Thursday, March 25
PayPal names new award for Richmond legend Maggie L. Walker
Trailblazing businesswoman Maggie L. Walker sought to empower women in her pioneering efforts in business and banking in Richmond at the turn of the 20th century.
Pentagon’s Flynn needs to be charged in Jan. 6 attack
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles A. Flynn needs to be taken into custody immediately by the FBI for facilitating the right wing domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Support the For the People Act
To the American People: We write to you today as citizens who love this country and care deeply about its future. And right now, the most important thing we can do to protect that future is to rise together in support of the For the People Act currently before the Senate — the most significant piece of legislation to strengthen our democracy since the Civil Rights movement.
Black farmers and COVID-19 relief
If you ever begin to doubt that elections matter, think about Black farmers.
End the violence
It may seem incongruous heralding the abolition of the death penalty during a time in which two mass shootings have occurred within the space of a week.
Good riddance to the death penalty
Virginia has finally come down on the right side of the law with the abolition of the death penalty.
Illinois city 1st in U.S. to offer Black residents reparations
Using tax money from the sale of recreational marijuana, the Chicago suburb of Evanston has become the first U.S. city to make reparations available to its Black residents for past discrimination and the lingering effects of slavery.
Pandemic art: Prettying up the walls for Zoom calls
If you’ve been watching experts and commentators appearing on television from their homes, their increased attention to decor might look familiar: In the early days of lockdown, they, like many of us, sat in front of blank white walls, while now their homes frequently display prominent artwork.
3 time NFL Pro-Bowl guard Doug Wilkerson dies at 73
The San Diego Chargers had one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses in the 1970s, and Doug Wilkerson was a key cog in the attack.
NBA legend Elgin Baylor dies
Elgin Baylor, among the greatest and most exciting basketball players of all time, has died.
After video backlash, NCAA addresses inequities at women’s and men’s tournaments
The NCAA’s inequities in women’s sports are showing. And the NCAA officially, embarrassed mightily on social media, moved quickly to try to clean up the problems.
Virginia schools out of the running
If an analyst were to grade the state of Virginia on the NCAA Basketball Tournament, it wouldn’t be much higher than a “D.”
Gonzaga in pursuit of perfect record
The Gonzaga Bulldogs, aka the “Zags,” are seeking admission into one of college basketball’s most revered fraternities—The Undefeated Club.
NSU wins, only to be crushed by NCAA’s Goliath, Gonzaga U.
Norfolk State University was the only one of five Virginia schools to record a victory at the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Environmentalist Dr. Charles K. Price dies at 82
Dr. Charles Kemper Price, who led the effort to transform an ignored North Side area long used as a dumping ground into a walking and biking trail and spearheaded efforts to preserve natural areas in Richmond, has died.
Procastinators rejoice!
The deadline for filing federal and state income tax returns has been moved to Monday, May 17.
Advocates hope to speed up state legalization of marijuana
Wednesday, April 7, could be a big day for advocates of marijuana legalization.
UR discussion seeks healing from history
Amid a growing controversy over the names of buildings on the University of Richmond campus, college associates joined students and a national and local audience Tuesday night in an online discussion on how to approach Confederate memorials, the history they represent and healing from that history.
State of segregationist Harry F. Byrd Sr. to be moved in July from Capitol Square
The statue of Harry F. Byrd Sr., a former Virginia governor, U.S. senator and arch-segregationist, is to be removed from Capitol Square in July, thanks to a bill signed into law March 18 by Gov. Ralph S. Northam.
City Public Defender’s Office gets award, no pay supplement
The Richmond Public Defender’s Office received high praise Monday night from City Council.
Tax amnesty application deadline March 31
A month long tax amnesty program for Richmond property owners will expire next Wednesday, March 31.
New coalition offers blueprint for more affordable housing
A coalition of Richmond groups is advancing a policy agenda they hope can be a blueprint for City Hall’s efforts to reduce evictions and make affordable apartments and homes more available.
Comedian Micah ‘Bam-Bamm’ White celebrates 25 years in the business with benefit show
For two and a half decades, Micah “Bam- Bamm” White has been using his comedic talent to contribute to the Richmond community.
’March Madness’ turns to ‘Spring Sadness’ for VCU Rams
Virginia Commonwealth University traveled to the NCAA Big Dance hoping to kick up its heels and stay for a while.
Bishop J. Drew Sheard named new presiding bishop of Church of God in Christ
A Detroit bishop of the Church of God in Christ has been named the new presiding bishop of the nation’s largest historically Black Pentecostal denomination.
