Thursday, May 27
Restored Richard Wright novel involving Black man tortured by police hits best-sellers lists
More than 60 years after his death, Richard Wright is again a best-selling author and very much in line with the present.
Stacey Abrams to deliver keynote at event marking 100th anniversary of Tulsa Race Massacre
Stacey Abrams, who has become a leading national voice on ballot access, will deliver the keynote address at the “Remember & Rise” event during the Memorial Day holiday commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Steph Curry finishes season with NBA scoring title
Steph Curry enjoyed a banner season, but his team, the Golden State Warriors, didn’t.
Operation Homebase to feature food, fun at Mount Olivet on June 12
Richmond’s youths soon will have another court to play basketball.
CIAA championships coming to Richmond area in 2022
The CIAA is bringing three of its championship spring sport- ing events to the Greater Richmond area in 2022.
Pitcher ‘Ci Ci’ Alexander gets JMU closer to softball pinnacle
A player from Southside Virginia has pitched and hit James Madison University to the doorstep of the College Softball World Series.
Richmond on the ‘right side of history’ by removing Confederate monuments
Re “Plans move forward to remove Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill monument and tomb,” Richmond Free Press, May 20-22 edition:
Taking down Confederate monuments ‘won’t change a thing’
Re Cityscape, Free Press May 20-22 edition:
The ‘Groundhog Day’ effect, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
I have always been amazed by the immediate, long-lasting impact of the media on cultural/ current events.
It’s time for a Black woman on the Supreme Court, by Ben Jealous
I am eager to see a brilliant Black woman serving as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. I hope to celebrate her swearing-in later this year.
On this Memorial Day
On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who have died during the past year and a half from the pandemics of COVID-19 and police violence.
Drake most decorated winner in Billboard Music Awards history
It was a family affair at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday. Pink twirled in the air in a powerful performance with her 9-year-old daugh- ter, Willow Sage Hart, and Drake was named artist of the decade, accepting the honor as he held his fussy 3-year-old son, Adonis Graham.
Richmond Flying Squirrels start season with strong Latino flavor
American tourists enjoy traveling to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South American countries for fun in the sun vacations. In contrast, young athletes from those southerly nations come to the United States to make a living playing professional baseball.
Biles makes history in return to competition at U.S. Classic
Time on her hands and a world-class gym at her disposal after the 2020 Olympics were postponed, Simone Biles started experimenting almost as a way to stave off the monotony of training.
Poor People’s Campaign, lawmakers unveil sweeping resolution to tackle poverty
Lawmakers and leaders of the faith-based Poor People’s Campaign unveiled a sweeping new resolution on May 20 designed to eradicate poverty in the United States, with activists touting it as a broad-based legislative framework that hopes to do for poverty what the Green New Deal proposes to do for environmental issues.
Groundbreaking expected this summer to convert former city nursing home to apartments
The city’s long vacant nursing home is on track to become 86 apartments.
Council gives zoning approval for new five-story apartment building in North Side
A new apartment building soon could replace two adjoining commercial spaces in North Side.
VUU receives $1M grant to help renovation of Industrial Hall
Virginia Union University has been awarded a $1 million grant to support its efforts to develop a planned Center for African-American History and Culture in the long vacant Industrial Hall on campus.
City moves to new web address June 1: RVA.gov
RVA.gov will become the new virtual City Hall on Tuesday, June 1.
4 city pools to open May 29
Four city pools will open during the Memorial Day holiday weekend and then will operate each weekend until city pools are fully open beginning Saturday, June 19, according to the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.
GRTC installs new bus shelters in East End
Ten new bus shelters have been installed in the city’s East End, with four more to come.
City Council approves $772.8M budget for 2021-22
Richmond City Council passed a $772.8 million general fund budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year Monday night that in large part aims to increase the attraction of working for City Hall.
Former U.S. Sen. John Warner dies at 94
Flags are flying at half-staff over the nation’s capital in honor of former U.S. Sen. John W. Warner of Virginia who died Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at age 94.
Veteran, challenger talk reform in Democratic primary for commonwealth’s attorney
Criminal justice reform is the common theme of the two Democrats competing to be Richmond’s chief prosecutor, or commonwealth’s attorney.
