe Park Conservancy reports growing deficit
A city-created nonprofit set up to manage and operate Monroe Park on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus is sinking further into red ink, according to its latest financial report,
Census data show Virginia’s population up by 7.9%
Virginia’s population grew over the past decade, but not enough to gain an additional seat in Congress, according to new figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday.
Va. Supreme Court upholds $250,000 damage award for racial slurs
Persistent use of racial slurs can be costly, as the owner of a Loudoun County remodeling firm has learned.
GOP gubernatorial candidates meet in first debate
Four out of the seven Republicans running for governor in Virginia met Sunday in their first debate, covering topics ranging from education to law enforcement to the economy, with each promising to turn back liberal Democratic policies and end a GOP losing streak.
’Breathing Places’ exhibit opens May 5 at The Valentine
Did you know that Capitol Square, the popular green space that surrounds the State Capitol building, was developed by the City of Richmond in 1804 as its first park?
Rookie Yermin Mercedes sets major league record
It took Yermin Mercedes 11 years to work his way up to the big leagues. And when the green light finally arrived, he hit the gas and sped into the spotlight.
School Board adopts reopening plan, calendar
In a demonstration of unity, the Richmond School Board unanimously approved a plan for reopening schools in the fall for in-person learning five days a week.
Class of 2021 to have in-person graduation ceremonies
Seniors in Richmond and Henrico County high schools will have traditional, in-person graduation ceremonies this year.
Holding police officers accountable, by Dr. Ronald Fraser
Since 1871, the Civil Rights Act has held state and local officials, including police officers, legally liable for damages if their actions violated a citizen’s constitutional rights.
Transforming police must come from bottom up, by Ben Jealous
Hearing the words “Guilty. Guilty. Guilty.” in Derek Chauvin’s murder trial brought millions of Americans a feeling of relief. But that relief was incomplete.
GOP postures as party of working people, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
The debate over President Biden’s $2 trillion American Infrastructure Plan is heating up — and getting more and more unhinged. Republicans are railing against the president for asking for too much. They promise a filibuster against the bill unless there is a bipartisan agreement on their terms.
Denying our humanity
It has been more than 400 years since the first Black people arrived in Virginia on the shores of what would become the United States of America. And more than 400 years later, we are still fighting for recognition of our humanity.
Thursday, April 22
Judge suspends incorporation efforts at Fourth Baptist Church
A Richmond judge has temporarily blocked historic Fourth Baptist Church from taking any further steps to incorporate and reversed other actions approved during the pandemic.
Mass shootings can’t all be put off on mental illness, experts say
The recent proliferation of violent shootings and mass murders in cities and towns around the nation have spurred many people to ask, “What is going on?”
John Marshall High renames gym, field to honor former coaches
The John Marshall High School gymnasium and athletic field are getting new names to honor two coaches who were instrumental in the North Side school’s sports history and in mentoring youths.
New business investments to add more than 1,200 jobs
More than 1,200 new jobs are headed to the Richmond area as the result of new business investments.
Historic site review slows rail lines planned over historic Black cemetery
Could a long-hidden Black cemetery impact plans to improve rail service between Richmond’s Main Street Station and Union Station in Washington, D.C.?
Va. minimum wage goes to $9.50 on May 1
Saturday, May 1, will usher in a major jump in pay for tens of thousands of hourly workers across Virginia.
Free virtual series on preparing for reopening
ChildSavers, the nonprofit mental health and child development services agency, is hosting a monthlong series of free, virtual conversations with health and faith leaders to help caregivers navigate mental health challenges and prepare for the reopening of schools and other activities during COVID-19.
Patients and doctors alike adapt during a year of COVID-19
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, everyday activities people often took for granted — hugs, seeing friends at birthday parties, dinners out and midday coffee runs with colleagues — were no longer considered safe and harmless.
Rift grows between School Board and City Council over Wythe replacement
A Richmond city councilwoman is calling on the School Board to halt its effort to retake control of school construction and to come to the table with city officials “to create a process that everyone can support.”
City Electoral Board issues referred to commonwealth’s attorney
The Virginia Board of Elections punted Tuesday on trying to decide whether any wrongdoing occurred with the Richmond Electoral Board’s count of ballots in last November’s election.