Lela Saberna Morris, longtime RPS personnel specialist, succumbs at 97
Lela Saberna Morris spent more than 40 years as a teacher and personnel specialist with Richmond Public Schools, but her road to a career in education was harder than most.
Personality: Dr. Pamela Kiecker Royall
Spotlight on first woman board chair of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Dr. Pamela Kiecker Royall is breaking ground in her newest role as the first female board chair for the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, a leadership post to which she was elected in January. And she is intent on making sure that the museum on Arthur Ashe Boulevard is “relevant and meaningful for diverse audiences.”
City students, families, teachers adjust to new styles of learning during a year with pandemic
Tisha Erby has four children attending Richmond Public Schools.
Boston’s new mayor marks historic ‘firsts’ leading city
Boston has a new mayor. Kim Janey, who took office on Monday, became the first African-American and first woman to lead the city.
High cost of defense
Everett L. Bolling Jr. tries to piece his life back together after winning in court but losing everything in a murder case
Eight months ago, Everett L. Bolling Jr., 37, seemed to have it all.
Thursday, March 18
From vaccines to pet meds, COVID-19 has been a year of pivots for HOPE Pharmacy
HOPE Pharmacy and its owner, Dr. Shantelle Brown, faced a dilemma.
Living a year under COVID
Around Richmond, people mark the first anniversary of life under COVID-19 and look toward what the future may bring
It has been an almost unbelievable 12 months for Monica and Clifton Murray.
George Floyd’s family wins $27M settlement in civil suit over his death
The family of George Floyd won a $27 million settlement in a civil lawsuit over his death last year at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer.
Gov. restores rights of nearly 70,000 felons
Nearly 70,000 formerly incarcerated felons in Virginia can now register to vote, serve on juries and run for public office.
Personality: Ana F. Edwards
Spotlight on VCU Graduate Alumni Achievement Award winner
In 1800, an enslaved man named Gabriel attempted a daring revolt in Richmond. His efforts were stymied by a severe thunderstorm and betrayals by co-conspirators. His story was consigned as a minor failure for centuries, largely forgotten.
Retired RPS educator Juanita T. Bates dies at 88
Juanita Threadgill Bates was known for her devotion to the Richmond students she taught in an education career that spanned 53 years.
Kirk Franklin apologizes after son releases obscenity-laced, family feud audio
Gospel entertainer Kirk Franklin has posted an online apology after one of his sons released a recording of an obscenity-laced and physically threatening argument he claimed was with Mr. Franklin.
Beyonce makes history with 28th Grammy Award; whole family wins, too
Queen Bey is the Queen of the Grammys now.
Councilman Jones: Anxious residents want the vaccine
Across the country, polls continue to find a share of the population continues to be hesitant or outright opposed to getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot.
Area congregations remain cautious as COVID-19 runs its course
This time a year ago, Richmond area houses of worship were loaded most weekends with church members praying, greeting and embracing friends and swapping thoughts about family, neighbors, work, school and retirement.
Questions persist about Richmond Technical Center classes
The debate and search for answers about eliminated vocational classes at the Richmond Technical Center raged on for a second week on “The Gary Flowers Show” on WREJ-990 AM.
Richmond School Board puts off year-round school until 2022-23
After a marathon debate Monday night on Richmond Public Schools’ reopening calendar, the Richmond School Board approved a multiyear plan that does not include immediate year-round school but is designed to address educational gaps caused by the coronavirus shutdown and virtual learning.
VUU students welcome Hispanic initiative
Current Virginia Union University students appear to support the university’s push for enrollment diversity.
Coalition launches Century of Mass Clemency initiative
A coalition of more than 40 state and local community and religious organizations are looking to make Virginia the beginning of a nationwide campaign for mass clemency.
City to pay $350,000 settlement in employee overtime lawsuit
City Hall has agreed to collectively pay $57,371 to 11 mostly former city Finance Department employees who alleged they were forced to work overtime without being paid.
Fort Lee being assessed as site to house unaccompanied immigrant children
Fort Lee, which sits outside of Petersburg about 20 miles south of Richmond, might become a temporary holding center for unaccompanied minors who cross into the United States without legal status and are detained by the U.S. Border Patrol.
NCAA: GOING TO THE BIG DANCE: NSU wins MEAC title, heads to NCAA
If Norfolk State University was snubbed at the ballot box, it more than got even on the court.