Lawmakers, others hopeful about passage of federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
A year after his killing unleashed a national reckoning over racial injustice, George Floyd’s relatives met on Tuesday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House and with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to urge passage of police reform legislation in their loved one’s name.
VSU recognizes 700 grads in first in-person commencement since 2019
It was a day of celebration last Sunday at Virginia State University, as three classes of graduates marched and were recognized during the first in-person commencement held at the university since 2019 because of the pandemic.
Josiah Harrison’s skills add up to a promising future in baseball
According to baseball math, power plus speed equals Josiah Harrison.
Church members to return to court June 1 in Fourth Baptist conflict
A Richmond judge again is being asked to step into the fight for control of a divided Fourth Baptist Church and stop the pastor and its deacons from trying anew to oust their opponents — six trustees, the chair of the Finance Committee and the church treasurer.
Pioneering comic Paul Mooney dies at 79
Paul Mooney, the boundary-pushing comedian who was Richard Pryor’s longtime writing partner and whose bold, incisive musings on racism and American life made him a revered figure in stand-up, died Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at his home in Oakland, Calif., of a heart attack. He was 79.
Personality: Gregory I. Darrisaw
Spotlight on leader of Hobson Lodge No. 23 Prince Hall Masons at 150th anniversary
Gregory Ian Darrisaw feels surrounded by history as the presiding officer of Hobson Lodge No. 23 F&A Prince Hall Masons, the largest Prince Hall Masonic lodge in the city’s South Side.
W.Va. names road for native musician Bill Withers
West Virginia native Bill Withers has been honored with a road named in his honor.
Black-owned businesses look back, ahead during pandemic
Michelle R. Mosby rang in the 20th anniversary of her business, International Hair Salon, on April 1 with a small group of employees and supporters in a spirited, but safe celebration at the salon on Forest Hill Avenue in South Side.
People pause to honor George Floyd on anniversary of his death
A family friendly street festival, musical performances and moments of silence were held Tuesday to honor George Floyd and mark the year since he died at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020, a death captured on wrenching bystander video that galvanized a global racial justice movement and continues to bring calls for change.
Gold rush
Urban One wins nod to operate a casino-resort in South Richmond with a contract based on high expectations and promises of payouts
As the Virginia General Assembly considered legislation in winter 2020 to authorize casino gambling in Richmond and four other cities, Alfred C. Liggins III spent time buttonholing House and Senate members.
Thursday, May 20
Plans move forward to remove Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill monument and tomb
The statue of Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill appears to be on its way to removal, along with his gravesite over which the statue towers at Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road in North Side.
Long road to glory
City’s own basketball legends Ben Wallace and Bobby Dandridge to be enshrined in Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Richmond and the CIAA will be in the house Sept. 11 when basketball legends Ben Wallace and Bobby Dandridge are inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
N.C. prosecutor claims deputies justified in Elizabeth City fatal shooting
A North Carolina prosecutor said Tuesday that sheriff’s deputies were justified in fatally shooting Andrew Brown Jr. because Mr. Brown struck a deputy with his car and nearly ran him over while ignoring commands to show his hands and get out of the vehicle.
School Board adopts budget, changes opening times and snubs City Council
Despite pressure from City Hall and the community, as well as division among members, the Richmond School Board is moving ahead with plans to control devel- opment and construction of a replacement for the decaying, 60-year-old George Wythe High School in South Side.
Personality: Tina Slaughter
Spotlight on president of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association Richmond Chapter
From a young age, Tina Slaughter has been an avid golfer.
Dr. Victor L. Davis Sr., who led Bethlehem Baptist Church for more than 3 decades, dies at 69
Dr. Victor Lee Davis Sr. had twin careers as a teacher in Richmond Public Schools and as the pastor for nearly 32 years of Bethlehem Baptist Church in the city’s East End.
Report disputes N.C. pastor’s claim of ties to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee
The Washington Post Fact Checker is challenging claims that the Rev. Robert W. “Rob” Lee IV, a North Carolina pastor and social justice activist, is a descendent of Robert E. Lee, arguing they could not find evidence to support his repeated assertion that he is related to the Confederate army general.
A spring to remember for Highland Springs football
This has been a spring to re- member for the Highland Springs High School Springers.