Early voting begins April 23 for Democratic primary
Early voting for the June 8 Democratic primary will get underway this Friday, April 23 – 45 days ahead of primary day.
Casino contenders now down to 2; Bally’s out
Just two contenders are left in the competition to build a casino-resort in Richmond, and one already has corralled the support of a majority of City Council.
Guilty
Former Minneapolis police officer faces decades in prison after a jury convicts him of three counts in the heinous kill of George Floyd; tears of joy and relief flood the nation
MINNEAPOLIS Black Americans and others from Missouri to Florida to Minnesota cheered, marched, hugged, waved signs and sang jubilantly in the streets Tuesday after a Minneapolis jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder in the death of George Floyd.
Voice your opinion on police civilian review board
Have an opinion on Richmond’s plans for creating a civilian review board to provide oversight and hold hearings on complaints involving city police officers?
Cityscape-Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
A new addition to the Virginia Commonwealth University campus is taking shape – a building dedicated to science technology, engineering and math instruction.
101st birthday wishes
Marjorie Wilson Saunders, who touched the lives of hundreds of students during her teaching career at Richmond’s Maggie L. Walker and George Wythe high schools, is serenaded with “Happy Birthday” by family, including her daughter, Marjory, friends and former students who helped celebrate her 101st birthday on April 15.
Standing on sidelines not an option by Marc H. Morial
In the long arc of the nation’s history of racially motivated voter suppression, 2021 will stand as a clear and distinct moment that changed everything that came after. Whether it will symbolize the demise of such suppression – or its shameful entrenchment – remains to be seen.
Is America failing Millennials, Gen Zs? by Dr. Stephanie Mayers and Jan Perry
During the last two weeks of March and first week of April, Americans were shocked with alarming news of mass shootings and violent attacks in Atlanta; Boulder, Colo.; Washington, D.C.; and York County, S.C. Out of the 20 mass shootings and violent attacks during that time, one very distressing element stands out: A number of the attacks were carried out by GenZs — those ages 14 to 24 — and Millennials — those ages 25 to 38 — from diverse racial groups and regions of the United States.
‘Gun control has nothing to do with guns; it is people control’
Letters to the editor
The purpose of this letter is correct myths surrounding the AR-15 rifle, the most popular rifle in America.
Police need help to stop the violence
Letters to the editor
In Richmond lately, there have been several deadly shootings in our beloved city. Reasons for many have yet to be determined. There is never a reason, to me, to take someone’s life unless in self defense. But this does not seem to fit the motives in these cases.
Police brutality should not become the norm
Letters to the editor
We should not be looking at murders live on television of Black men and women and saying, “I’m shocked! Oh my God, another one murdered!”
A ‘bid for cheap immortality’
Letters to the editor
Re “Confederate chair held ransom: White Lies Matter group threatens to turn stolen $500,000 chair into a ‘toilet’ unless the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Richmond posts banner on anniversary of Confederate surrender,” Free Press April 8-10 edition:
School Board should focus on education, not school construction
Letters to the editor
Re “School Board taking control of new building construction,” Free Press April 15-17 edition: Members of the Richmond School Board are putting politics over people.
Area commencements will be mix of in-person and virtual celebrations
Universities and colleges throughout the Richmond area have announced commencement plans designed to keep people safe while allowing for graduates and their families to celebrate.
Celebrating 150th anniversary of Jackson Ward
Hundreds of people gathered in Jackson Ward last Saturday for “Illuminating Legacies: Giles B. Jackson Day,” the kickoff of The JXN Project’s celebration commemorating the 150th anniversary of Jackson Ward. Known as the “Black Wall Street,” Jackson Ward was a thriving center for Black commerce, entertainment and life in Richmond following the Civil War.
Personality: Dr. Madeline G. McClenney
Spotlight on president-founder of Exodus Foundation.org
Baptist minister, prison abolitionist and self-described “mass clemencyist.”
Former NFL player Leroy Keyes, who was among Va.’s greatest athletes, dies at 74
.Leroy Keyes, who was among the greatest athletes in Virginia sports history, has died.
Rodman scores in first NWSL game
It didn’t take teenager Trinity Rodman long to prove she could play with the pros.