NCAA: GOING TO THE BIG DANCE: VCU Rams hoping 18th time a charm
Virginia Commonwealth University has taken one step backward. Now it needs to take a giant leap forward, and there’s no time to dilly-dally.
NCAA: GOING TO THE BIG DANCE: Liberty University Flames player Darius McGhee rises to occasion
When the Liberty University Flames jump for joy, no one jumps higher than Darius McGhee.
NCAA: GOING TO THE BIG DANCE: Transfer players come to the rescue for U.Va., Va. Tech
Two tall and talented transfers have helped vault both of Virginia’s Atlantic Coast Conference schools into the NCAA Big Dance.
Simons takes it to the rim in winning NBA Slam Dunk contest
Anfernee Simons introduced the “Kiss the Rim” dunk March 7 and the judges fell in love with it.
Boxing great Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies at 66
Marvelous Marvin Hagler stopped Thomas Hearns in a fight that lasted less than eight minutes yet was so epic that it still lives in boxing lore. Two years later, he was so disgusted after losing a decision to Sugar Ray Leonard — stolen, he claimed, by the judges — that he never fought again.
Irv Cross, star of football and sports broadcasting, dies at 81
Irv Cross, the NFL All-Pro cornerback who became a trailblazing broadcaster, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in North Oaks, Minn. Mr. Cross was 81.
Want to be in an opera?
Local performing arts company RVA Baroque is hoping plenty of people with talent do.
Getting to the other side
One year ago this week, COVID-19 stealthily came into our community and upended our lives. It has been a hard year.
‘They don’t want our souls at the polls’, by Julianne Malveaux
The Souls to the Polls movement encourages African-American church attendees to get out and vote. The churches that promote this movement cannot, because of their 501(c)(3) status, endorse candidates. They can, however, emphasize the gospel of social and economic justice and preach the gospel of civic participation.
Black Americans want vaccine
“They’ve read all this stuff rate is half the white rate. Black people who don’t intend online, from different news sources, which is confusing. But then they meet me, as someone who has had the shot, and I can give them some real answers.”— Armando Mateos of Working Partnerships USA, a Silicon Valley-based community organization working to help dispel misinformation about the pandemic and vaccines.
COVID-19 scams on the rise, by Nina Mohan
Scammers are taking advantage of the confusion surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and using it as an opportunity to prey on consumers anxious to get their shots.
Thursday, March 11
Coach Latrell Scott leaves NSU for East Carolina
The last time Norfolk State University had an opening for a new head football coach, it went the Division II route for the new man. Might it happen again?
Newly approved $1.9 trillion stimulus package to give boost to families, local economy
Percy Bell jumped for joy after learning Wednesday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the new stimulus package that provides a new round of direct payments to individuals and families. “I hoped and hoped, and now $1,400 is coming. I could sure use it,” said the Richmond fast food restaurant employee, who is among millions expected to receive the payments. “I’m broke, and this is really going to help.”
Low enrollment putting RPS tech programs in jeopardy
Richmond Public Schools’ traditional technical programs are on the verge of extinction due to low enrollment.
Personality: Taylor R. Scott
Spotlight on founder of RVA Community Fridge
For the last four months, Taylor RaShon Scott has been working to help meet the Richmond community’s need for food during the pandemic.
Forget Black protestants; white evangelicals least likely to get COVID-19 vaccine
Since before the COVID-19 vaccines hit the market, it has been predicted that Black Americans would choose to be vaccinated at dramatically lower rates than white Americans due to a historic mistrust of the health system. Media stories defined the causes for “vaccine hesitancy” while physicians worried about how to overcome it.
A-10 Tournament win would send VCU Rams to NCAAs
Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball Rams aren’t dancing yet. But they can hear the band warming up.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview stirs racial introspection among Brits
Explosive allegations by Meghan Markle, the duchess of Sussex, that she faced racist attitudes from both the royal palace and the media in the United Kingdom have sent ripples of shock around the world. But they came as no surprise to many Black Britons.
Mayor Stoney unveils $770.23M proposed city budget for 2021-22
Full funding for Richmond Public Schools. Enhanced pay for City Hall employees, including police officers and firefighters. No new taxes but an average hike of $5.70 month in the cost of utility services. Those are among the highlights of the $770.23 million general fund budget that Mayor Levar M. Stoney presented to City Council last Friday for fiscal 2021-22 that is now under review.
Calls for investigation into historic Black cemeteries’ operation
Halt the transfer of public money to the Richmond-based Enrichmond Foundation until an investigation can be conducted into the foundation’s ownership and operation of two historic Black cemeteries on the city’s eastern border with Henrico County.