Joye B. Moore hits the area’s sweet spot with Joyebells Sweet Potato Pies
Joye B. Moore is a sixth-generation baker whose sweet potato pies based on an old family recipe may be making their way into countless homes throughout Metro Richmond.
Diverse slate of candidates vie for lieutenant governor and attorney general in Democratic primary
Virginia government relies on an effective leadership team at the top — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Free rides to the polls for Democratic primary
Need a ride to the polls to vote in the June 8 Democratic primary?
Mayor, City Council step up effort to help families in trauma
For the past eight years, City Hall has left it to volunteers to organize vigils and comfort grieving families after the slaying of a relative, an all-too-common occurrence in Richmond.
Parents weigh COVID-19 vaccination for their children
Kiara Gresham has been busy with the demands of her new small business, Cookie Jar Honeypot, and the need to ensure the education, health and well-being of her children during the pandemic and a virtual school year. With summer getting closer and the new school year months away, Ms. Gresham is taking on a new task: Learning all she can about vaccinating her two older children, Queron, 14, and Kaeoni, 12, against COVID-19.
Richmonders react to new CDC mask guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 guidance May 13 saying its safe for fully vaccinated people to remove their masks in most settings, both outside and indoors.
Answers to COVID-19 questions
With eligibility for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expanded to children ages 12 to 15, and updates to mask mandates nationally and statewide, the Free Press has gathered answers from experts to common questions about these new developments:
Northam orders speed up of unemployment cases
Following months of complaints from laid-off workers, Gov. Ralph S. Northam said Tuesday he is taking steps to expand the Virginia Employment Commission’s ability to process complex unemployment claims.
Linwood D. Ross, scoutmaster and deacon, dies at 91
Linwood Dixon Ross taught hundreds of Richmond boys to be prepared while building their confidence and helping to shaping their character.
Memorial service for Adele C. Johnson on May 25
A virtual memorial service celebrating the life of Adele C. Johnson, executive director of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, on the BHMVA Facebook Live and YouTube channel.
Hampton University basketball to get key players from Richmond area
Hampton University basketball will have a distinct Richmond area look in the upcoming season.
Cheyenne Woods headed to U.S. Women’s Open Championship
Golf fans will be seeing a lot of Cheyenne Woods in coming months, both as an athlete and TV commentator.
New NBA award named after Abdul-Jabbar
The NBA’s newest award is named after the league’s all-time scorer — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
DK Metcalf is fast, but not enough
Football star DK Metcalf was fast, but not fast enough at the USATF Golden Games track meet May 8 in Walnut, Calf.
Criminal probe or probing a criminal
New York Attorney General Letitia James has turned up the heat on former President Trump, announcing Tuesday that her office has opened a criminal investigation into the Trump Organization.
Unexpected consequences
The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned some very harsh consequences for people and communities across the United States.
No justice, no peace, by Julianne Malveaux
As of this writing, more than 200 Palestinians and 10 Israelis have been killed in the conflict in Gaza.
Dishonest defense of voter suppression, by Ben Jealous
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is a shame- less liar. And he isn’t even a very good one. Witness his latest dishonest defense of Georgia’s new voter suppression law.
Why I’m investing in Live! Casino & Hotel Richmond, by Billy McMullen
Growing up, I remember my father telling me about when he was a little boy living in Jackson Ward. He spoke about sitting on my grandmother’s lap on the porch of their home at 1164 St. Paul St. as they watched the bulldozers come through to build the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell becomes mother at 50
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has become the mother of a baby girl.
Disney Junior series aims to give kid’s-eye view of race
“Rise Up, Sing Out,” an animated shorts series presenting the concepts of race, racism and social justice to young viewers, is coming to Disney Junior.
Fidelity launches teen accounts
Looking to draw in the next generation of investors, Fidelity Investments is launching a new type of account for teenagers to save, spend and invest their money.
Pervis Staples, member of famed Staple Singers, dies at 85
Pervis Staples, whose tenor voice complimented his father’s and sisters’ in the legendary gospel group The Staple Singers, was remembered during a funeral service Monday, May 17, as a great singer and a great brother.
Youngster who interviewed President Obama at White House dies at 23
The student reporter who gained national acclaim when he interviewed former President Obama at the White House in 2009 has died of natural causes, his family said.
Thursday, May 13
Mourning mother and child
Hundreds of mourners gather to pay their final respects at a funeral last Saturday for Sharnez Hill, 30, and her 3-month-old daughter, Neziah Hill.
5 candidates seeking Democratic nomination for governor
This year’s statewide political competition is in gear with a pack of candidates raising and spending millions of dollars during the pandemic to blend proven techniques with new ideas to win every eligible voter by and on Election Day.
She’s No. 1
STEM teacher Ashley Bland surprised as RPS Teacher of the Year
Friday was a festive day in Richmond’s West End with the sounds of the 1965 hit “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas playing as news crews began setting up in front of John B. Cary Elementary School.
Richmond sheriff’s race heats up
Sheriff Antionette V. Irving wants voters to re-elect her to a second four-year term based on her track record operating the Richmond City Justice Center and handling other duties of the office.
Personality: Ashley S. Bland
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools 2021 Teacher of the Year
Ashley S. Bland has received a coveted award that could set off a journey to additional state and national education awards. The 30-year-old Ms. Bland was named Richmond Public Schools 2021 Teacher of the Year.
Coach Leroy ‘Bo’ Jones, who helped shape the careers of many student athletes, dies at 72
Leroy “Bo” Jones, a former standout athlete and coach, died Monday, May 10, 2021, at his South Richmond home surrounded by loved ones.
Kyrie Irving’s recent conversion puts spotlight on athletes observing Ramadan
NBA star Kyrie Irving’s recent conversion to Islam has brought new attention to the relationship between Muslim athletes and Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar, when Muslims abstain from food and drink during the day.
VSU considering move to MEAC
Virginia State University, a member of the CIAA since 1920, may be considering a move to the MEAC.
Speakers virtually inspire VUU graduates
It was a momentous day for thousands of students last Saturday as Virginia Union University recognized its spring 2021 graduates with a virtual commencement ceremony.
GOP chooses statewide ticket for November
Glenn Youngkin, a political newcomer who campaigned as a conservative, Christian outsider, bested a field of seven candidates to emerge as Virginia Republicans’ nominee for governor, in a year when the GOP hopes to end a 12-year losing streak in statewide races.
Crusade for Voters announces Democratic primary endorsements
The Richmond Crusade for Voters plans to urge city voters to support incumbent Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin and incumbent Richmond Sheriff Antionette V. Irving in the June 8 Democratic primary.
Dems in governor’s race face off in 2nd debate
The Democratic candidates for Virginia governor sparred over policing and economic development in their second debate on May 6, an event that showcased the diverse styles and perspectives of the field that voters will winnow next month.
Broader vision called for in building new Wythe H.S.
How many new high school seats does Richmond need now and how many will it need in 20 years?
RPS launches community conversations May 15 about school reopening
Richmond Public Schools is partnering with local businesses, churches and nonprofits to host community conversations to prepare families for city schools reopening for in-person learning.
City doesn’t own Confederate monument at South Richmond courthouse
The City of Richmond has never owned the massive Confederate stone monument that sits outside the South Side courthouse named for Richmond’s first Black mayor, Henry L. Marsh III, and his brother, Harold M. Marsh Sr.
Richmond Flying Squirrels to host job fair May 13
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are hosting a job fair from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Tax time
Monday, May 17. That’s the deadline for Virginians to file their federal and state income taxes for the year 2020.
New city appointments announced
Mayor Levar M. Stoney has named four women and a man to fill key roles in the administration.
Street conditions improving with paving, pothole repair
The condition of city streets is improving as more paving is done and the number of reported potholes has fallen sharply.
City Council works on plan for distributing American Rescue Plan funds
Richmond City Council is taking its first swing at divvying up the massive infusion of nearly $155 million that is to flow into city coffers from the federal American Rescue Plan.
$2.1M federal grant to help acquire new riverfront parkland
City Hall and a regional conservancy group are on track to receive a $2.1 million grant to support the expansion of park space along the James River.
Bessie E. Hundley, salon owner, travel agent and day care operator, dies at 99
Frustrated by low wages, Bessie Mercell Eddleton Hund- ley went into business for herself.
Aretha Ann Washington, who provided a mother’s love to dozens of children, dies at 74
Aretha Ann Washington’s home always overflowed with children.
Former Richmonder Todd taking talents to NBA draft
Former Richmonder Isaiah Todd is among those hop- ing to hear his name called in this year’s NBA Draft.
Javonte Harding and the Aggies are tearing up the track
Javonte Harding has proven to be the fastest man in the MEAC.
Efton Reid signs with LSU
When Coach Will Wade left as Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball coach four years ago, he never severed his Richmond recruiting contacts.
Ramos a marquee attraction for Richmond Flying Squirrels
If The Diamond was a movie theater instead of a ballpark, Heliot (pronounced “Elliott”) Ramos would be the likely marquee attraction.
Walkers stop in Richmond to raise awareness of human trafficking
As Drea d’Nur approached the grounds of the former Lumpkin’s Jail, one of the largest slave holding areas in United States history in Shockoe Bottom known as the “Devil’s Half-Acre,” she was moved to sing a song of freedom to a group of activists gathered there.
Let’s get it right
Richmonders have railed in recent years against the deplorable conditions in the city’s aged and decrepit school buildings where city public school students are expected to learn despite conditions that hinder education rather than foster it.
A danger still
Just because Donald Trump no longer occupies the Oval Office doesn’t mean he’s not a threat to America. He is.
False GOP mantra, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
“America is not a racist country.” This is quickly becoming a Republican mantra.
Survival, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
My focus has been the achievement of social and economic justice for those who’ve been historically or systematically disadvantaged by the imposition of impediments to their progress — typically, women and people of color.
Another piece of mental health puzzle, by Olivia Fenty and Paul M. Piwko
Racism and discrimination pervade the lived experience of Black people in this country.
Cityscape-Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
These gates reflect City Hall’s new policy of shutting down traffic entry into Byrd Park on weekends.
Noted educator putting mark on history
Public historian and researcher Elvatrice Belsches, left, and Dr. Sylvia D. Statton unveil the newly redone historical marker about educator Virginia E. Randolph during a ceremony May 6 outside the museum dedicated to Ms. Randolph’s life and teachings in Henrico County.
Thursday, May 6
Free Press wins big at VPA awards
The Richmond Free Press received top honors in the 2020 Virginia Press Association News and Advertising Contest, capturing Best in Show awards for both writing and photography among all non-daily newspapers across the state for coverage of the social justice demonstrations that swept the city last summer and the resulting removal of Confederate statues.
Honoring Richmond’s first Black police officers
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney offers greetings at Sunday’s commemoration honoring the hiring of the first Black police officers in Richmond 75 years ago.
Cityscape-Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Fans of legendary Richmond gospel performer Larry Bland applaud and cheer Sunday afternoon as Russell Bennett, a longtime friend of Mr. Bland’s, pulls away the covering from one of two new honorary street sign bearing Mr. Bland’s name.
No to casino off Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond doesn’t need a casino at Bow Tie Cinemas off Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
Children paying the price for gun violence
Gun reform has been revisited time after time. It is time now for action to be taken. Gun violence has continued to plague Richmond’s African-American community.
Biden-Harris at 100 days, by Marc H. Morial
One hundred days into their administration, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have made surprisingly bold inroads in confronting racial injustice and the COVID-19 pandemic, but significant challenges remain.
D.C. statehood a voting rights and racial justice issue, by Ben Jealous
Washington, D.C., has a higher percentage of Black residents than any state in the country, and they have no voting representation in Congress. This is systemic racism in action.
To heal a city
The Richmond community continues to look for answers and solutions to the shocking multiple shooting that claimed the lives of Sharnez Hill, 30, and her 3-month-old daughter, Neziah, last week in the courtyard of a South Richmond apartment complex where children and families were enjoying the evening air.
Powhatan County Fair opens May 14 for 3-day run
Helicopter rides, an antique photography display, live music, carnival rides and games and a gospel jubilee are among the highlights of the 102nd Annual Powhatan County Fair taking place Friday, May 14, through Sunday, May 16.
Actor Hill Harper to launch Black-owned digital wallet
Richmond will be a stop on a national tour seeking to pump up interest in a new Black-owned financial app for cell phones that is to go live June 1.
Track and field fundraiser May 8
The West End Striders and East End Lightning are co- hosting a track and field meet Saturday, May 8, at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, 1000 N. Lombardy St.
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum scores 60 points in one game
Jayson Tatum has joined the legendary Larry Bird at the top of one of the Boston Celtics’ all-time lists.
O out of 259: No HBCU athletes chosen in NFL draft
HBCU athletes went 0-for- 259 picks in the seven-round NFL draft.
Jamin Davis to be key building block for Washington
For years now, a sturdy defense has been under heavy construction by the Washington Football Team. Jamin Davis becomes the latest building block on site.
Banks-Rose is latest VSU sprint sensation
Trelee Banks-Rose is the latest sprint sensation at Virginia State University.
Olympic dream remembered
When the 2020 Summer Olympics were postponed because of the pandemic, few understood the athletes’ heartache more than John Christian.
Documentary details past and present of AME Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has released a short film online about its history that includes an interview with the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, the pastor killed in a June 2015 racial attack on his historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., church, in which he talks about the historically Black denomination’s significance.
Hanover Branch NAACP, others file legal challenge to planned Wegmans distribution center
The battle over a proposed $175 million distribution center that Wegmans Food Markets Inc. wants to build in Hanover County is headed to court.
Former Judge Pamela O’Berry joins attorney general’s staff
Just a month after she was forced off the bench in Chesterfield County, former General District Court Judge Pamela O’Berry has landed softly in the office of state Attorney General Mark R. Herring.
City Council to vote on new $772M budget plan May 10
The first ever city pay supplement for public defenders who represent most Richmond residents charged with crimes.
New George Wythe may not happen until 2027, Kamras says
The Richmond School Board voted to establish a community advisory board for the construction of a new George Wythe High School in South Side.
Overlooked:
Confederate marker at South Richmond courthouse
Even as City Council starts to move ahead on disposing of most of the city’s collection of Confederate statues, another Confederate monument remains undisturbed at the South Richmond courthouse.
Richmond Public Schools to hold graduations at The Diamond
Richmond Public Schools hopes it has hit a home run in its plans to hold in-person graduation ceremonies for the high school Class of 2021 at The Diamond baseball stadium.
New city voter registrar brings experience, passion to the job
Keith Balmer will make history Monday, May 10, when he is sworn into a four-year term as Richmond’s new voter registrar amid the surge of work for the June 8 Democratic primary.
Black professionals make significant donations to VMFA
The generosity of Black professionals is making a big impact on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Collegiate’s Krystian Williams is breaking records
Krystian Williams runs and jumps like he has rockets in his sneakers and coils in his knees.
Funeral traditions changed – maybe permanently – by COVID-19
John E. Thomasson was a hero in his hometown. As a member of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, he was the first African-American elected to public office in the county. Across 98 years, he built a successful realty company, helped to save mortgages, paid for college scholarships and owned the local funeral home for 53 years, where he oversaw the burials of thousands of Virginians. When he died of an age-related illness on July 22, there was hardly anyone in Louisa County who had not been touched by his life. Other than his wife of more than 65 years, the Rev. Christine Thomasson, there is likely no one who knows his impact better than his successor, D.D. Watson Jr., who was handpicked by Mr. Thomasson to purchase and take over his funeral home business in 2004. And yet upon the death of Mr. Thomasson—a businessman, philanthropist, politician and public servant whose life and work was recognized this year in a proclamation from the Virginia Senate—the largest single gathering in his honor held barely 12 people. That’s because of government-imposed safety restrictions on public gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shirley Rasberry, local seamstress, dies at 80
Shirley Mae Rasberry was a popular Richmond seamstress, her family said.
Personality: Navi Johnson
Spotlight on founder of RVA Black Farmers Market
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to difficult times. For Navi Johnson, it was the impetus for a new public space for African-Americans.
Rejected casino group threats legal challenge to city selection process
Dennis Cotto has spent much of his adult life fighting legal battles.
President Biden promotes education spending at Virginia stops
President Joe Biden traveled Monday to Yorktown and Portsmouth to promote his plans to increase spending on education and children, part of his $1.8 trillion families proposal announced last week.
On the battlefield:
City schools, agencies and government work to find strategies to combat gun violence
South Richmond residents are preparing to bury a mother and her infant daughter, two of the latest victims of a spate of indiscriminate violence that has left families devastated and in tears over the unnecessary loss life.