Former WNBA player new part-owner of the Atlanta Dream
ATLANTA Former Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery made history recently as part of a three-member investor group that was approved to purchase the team.
Dallas Wings add height, talent to team in latest WNBA draft
If any team appears to be on the runway and prepared for WNBA takeoff, it’s the Dallas Wings.
Makeover, new life for former Negro Leagues stadium
Call it the reincarnation of Hinchliffe Stadium.
NSU names new football coach
Dawson Odums is the new head football coach at Norfolk State University.
VCU’s ‘Bones’ Hyland leaves to enter NBA draft; 3 new players arriving
In college basketball, they come and they go. The exit sign and the welcome mat are never far apart.
Faith leaders react to Chauvin verdict
As the Minneapolis judge thanked jurors for their “heavy-duty jury service” on Tuesday, reactions already had begun to the three guilty verdicts in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the May 25 death of George Floyd.
Thursday, April 15
Virginia suspends use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Virginia has suspended the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after federal health agencies warned that the single-dose inoculation may cause a rare, and potentially fatal, blood clot disorder.
Double dose of wrong
State Police, FBI and civil rights investigations launched into treatment of 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario during traffic stop in Windsor, Virginia, while police officer is charged in shooting death in Minn.
Virginia State Police and the state Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights are investigating the traffic stop of 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario in rural Isle of Wight County, where two police officers, screaming with their guns drawn, threatened him, peppersprayed him in the face and demanded he get out of his SUV without giving him an explanation for the stop.
Confederate chair found in New Orleans; alleged bandits nabbed
The stolen chair dedicated to Confederate President Jefferson Davis has been recovered in New Orleans, and the owners of a tattoo parlor in the “Big Easy” have been arrested on related felony charges, though their attorneys are calling their arrests “a mistake.”
UR faculty votes for rector’s removal as board outlines new plan
The University of Richmond Board of Trustees this week took a first step to organizing a commission that would “establish principles on renaming” buildings at the private, 4,000-student school.
Personality: Dr. Sesha Joi Moon
Spotlight on co-creator of The JXN Project
The 150th anniversary of Jackson Ward’s creation is close, and Dr. Sesha Joi Moon is intent on seeing that the full history of the district in Downtown is recognized and celebrated.
Andrea Peyton Sharpe, bookkeeper, dies at 73
Brothers Jerry F. “Jay” Sharpe Jr. and Devron N. Sharpe run very different businesses in the Richmond area. But the one person each trusted to keep their books was their mother, Andrea Peyton Sharpe.
Restoration work at John Jasper Monument
From left, Daniel Castro, Wilson Zelaya and Jose Hernandez complete work last Friday on a new foundation for the John Jasper Monument at Woodland Cemetery on Magnolia Road in East Highland Park. Rev. Jasper, who was born into slavery in Fluvanna County, founded Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward after his own emancipation following the Civil War.
Jackie Robinson opened MLB’s doors to people of color 74 years ago on April 15
If Jackie Robinson had done anything wrong in1947, it might have set back the movement for racial equality many years. Instead, he did everything right.
Mustang Club revs engines to mark classic car’s 57th birthday, service award
Thomas Victory and the Victory 7 Mustang Club are celebrating a birthday on April 17 — the 57th birthday of the Ford Mustang.
School Board taking control of new building construction
The Richmond School Board is taking back control of the design, development and construction of new schools, potentially blocking a City Hall plan to fast-track design and development of a replacement building for worn-out George Wythe High School.
City police, firefighters seek $8.9M for simpler, more competitive pay plan
The Richmond Fire Department is so short of trained manpower that it plans to impose mandatory overtime later this month to ensure adequate coverage for fires and medical emergencies, firefighters told Richmond City Council on Monday night.
Timeline outlined for disposal of city-owned Confederate statues
Richmond City Council could vote to dispose of the city’s collection of Confederate statues at the Monday, June 14, meeting, according to a tentative plan for action.
Land conservancy to acquire 5.2 acres on riverfront for parkland
Instead of private condos or offices, a major piece of Dock Street property that nestles the James River is on its way to becoming parkland everyone can use.
George Wythe athlete Talik Bryant excels despite season without basketball
Talik Bryant has earned a spot on the “A Team” at Rich- mond’s George Wythe High School.
Who will be NBA Rookie of the Year?
LaMelo Ball did everything and more that could have been expected of him — everything, that is, but stay healthy.
Ray Felix was first Black NBA Rookie of the Year
As star newcomers go, Ray Felix was a trailblazer in 1954 when he became the first African-American to be named NBA Rookie of the Year.
DeAndrea Neal, VSU Hall of Famer and former offensive line coach, dies at 53
DeAndrea Neal, a member of the Virginia State University Sports Hall of Fame, died Friday, April 9, 2021.
Rapper DMX dies at 50
DMX, the iconic hip-hop artist behind the songs “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up in Here)” whose distinctively gruff voice and thoughtful messages in his rhymes made him one of rap’s biggest stars, has died, according to a family statement Friday, April 9, 2021. He was 50.
’Emancipation’ project leaves Georgia over voter suppression laws
Will Smith and director Antoine Fuqua have pulled production of their runaway slave drama “Emancipation” from Georgia over the state’s recently enacted law restricting voting access.
‘Bridgerton’ heartthrob leaves show, breaks hearts
News that “Bridgerton” heartthrob Regé-Jean Page would not be returning to the Netflix hit show for season 2 set the internet aflame recently.
National standards needed for police behavior, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Even as former police officer Derek Chauvin is on trial in Minneapolis for the murder of George Floyd, police 10 miles away fatally shot an African-American man, Daunte Wright, after pulling him over for an alleged traffic violation. That triggered protests that led to confrontations with police, despite Mr. Wright’s family pleading for non-violence.
Biden offers diverse judicial nominees, by Ben Jealous
People who care about equal justice under the law should be very happy about President Biden’s first set of judicial nominees.
‘Let all of the people determine what’s good for the city’
I find many recent responses to a casino resort in the city bothersome.
Thursday, April 8
‘Nothing will stop us from voting’
There are efforts in 43 states led by the Republican Party to limit voting. Most of these laws target African-Americans and other minority groups. Nothing will stop us from voting.
Community voices and public safety reform, by Reginald E. Gordon and Chief Gerald M. Smith
Last year was a year that shook the city of Richmond and the nation — from the devastation and heartache of the COVID-19 pandemic to the protests in response to long-standing racial inequities and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Justice is on trial, by Ben Jealous
The murder trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin has begun, 10 months after George Floyd died in the street with Mr. Chauvin’s knee on his neck.
Lessons from the Chauvin trial
The murder trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd has offered us many lessons, if we care to listen.
Rapper DMX remains on life support
Supporters and family of the rapper DMX chanted his name and offered prayers Monday outside the New York hospital where he remains on life support.
MLB moving All-Star game to Denver in response to Georgia voter suppression
Major League Baseball plans to relocate the All-Star Game to Coors Field in Denver after pulling this year’s Midsummer Classic from Atlanta over objections to sweeping changes to Georgia’s voting laws.
Remembering Final Four record holders
As time passes, it’s the Final Four team champions that are most remembered, as they should be.
HBCU made it to NCAA Division I Final Four only once
HBCUs have made just one appearance in the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I Final Four in the tournament’s history.
Stanford women win title for first time since 1992
Instead of home sweet home, let’s hear it for “Home Sweet Hotel.” That could be the theme for Stanford University’s women’s basketball team that defeated the University of Arizona 54-53 for the NCAA title last Sunday.
Neil S. Kessler is new chair of RRHA board
As anticipated, the board of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has a new chair – Neil S. Kessler.
Rally calls for end to mandatory minimum sentences
Chris Young. Kemba Smith. Quadaire “Q” Patterson. Jerry James. These names and many others were the focus of a news conference Monday at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square, as prison justice advocates called for the end of mandatory minimum sentences.
City Council still undecided on Confederate statues
Twenty-two organizations and individuals have submitted bids to own and relocate one or more of the city’s now stored Confederate statues.
Confluence of events propels record number of Black candidates to statewide office
Historian Julian M. Hayter echoes in a phrase what many people say this election year is all about. “It reflects the ‘blueification’ of the state,” said Dr. Hayter, an associate professor of leadership studies at the University of Richmond, when assessing why so many African-Americans are running for Virginia’s top offices — including three Black Democratic candidates for governor, one Republican and one Libertarian Party candidate.
Fairfax compares his treatment to George Floyd during Democratic debate
Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax accused his Democratic rivals for governor of treating him like George Floyd or Emmett Till by calling for his resignation in 2019 over unresolved sexual assault complaints without affording him due process.
Vaccine efforts surge with 100,000th dose given at Richmond Raceway
For Antwon Agee, the 34-year-old Richmond nurse expected a routine couple of hours last Saturday helping the Richmond and Henrico County health districts vaccinate people at Richmond Raceway, as he has for the last month.
Marijuana on track for legalization July 1
In landmark action Wednesday, the General Assembly put Virginia on track to legalize possession of a small amount of marijuana on July 1.
Jones misses filing deadline, canceling primary challenge to Delegate Carr
Veteran Richmond Delegate Betsy B. Carr will not face a challenge in the June 8 Democratic primary.
Richmond Police records show 84 complaints filed against officers in 2020
How well are Richmond Police policing themselves to prevent the kind of hugely expensive and horrific mess created by former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin in his fatal arrest of George Floyd?
‘Scoop There It Is!’ Nicci Carr now a star for GEICO
“French vanilla, rocky road, chocolate, peanut butter, cookie dough. Scoop, there it is. Scoop, there it is. Shaka-laka-chaka-laka-chaka-laka.”
Baylor takes down undefeated Gonzaga to win
Gonzaga University was undefeated November to March, but Baylor University was undefeated in April, and that’s what counts most.
South Side churches merge, with Pastor Alexander ‘Jay’ Patrick as new head
Celebration Church and Outreach Center, formerly the Richmond Outreach Center, ap- pears to have merged with the nearby Liberation Church, with Pastor Alexander “Jay” Patrick of Liberation named the pastor of the newly merged church.
Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II, Dominion Energy CEO, dies day after he retires
Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II, who led Dominion Energy for more than a decade and was a powerful force in Virginia business and politics, died Friday, April 2, 2021, one day after stepping down from his post as the company’s executive chairman. He was 66.
Personality: Mahmud Chowdhury
Spotlight on chairman of Asian American Society of Central Virginia
At a time of heightened concern for and within the Asian-American community, Mahmud Chowdhury has his hands full.
UR suspends building name change; fundraiser halted with alumni boycott
Students are pulling out of campus organizations. Alumni, including a 7,300-member alumni Facebook group, are halting donations. And the faculty Senate has censured the board chair or rector.
Chauvin violated policy, training and ethics in pinning George Floyd, chief says
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo joined in condemning the actions of Derek Chauvin during the second week of the trial of the former officer charged with murdering George Floyd while he was in custody.
Confederate chair held ransom
White Lies Matter group threatens to turn stolen $500,000 chair into a ‘toilet’ unless the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Richmond posts banner on anniversary of Confederate surrender
It started with the March theft of an ornate stone chair dedicated to Confederate President Jefferson Davis that has been a fixture for more than a century in a cemetery in Selma, Ala.
State Board of Elections investigation continuing into city Electoral Board
The state Board of Elections is to meet Tuesday, April 20, to determine whether allegations involving two Democratic members of the Richmond Electoral Board are to be referred to the Richmond Circuit Court for further action.
April is National Donate Life Month
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association, or COTA, was founded in April 1986 when residents of Bloomington, Ind., rallied around a toddler who needed a life-saving liver transplant.
Thursday, April 1
State elections board investigating allegations involving city Electoral Board’s handling of Nov. 3 election
Did theDemocratic-controlled Richmond Electoral Board break state law in trying to produce results after the Nov. 3 election amid challenges from COVID-19?
Casino proposals offer a range of sweeteners for city
First there were six. Now there are three companies competing for the Richmond license for a casino after a city panel discarded three other proposals last week. Soon there will be just one.
‘I believe I witnessed a murder”
Witnesses to George Floyd’s deadly arrest in Minneapolis tell jury of their shock, horror
Darnella Frazier said she sometimes lays awake at night “apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more and not physically interacting and not saving his life.”
Ghamani Hogue brings home winnings from the State 3A track meet
Ghamani Hogue looks at track and field meets as being like an all-you-can-eat buffet. And she comes hungry.
NSU and former Freeman H.S. runners win All-American status
You don’t have to be born in America to become an All-American.
Shaka Smart exits Texas for Marquette
As it turns out, Coach Shaka Smart’s most daunting opponent wasn’t so much the other teams he faced as it was the NBA.
Kim English newest addition to Division I head coaching ranks
Kim English is the latest addition to the small ranks of Black head basketball coaches at NCAA Division I schools.
Anticipation builds for weekend’s NCAA Final Four matches
Longtime hoops fans recall when the University of Houston was renowned as “Phi Slamma Jamma.”
Surviving — and thriving — through the pandemic, by Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Before the unimaginable disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Claflin University was teeming with unbridled optimism, buoyed by the recognition the university and the men’s basketball program had received during the 2020 CIAA Basketball Tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
Please ignore the former president, by Julianne Malveaux
The former president, also known as 45 or the Orange Man, or the Nutty Narcissist, kept our nation with his insanity for more than four years. President Biden is best advised to ignore his predecessor and should not even stoop to mention his name.
Commemorating Dr. King’s death on Easter, by A. Peter Bailey
April 4 — ironically Easter Sunday this year — will mark the 53rd anniversary of the as- sassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an historical date that I am willing to bet at least 75 percent of young Black folks under 40 are almost totally unaware of. Even most of those over 40 may have forgotten that this is the date that we should commemorate the memory of Dr. King as a warrior who left us with serious guidance in his book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”
Celebrating 103
Juliette Stephens Hamilton doesn’t mind telling her age. At 103, it’s a reason to celebrate.
Pharrell’s cousin shot and killed by Virginia Beach Police
Virginia Beach native and Grammy Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams said Monday night that his cousin, Donovon Lynch, 25, was killed by police during a chaotic night of violence in the oceanfront city last Friday.
Good Friday Pilgrimage April 2 in Downtown
The 6th Annual Good Friday Pilgrimage in Richmond will be held Friday, April 2, it has been announced.
Richmond is finalist for All-American City Award
Richmond is a finalist for the 2021 All- American City Award, the National Civic League has announced.
State offers students free help applying for financial aid
Gov. Ralph S. Northam said the state is offering free help to students and their families to apply for college financial aid.
$3.7B deal paves way for better rail service from DC to RVA
Hourly passenger train service between Richmond and Washington is still years away. But the vision for faster and more frequent service took a big step forward Tuesday in Alexandria.
Crusade for Voters to hold virtual get-to-know-the-candidates sessions
Want to know more about the candidates running in the Tuesday, June 8, Democratic primary?
RRHA board leadership turnover may be in the works
Veronica G. Blount appears to be on her way out as the chair of the RRHA Board of Commissioners, the Free Press has learned.
McEachin launches new program to help people clear police record
Richmond residents have a new cost-free way to clear their police records of charges that resulted in acquittals or dismissals or were not prosecuted, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin has announced.
Gov. Northam signs Virginia Voting Rights Act
Gov. Ralph S. Northam has signed the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, making the Commonwealth the first state in the nation to enact its own voting rights act.
VSU to eliminate names of white supremacists from campus buildings
Virginia State University is removing the names of four campus buildings that officials said “do not reflect the rich heritage and spirit” of the school.
School Board expands day care, program, works to get ready for reopening
The Richmond School Board voted 7-0 Monday night to increase the number of students attending city learning centers by 125 beginning Friday, April 2.
Eddie Murphy, LeBron James feted during 52nd Annual NAACP Image Awards
Eddie Murphy was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame at the organization’s show that highlighted works by entertainers and athletes of color.
Snoozing VUU Panthers anxious for wake-up call
Few gyms have enjoyed more raucous victory celebrations than Virginia Union University’s venerable Barco-Stevens Hall. But more recently, few gyms have been more silent.
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.
Rufus A. Cosby, former head of transit union local, dies at 78
Rufus Alexander Cosby, former president of GRTC’s union, has died.
Personality: John W. Boyd Jr.
Spotlight on founder-president of the National Black Farmers Association
John Wesley Boyd Jr. is a man skilled in making waves, from the acres of crops in his fields to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.