Record number of Black candidates enter statewide races
A record 11 Black candidates are competing for the Democratic or Republican nomination for statewide office.
Electronic system allows voters to sign petitions for candidates to get on Democratic primary ballot
Signing a statewide candidate’s petition to get on the June 8 Democratic primary ballot just got extremely easy for registered voters.
Gonzalez hired as new PRS COO
Alana Gonzalez has as a tough road ahead as a new member of Richmond Public Schools’ executive team.
Virtual Metro Revival and social justice rally slated for next week
The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity is hosting a virtual Metro Revival next week featuring two out-of-town pastors, followed by a social justice rally.
Pastor resigns moderator position after criticizing women’s weight
Leaders of the General Baptist Council of Associations have recommended an investigation of a minister who preached that “weight control” by wives is the solution for marital problems.
Dr. Cornel West returns to Union Theological Seminary after 2nd Harvard rift
Dr. Cornel West is rejoining the faculty of Union Theologi- cal Seminary in New York, where he started his teaching career more than 40 years ago, the seminary said Monday.
NSU in MEAC Tournament this weekend
Norfolk State University was a dominant force in CIAA basketball but hasn’t yet found similar fortunes in the MEAC.
Local promoter helps boxer make comeback
Alonzo Butler, at 41, is neither down nor out as a professional boxer.
NSU alumna becomes NFL’s first Black female referee
Norfolk State University alumna Maia Chaka has become the NFL’s first Black female referee.
VUU to host virtual symposium March 12
The Virginia Union University Office of Government and Community Relations is hosting a virtual symposium, “Our America: The Reality Check 2021,” at 6 p.m. Friday, March 12.
Don’t expect side-splitting comedy in ‘Coming 2 America’
Nothing wrong with a little nostalgia. But if you’re looking for a comedy revelation, “Coming 2 America” isn’t it.
The prince and the duchess
If anyone is unclear about the damage racism causes, one had only to watch media mogul Oprah Winfrey’s sad and sickening interview with Meghan Markle, the duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry.
Raising the minimum wage is about racial justice, by Ben Jealous
It is time for a maximum push for a new minimum wage.
More study of free Black people who owned slaves needed
It recently was announced that four state-supported institutions of higher learning in Virginia have inaugurated an exploratory group, tentatively named The Center for the Study of Free Black Men and Women in Virginia, in hopes of telling some untold stories of our Commonwealth and to add to an accurate understanding of Virginia’s history. One such “untold story” is that of free Black owners of slaves, documented in part by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was known as “the father of Black history.”
Spanberger demonstrates leadership on climate issues
The past year saw us battling several crises at once: An unprecedented pandemic and the economic fallout that came with it, systemic racism and disparity and the effects of a changing climate, which made itself known in a season of record wildfires and hurricanes.
Take them down
The UR Black Student Coalition is demanding the University of Richmond remove names of racists from two buildings on West End campus
The University of Richmond is facing accusations of supporting white supremacy as the result of its plan to keep a building named for its slave-holding first president and another named for a newspaperman who championed segregation and Black oppression.
Richmond casino to create jobs, bring $ to city, consultants say
Two thousand new jobs and at least $31 mil- lion in new revenue for City Hall coffers.
Thursday, March 4
Thank you, Dominion Energy workers
A big thank you to the Dominion Energy employees who worked day and night to get us power following the last two ice storms. Even though it was cold and the weather was bad, you could still see them restoring power to the various neighborhoods.
‘Why I’m excited about the renaming of Freeman Hall ... to Mitchell-Freeman Hall’, by John H. Mitchell
Let me first say that there are scholars and students who know more about John Mitchell Jr. than I do. There are more than a handful of curious historians who have studied the Richmond Planet, the newspaper of which he was editor from 1884 until his death in 1929, and the words he penned more than 100 years ago.
Marijuana legalization legislation falls short of equity and fairness
Along with many other individuals, groups and organizations across Virginia, the Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia, or CECVA, is disheartened with the details within the legalization of marijuana bill that was approved by the General Assembly.
Black women’s organizations matter, by Julianne Malveaux
March is Women’s History Month. It is the perfect time to lift Black women’s organizations that make such an essential difference in our lives.
New CEO
We hope that residents of Richmond’s public housing communities will offer their thoughts on what qualities the next CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority should have and what challenges he or she will face.
Research identified 18th-century school for Black children
The College of William & Mary and Colonial Williams- burg are teaming up to preserve the legacy of an 18th century school that was dedicated to the education of enslaved and free Black children in Virginia.
Tea time: Oprah snags first interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since they quit royal duties
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spill the tea when they talk with Oprah Winfrey in their first major TV interview since they quit their royal duties and bought a home last year in the United States?
Wizards’ Bradley Beal leads NBA in scoring
In terms of basketball entertainment, Bradley Beal is the Wizard of Oohs and Ahhs.
Hampton University out in Big South quarterfinals
Hampton University’s Pirates accumulated a treasure chest of individual statistics this season, while often falling short on the scoreboard.
Injury-plagued Rams hope to be ready for A-10 Tournament
As this basketball season winds down, Virginia Commonwealth University has become more concerned with X-rays than Xs and Os.
Personality: Rasheeda N. Creighton
Spotlight on co-founder of the Jackson Ward Collective
As Black-owned businesses braced for the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new organization emerged in the Richmond region with the goal of ensuring these local businesses don’t just survive during this period, but thrive.
VCU to get $16M to purchase new stadium site
The General Assembly just gave a big boost to the plan to build a replacement for The Diamond baseball stadium on the stateAlcoholic Beverage Control Authority property at Hermitage and Robin Hood roads.
General Assembly wraps up session ushering in changes
The death penalty was abolished, a new state Voting Rights Act was approved to ensure voter suppression does not happen and racial bigotry was a labeled a public health crisis.
Marijuana justice groups criticize legalization bill passed by General Assembly
Just wait three years. That’s the message the General Assembly sent after finally passing a bill to legalize recreational marijuana use for those 21 and older.
RPS to reopen April 12 to 800 students
After hours of debate, an attempted amendment and process clarification, the Richmond School Board voted Monday night to reopen schools to 800 students April 12.
City Council OKs $325M development replacing Public Safety Building
It’s official. The decaying Public Safety Building in Downtown is to be transformed during the next four years into a tax-and job-generating $325 million office-hotel-retail-child care complex linked to the Virginia Commonwealth University medical campus.
RRHA taking comments on what qualities next CEO should possess
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is asking the public to weigh in on what qualities the next CEO should possess.
Public engagement sessions on casino for Richmond start March 9
Richmond residents will be able to voice their opinions at virtual meetings City Hall plans to hold on the prospects of becoming a casino mecca and on the six proposals for casinos an internal committee has begun reviewing.
Richmond and Henrico to get 2 new Black judges
Black female attorneys are continuing to make judgeship gains in Richmond and Henrico County.
Conservancy turns up small, Black family cemetery on protected land
Nine years after the Civil War and his enslavement ended, Abraham Truman scraped up the money and bought a 40-acre farm plot for his family in the historically African-American Gravel Hill community in Eastern Henrico.
Answers to questions about new Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
With 69,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson, single-dose COVID-19 vaccine scheduled to be distributed throughout Virginia this week, the Richmond Free Press sought answers to questions about the newest vaccine that was granted emergency use authorization last Saturday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be offered free to the public.
Late actor Chadwick Boseman, others win Golden Globes as foreign press group called out for lack of diversity
The organization that hosted the Golden Globes said it is developing a plan to recruit Black members after falling under sharp criticism for lacking diverse members.
Footwear and talent carry Atlee’s Jada Foreman to victories
Atlee High School junior Jada Foreman is easily spotted at track and field meets. She’s likely the one carrying the most medals—and also the most shoes.
Bloody Sunday memorial March 7 to honor late civil rights giants
This year’s commemoration of a pivotal moment in the fight for voting rights for African-Americans will honor four giants of the Civil Rights Movement who died in 2020, including the late Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.
Civil rights activist Vernon Jordan dies at 85
Vernon Jordan, who rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become a champion of civil rights before reinventing himself as a Washington insider and corporate influencer, has died at the age of 85.
Deathbed letter by former NYPD officer tells of conspiracy to kill Malcolm X
Almost 56 years to the day of the Feb. 21, 1965 assassination of Malcolm X, the slain leader’s daughters and noted civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump are shining a light on those whom they believe are responsible for the heartless murder.
Bienvenidos to VUU
The historically Black university plans to enroll 450 Hispanic students by 2024 to obtain federal designation as a Hispanic-serving institution, according to VUU President Hakim J. Lucas
Within three years, Virginia Union University wants 25 percent of its undergraduate students to be Hispanic, according to university President Hakim J. Lucas.
Kudos to Free Press sports writer and artist Fred Jeter
Re “The art of sport,” Free Press Feb. 25-27 edition:
