Thursday, December 29
Why?
Here’s the good news: So far, there have been no reports of unsheltered people freezing to death in the Arctic blast that hit the Richmond area just before Christmas.
Richmond Alumnae Delta House Foundation awards scholarships
The Richmond Alumnae Delta House Foundation has announced its 2022 RVA Infinite Scholars scholarship recipients.
AKA Upsilon Omega Chapter presents 26 debutantes
The Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror- ity recently presented 26 debutantes from area high schools, colleges and universities at the organization’s 2022 Debutante Presentation and Ball.
Preservation Act provides research funding for burial grounds
A. Donald McEachin’s legacy as a Richmond congressman will live on in the African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Act that he sponsored in February with others in the U.S. House and Senate.
Hanover County announces water assistance program
Hanover residents who have customer accounts with the county’s Department of Public Utilities can now apply for water and wastewater bill assistance through Virginia’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.
RPS makes history in collective bargaining negotiations
Richmond Public Schools recently negotiated agreements with four collective bargaining “units” that will result in increased salaries, compensation and benefits for those employees. The RPS school board was the first in the state to pass a collective bargaining resolution last December since the Virginia Supreme Court banned such agreements for public sector employees 45 years ago.
Minimum wage going up; sales tax cut on groceries
Most of Virginia’s lowest paid workers will ring in the New Year with a $1-an-hour pay hike, while grocery shoppers will see a smaller tax bite on their purchases.
We will always be proud ‘Wildcats’
I always enjoy reading the “Personality” profile each week in the Richmond Free Press. I was shocked to see the Armstrong High School mascot referred to as a “Spartan” in the Richmond Free Press Nov. 24-26 edition.
Writing competition open to RPS students
The Game Changer Citywide Writing Competition, exclusively for Richmond Public Schools students, is open through Feb. 1, 2023. Contestants have the opportunity for students to win up to $500.
New Year’s 2023 Closings
In observance of New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, please note the following:
Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the following locations:
RPS program receives $20,000 grant
Young Kings in Action, an enrichment program for sixth- through eighth-grade boys at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Ujima Legacy Fund.
Henrietta Lacks statue concept drawing unveiled in Roanoke
The future statue of Henrietta Lacks will depict the historical figure from Roanoke standing with arms folded in a blazer, long skirt and heeled shoes, according to a recently released drawing.
Influential African-Americans who died in 2022
They were literary giants, luminaries of stage and screen, and masters of their chosen professions – be it music, sports or fashion. Most are famous, a few are notorious. Yet they all profoundly impacted their fields of endeavor.
Keishawn Pulley sweetens Randolph-Macon’s success
Of all the college basketball programs in America, perhaps the most consistent winner of all is just 19 miles north of Richmond.
Personality: Daniel Harthausen
Spotlight on HBO Max competition show winner
From pop-up food events to TV stardom and back, Daniel Harthausen is cooking up a unique culinary presence in Richmond.
First 2 years revealed President Biden’s generational ambition
WASHINGTON When he ran for the White House, Joe Biden told voters his presidency would be a bridge to the next generation. His first two years on the job have revealed it to be a much more ambitious venture. As he nears the halfway mark on his first term, President Biden is pointing to legacy-defining achievements on climate change, domestic manufacturing and prog- ress on the COVID-19 pandemic — all accomplished with razor-thin majorities on Capitol Hill and rather dim views from the public. President Biden’s legislative accom- plishments extend to nearly every aspect of American life — although their impact may take years to be felt in some cases — and his marshaling of a global coalition to back Ukraine’s defenses and of democra- cies against China’s growing influence will echo for decades. He defied history in the
Ready to serve
Jennifer McClellan defends rushed primary after landslide victory
Richmond state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan is on the fast track to Washington.
City councilwoman wants to revive apartment inspections
Apartment buildings in Richmond would have to undergo a city inspection at least once every four years and more often in the case of violations under a proposal that 5th District Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch plans to introduce in January.
‘Good trouble’
Civil rights leader John Lewis to be featured on postage stamp
Civil rights giant and former U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who spent decades fighting for racial justice, will be honored with a postage stamp in 2023. The U.S. Postal Service recently announced that the John Lewis stamp “celebrates the life and legacy” of the leader from Georgia, who risked his life protesting against segregation and other injustices in the violent Jim Crow-era South.
Jan. 6 Report already on Amazon bestseller list
It took less than a day for the Jan. 6 report to go from public unveiling to the bestseller list on Amazon.com.
Jan. 6 Report: Trump ‘lit that fire’ of Capitol insurrection
The House Jan. 6 committee’s final report asserts Donald Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 presidential election and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the U.S. Capitol, concluding an extraordinary 18-month investigation into the former president and the violent insurrection two years ago. Mr. Trump “lit that fire,” the committee’s chairman, Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, writes.
Four games, four players net VCU wins
VCU’s sophomores are a class with a lot of class, and upside as well.
A season to celebrate, by Ben Jealous
I’ve written about the importance of judges a few times over the last year. And every time I do, I realize that many people have never met a judge. Or they have, but it was at a time when they’d rather have been anywhere else.
Bennie Thompson’s fight to save voting rights, racial justice, by Marc H. Morial
“This committee is nearing the end of its work. But as a country, we remain in strange and uncharted waters. We’ve never had a president of the United States stir up a violent attempt to block the transfer of power. If we are to survive as a nation of laws and democracy, this can never happen again.” — U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Chairman, House January 6 Committee.
Review: Clumsy Whitney Houston biopic mars its star’s skill
Whitney Houston’s voice was one of a kind and the creative team behind a new big-budget biopic of the singer had no choice but to agree.
A Year in Photos
For many of us, 2022 has come and gone with lightning speed. Certainly, were it not for the Richmond Free Press’ hard-working photographers and our photo archives, we would be hard-pressed to recall all that has taken place in Richmond since Jan. 1.
Coaches bowl
Legacy Bowl highlights Jake Gaither and Eddie Robinson
Four football coaches who combined for 37 victories this past season will supervise the sidelines at the second annual Legacy Bowl.
Bittersweet moment celebrates Franco Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickens added something extra to his signal calling Dec. 24 at Three Rivers Stadium. Even the TV viewers could hear him bark “Franco! Fran- co!” prior to the center’s snap.
Mutual attraction
The NBA’s continuing courtship with players from abroad
The United States is a big place, but the world is much bigger. So, it’s no surprise the National Basketball Association began this season with a record 120 international players representing 40 countries and six continents.
Thursday, December 22
Local charity to open shelter for deadly cold spell
Commonwealth Catholic Charities was to open an additional 30-bed temporary shelter in Richmond on Thursday, Dec. 22, to keep homeless adults from freezing to death in the Arctic air blast expected to hit Richmond two days before Christmas.
William Barber launches new center at Yale
Yale Divinity School is launching a new Center for Public Theology and Public Policy, an advocacy-focused body to be led by prominent pastor and activist the Rev. William Barber II.
Cherished Holiday Memories
Holiday memories are created by family — whether it is the family in which we are born or the family we create through church, work or social interactions.
Chris Paul earns college degree
The Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul graduated from Winston-Salem State University on Friday, Dec. 16, at Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex. Paul earned a bachelor’s in mass communications, according to ESPN. Paul originally attended Wake Forest, where he starred as a basketball player from 2003 to 2005 before entering the NBA draft as a sophomore.
VUU’s Jada Byers reaps many honors
During the regular season, Virginia Union’s Jada Byers racked up record totals for rushing yards and touchdowns.
NSU eyes third straight MEAC title
Dana Tate found good fortune in Las Vegas without going anywhere near a card table or slot machine.
City wins $11M grant from Mellon Foundation for heritage center
Richmond has scored an $11 million grant to help launch the long-stalled Shockoe Heritage Campus, whose key purpose is to remember Richmond’s role as a center of the slave trade before the Civil War.
Slow but steady
Larger than expected voter turnout delays election results
Eleven volunteers were still hand-counting ballots at Free Press deadline to determine the winner of Tuesday’s Democratic “firehouse” primary in the 4th Congressional District.
Claudine Gay to be first black president at Harvard
Harvard University announced last Thursday that Claudine Gay will become its 30th president, making her the first Black person and the second woman to lead the Ivy League school.
Franco Harris, Steeler who caught ‘Immaculate Reception,’ dies
The ball fluttered in the air and all but one of the 22 players on the Three Rivers Stadium turf on that cold December day 50 years ago essentially stopped. Franco Harris never did.
Personality: Tracey Hardney-Scott
Spotlight on board chair of Help Me Help You Foundation
Tracey Hardney-Scott is a tireless force for underserved Virginians, the result of her many years of advocacy work with several organizations.
VSU Trojans heading to Virgin Islands for HBCU classic
Virginia State University’s basketball players may want to pack their swim fins with their sneakers for their next trip.
Jackson State loses to NCCU in Celebration Bowl
Jackson State University received the most media attention, by far, but North Carolina Central scored the most points, thanks to some overtime drama.
From retrieving balls to scoring points — Robert Osborne is VUU’s star attraction
It sounds like some make believe Hollywood movie title – “The ball boy becomes the star.” Only in this case, it’s fact, not fiction.
French federation to go after abusers of World Cup players
The French soccer federation wants to go after social media users who targeted some of the national team’s players with racist comments following France’s loss to Argentina in the World Cup final.
Argentina soccer team abandons parade amid swarms of people
A parade to celebrate the Argentine World Cup champions was abruptly cut short Tuesday as millions of people poured onto thoroughfares, highways and overpasses in a chaotic attempt to catch a glimpse of the national team that won one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.
Analysis: Musk and Trump face their reckoning
Elon Musk and Donald Trump share bestride-the-colossus egos, an incessant desire to be the center of attention and a platform to showcase their eccentricities and erraticism. Both the Tesla CEO and the former president have used that platform, Twitter, as a sword and a shield — a soapbox to rouse the passions (and tap the pocketbooks) of tens of millions of followers and repulse the other side.
Ho-ho-hold on ... the holiday scammers are out there, by Charles Taylor
As the holiday shopping season winds down, there’s still time to pick up a few bargains online – and time to get fleeced.
How I found my voice as a Black student, by Etana Williams
I was excitedly talking with my friends about our high school plans when one of my eighth-grade teachers stopped me in the hallway and asked which school I got into.
Far-right school board candidates: “We’ll be back”, by Ben Jealous
Last August, I wrote that getting “back to school” this year would also mean getting back to fighting far-right attacks on education. The threats included increased efforts to ban books, and the far-right’s efforts to take over local school boards. So how
Charleston’s new museum
Most people have at least heard about the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C., even if they have not visited yet.
McClellan’s path to victory
By all accounts, Virginia State Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan has the makings of a formidable member of Congress. Arguably, she is the best qualified candidate to replace the late Rep. A. Donald McEachin, who died Nov. 28, 2022.
Maulana Karenga is speaker for Capital City Kwanzaa
Annual festival welcomes those near and far
The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival returns to Richmond on Friday, Dec. 30, bringing a suite of year-end celebrations united under the theme “Celebrating Black Futures.”
GRTC continues free bus rides through June 2024
GRTC will retain zero fares for at least 18 more months – saving regular riders $1,000 or more in yearly transportation costs.
Council honors six with honorary street signs
Virginia’s first full-time Black judge and a coach who has been a mentor to Richmond youths for decades are among the latest group of people City Council has approved for recognition with honorary street signs.
New charter commission established
It took nearly a year, but a nine-member commission to review the City Charter, the city’s state-approved constitution, is finally set up and starting work.
Housing authority buys Grace Place
The city’s housing authority has purchased a failing 11-story apartment building in Downtown in a bid to keep it as an income-restricted property offering lower than market rents.
Christmas trees accepted for recycling
Henrico County will accept Christmas trees for recycling into mulch from Monday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 8.
‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’
Virginia’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DUI enforcement and public education campaign is back on Virginia’s roads this holiday season. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, formerly known as Checkpoint Strikeforce, combines law enforcement efforts with research-based outreach to remind Virginians to plan for a safe ride home after drinking.
Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Thursday, December 15
No endorsements and no Joe
The United States Congress will soon have a new elected representative from Virginia’s 4th Congressional District that has, according to the U.S. Census, 789,815 residents, 51.4 percent female, 48.6 percent male.
City’s last Confederate statue removed
A statue commemorating the death of Confederate Gen. Ambrose Powell (A.P.) Hill was removed on Monday, from Hermitage Road and West Laburnum Avenue where it had stood for 120 years.
The Race Is On
Candidates for Rep. McEachin’s seat in Congress rush to meet filing deadline
Five Democrats are preparing to run in a “firehouse” primary Tuesday, Dec. 20, to choose the party’s candidate to replace 4th District U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, who died Nov. 28.
Interracial marriages to get added protection under new law
One day in the 1970s, Paul Fleisher and his wife were walking through a department store parking lot when they noticed a group of people looking at them. Mr. Fleisher, who is white, and his wife, who is Black, were used to “the look.” But this time it was more intense.
Personality: James V. Duty
Spotlight on board president of Friends Association for Children
Following the end of the Civil War and slavery, the Friends Asylum for Colored Orphans formed in 1871 to aid Central Virginia children and families in need. Today that organization is known as the Friends Association for Children.
Alphonso H. ‘Al’ Bowers Jr., who fought for construction diversity, dies
Alphonso Hugo “Al” Bowers Jr., a veteran Richmond contractor who was outspoken in promoting Black inclusion in government building projects and promoted construction trades training program for unemployed adults, has died.
Griner’s home, but WNBA players still competing overseas
Brittney Griner is back in the United States after an arduous 10-month saga in Russia. Yet nearly half of her WNBA peers opted to compete abroad this winter to supplement their incomes.
Richmond entrepreneur releases P.O.W.E.R.
Local artists represent RVA on two compilation albums
A dream inspired Richmond entrepreneur Cecil “Cee”Miller to reach into his own pocket and fund an opportunity for new musical talent, including seven local RVA artists, a chance to further their dreams.
Richmond jail staffing shortage blamed for rise in injured deputies, inmates
In the past four weeks at the Richmond City Justice Center, one deputy had his shoulder dislocated after he was thrown to the ground while trying to stop two prisoners from assaulting another inmate. Another deputy was head-butted by an inmate after refusing to provide the inmate with another prisoner’s food tray, according to information provided to the Free Press. In addition, the Free Press has learned another inmate was stabbed during this period, apparently the fourth this year. And early Monday, the jail reported to Richmond Police the third death of an inmate this year, though the identification was not released. For the second time since late October, an inmate who was transported to the John Marshall Courts Building was found to be carrying a concealed blade, according to information provided to the newspaper.
RPS employee acquitted
The former director of an after-school program at Fox Elementary School has been acquitted of assault and battery of an unruly second-grader in the program.
City Council votes for tax rebate, other spending
Richmond property owners will receive a 4.2 percent rebate on the real estate taxes they paid earlier this year, equal to $50 for each $100,000 of property value.
ROUNDUP
Virginia’s public health operations will receive a boost across the next five years, courtesy of a $67.5 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After winning 2 court cases, Henrico tenant may face a third
‘I pay my rent like clockwork every month. I don’t know why they won’t let me alone.’
Donald J. Garrett is a rare figure among the sea of Richmond-area residents being hauled into court for eviction proceedings.
Woman seeks to visit deceased son’s daughter as holidays near
All that 69-year-old Richmonder Yolanda D. Fox wants for Christmas is to see her granddaughter, Mariah.
Richmond architect wins national award for diversifying profession
AIA Virginia Board Chairman Robert L. Easter will have an unexpected honor to reflect on when he ends his term this week.
‘Your truth, your passion’
Rabia Kamara, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna, was the university’s commencement speaker Saturday, Dec. 10, at VCU’s Stuart C. Siegel Center.
Honoring our heroes
Headstones and grave markers for 80 Black military service members were cleaned, installed and recognized by 300 volunteers at Woodland Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 10.
George Wythe considers colors and history for new school
About two dozen people attended the third community meeting on a recent rainy Tuesday night at George Wythe High School to hear about three color palette considerations for the interior of the building and suggestions for displaying memorabilia.
Students turn to TikTok to fill gaps in school lessons
Mecca Patterson-Guridy wants to learn, but for some subjects, she isn’t always comfortable asking her teachers. So she has been turning to TikTok.
Distortion
Just a few weeks ago, Republican Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin and Jillian Balow, superintendent of public instruction, were publicly scolded for allegedly trying to distort the history to be taught to public school students.
Sen. Warnock’s victory a win for America, by Ben Jealous
If you haven’t watched Sen. Raphael Warnock’s speech on the night of his re-election in Georgia on Dec. 6, stop everything you’re doing, and watch it now. Then tell your kids to watch it. And your neighbors.
Dems must dance with young people, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
“Dance with the one that brung you,” goes the old saying.
Justice for Donovon Lynch
The members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus want to reaffirm that justice must be done for Donovon Lynch — who should still be alive today. Donovon was tragically shot and killed by a Virginia Beach police officer nearly two years ago.
A personal memory speaks to the character of A. Donald McEachin
In the fall of 1996, I, along with LaWanda Lochart, Ermajean Booker and Sara Arthur, were facilitators of the “Law Related Education” program of the Richmond Juvenile Court, an eight-session course for at-risk youths, the successfull attendance of which helped them mitigate any court issues they faced. I found my notes, and I was moderator of session six titled “Constitutional Rights” on Nov. 5, for which I solicited A. Donald McEachin to be “discussion leader” since his law firm had represented youth who were accused of stealing the shirts they were wearing and made to leave the store shirtless, the shirt or shirts only returned grudgingly upon proof of prior purchase as reported in the local press. I thought, what a great advocate for how the court can be your friend.
LA racism scandal prompts new round of City Council protests
The City Council was disrupted Tuesday by another round of boisterous, foul-mouthed protests after a councilman facing widespread calls to resign for his involvement in a racism scandal defiantly returned to the chamber and took his seat.
Oregon governor commutes all 17 of state’s death sentences
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Tuesday that she is commuting the sentences of all of the state’s 17 inmates awaiting execution, saying their death sentences will be changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Jordan Trophy: NBA rebrands, redesigns its MVP award
Michael Jordan was moments away from hoisting his third of what would become five NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and then-Commissioner David Stern greeted him at the mid-court ceremony with words that were both simple and profound.
Iconic West End gym courts Christo Rey’s hoop dreams
One of the area’s oldest and most historic gymnasiums has a new tenant that’s excited about branding a reputation of its own.
Coaches for Change Community Classic Dec.19
The basketball pairings are set for the second annual Coaches for Change Community Classic.
Hall of Fame names baseball’s Fred McGriff
It’s official. Fred McGriff is headed to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Heisman’s hit list
Caleb Williams is latest quarterback to earn revered trophy
It may be time for the Heisman Trophy — college football’s top individual honor — to consider changing its title to “Quarterback of the Year.”
Johnnie Walton joins Black College Hall of Fame
Johnnie Walton, the first African-American quarterback to lead his team to a professional championship, is part of the Black College Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Paul Silas, 3-time NBA champion, longtime coach, dies
Paul Silas, who went head to head in the paint against the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, has died at age 79.
Pastor Marshall D. Burgess Sr. memorialized
A memorial service for Rev. Marshall D. Burgess Sr. was held on Dec. 2, 2022, at Metropolitan African American Baptist Church in Richmond. He died on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, at the age of 90.
Thursday, December 8
’Tis the season for food justice, by Julianne Malveaux
Since early November, we’ve witnessed appeals to donate to food banks, food baskets and community food events.
Karen Bass’ election ushers in era of leadership, by Marc H. Morial
The National Urban League and the civil rights community have had few champions in Congress as tenacious and effective as Rep. Karen Bass of California.
Street honoring Kirby Carmichael unveiled in Highland Park
Family, friends and admirers of radio personality Kirby Carmichael came out Tuesday for the unveiling of Kirby Carmichael Sr. Street at 1100 Front Street in Highland Park. The site is where the former WANT-AM radio station was housed when Mr. Carmichael, a pioneer of Black radio, was for decades known as the “tall man of soul” as he spun platters first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM.
A.P. Hill’s statue removal on hold
City Hall remains stymied on removing the last of Richmond’s city-owned Confederate statues, despite securing an Oct. 25 court ruling from Richmond Circuit Court Judge D. Eugene Cheek authorizing the city to proceed. .
Memorial garden honors soldiers buried at Woodland Cemetery
Headstones and grave markers for 80 black military service members will move a step closer to their final resting places this weekend.
Richmond area toy drives and distribution
Christmas drives are underway to try to ensure that children in struggling families receive gifts.
ROUNDUP
The search for Richmond’s next poet laureate is on. City officials recently launched the search for an artist who can bridge division in the city’s community through art.
No new curriculum for RPS
Initial task force calls for changes in implementation
Richmond Public Schools does not need a new curriculum — rather, teachers want autonomy in how to customize existing curricula for their classrooms, according to a 15-member task force.
‘Treat everybody like family,’ advises Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church
Last Saturday marked months of planning for the ordination and consecration of The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson as the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia on Dec. 3 at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
Panthers celebrate 83-62 win against Augusta
Raemaad Wright scores 34 points, makes 16 rebounds
Timberrrr! The nation’s No. 2 team has taken a fall, with Raemaad Wright among those cutting it down to size.
Lawrence Hugh ‘Larry’ Everette, social worker and popular singer, dies at 74
Lawrence Hugh “Larry” Everette was passionate about helping people and singing.
Personality: Shavon M. Ragsdale
Spotlight on Village Against Violence Foundation founder
If it takes a village to raise a child, Shavon M. Ragsdale works to make sure the village is ready, willing and able to protect and support those most in need.
Warnock wins Georgia runoff against Walker
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Biden’s current term and capping an underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP in the last major vote of the year.
Jennifer McClellan and Lamont Bagby likely contenders for vacant U.S. House seat
Two Richmond-area Democratic members of the General Assembly are preparing to run for the vacant 4th Congressional District seat, the Free Press has learned.
‘Homegoing’
Dignitaries and ordinary people pay final tribute to A. Donald McEachin
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Tim Kaine and Majority Whip for the U.S. House of Representatives James Clyburn were among dozens of dignitaries and distinguished guests who paid tribute to Congressman A. Donald McEachin during his funeral Wednesday at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church on Creighton Road in Henrico County.
RPS lists 5.5 percent fewer students since 2019
Enrollment in Richmond Public Schools continues to decline amid population growth in the larger community.
An evening on Mount Kilimanjaro
When Robert Dortch Jr. was returning to the United States after reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, a customs agent at the airport in Tanzania asked him why he’d been visiting the country.
Deion Sanders trades Jackson State for Colorado
There is a time to come, and a time go, and Deion Sanders is leaving the Deep South and HBCU football for the Rocky Mountains and a Power Five conference.
A look back at football legends and HBCUs
Just for fun, let’s turn back the clock and imagine the greatest college football players of all time.
William & Mary heads to Montana State for quarterfinals
Michael London already has coached one school to the FCS championship. Now he’s looking to make it two.
VUU’s Byers finalist for prominent award
Jada Byers has made history on the football field. Now he’s hopeful of making more history at the ballot box.
Officers who defended Capitol from Trump supporters honored
Law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were honored Tuesday with Congressional Gold Medals nearly two years after they fought supporters of then-President Trump in a brutal and bloody attack.
Sheriff’s authority is ‘completely separate from mine as commonwealth’s attorney’
As a longtime reader and supporter of the Free Press, it is disheartening to see the author of this article (Nov. 23-26 edition), Mr. Jeremy Lazarus, so flagrantly violate the journalistic ethics that the Free Press exemplified under the leadership of its founder, the late Raymond Boone.
Thursday, December 1
Virginia Walmart mass shooting survivor files $50M lawsuit
A Walmart employee who survived last week’s mass shooting at a store in Virginia has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the company for allegedly continuing to employ the shooter — a store supervisor — “who had known propensities for violence, threats and strange behavior.”
RPS employee faces firing for incident she, others deny
Robin Spears previously had a spotless record during her 14 years as a teacher and social worker with Richmond Public Schools.
Clarence Gilyard, ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and ‘Die Hard’ actor, dies at 66
Clarence Gilyard Jr., a popular supporting actor whose credits include the blockbuster films “Die Hard” and “Top Gun” and the hit television series “Matlock” and “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died at age 66.
VUU, 6-1, prepares for Augusta University
Two of NCAA Division II basketball’s hottest teams will go head to head 2 p.m. Saturday at Virginia Union’s Barco-Stevens Hall.
Personality: Renee Gaines
Spotlight on board president of Richmond Chapter of Executive Women International
Across multiple roles and several years, Renee Gaines has worked to help bring transformative growth to the city of Richmond.
Jeffries wins historic bid to lead House Dems after Pelosi
House Democrats ushered in a new generation of leaders on Wednesday with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries elected to be the first Black American to head a major political party in Congress at a pivotal time as long-serving Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team step aside next year.
City council members Jones, Lambert eye House seats
Two members of City Council will be seeking Richmond seats in the House of Delegates in the upcoming 2023 election cycle in which the 100 seats in the lower chamber as well as the 40 seats in the state Senate will be in play.
'Gentle giant’
A. Donald McEachin, hailed as trailblazing figure in Virginia politics, dies
A few weeks before Rep. A. (Aston) Donald McEachin’s Nov. 8 successful bid to maintain his seat in U.S. Congress, he contacted Rev. Ralph Hodge, senior pastor at Richmond’s Second Baptist Church-Southside.
Let the fun shine
A blast from the past ignited Richmond’s East End last weekend during theArmstrong-Walker Football Classic Legacy Project festivities.
No, Stacey Abrams is not Moses, by Candice Marie Benbow
When I moved to Atlanta in September of 2020, the first thing I did was register to vote.
Blessing of the Animals’ is Dec. 9
The traditional Richmond Blessing of the Animals is scheduled for noon Friday, Dec. 9, at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip in Downtown.
Russian diplomat says prisoner swap with U.S. remains possible
Russia and the United States have repeatedly been on the verge of agreement on a prisoner exchange, a senior Russian diplomat said Tuesday, adding that a deal is still possible before the year’s end.
William & Mary grows roster of diverse coaches, players
Black athletes and coaches are making a strong football statement at William & Mary.
Long’s leading tackles recognized
Tyler Long specializes in making tackles, and few do it better than Norfolk State University’s redshirt junior linebacker from Cincinnati.
HU’s Bonds heads to East-West Shrine game in Las Vegas
Jadakis Bonds was a shining star in a cloudy sky this past football season for Hampton University.
VCU’s first ‘Big Man’ earns Hall of Fame induction
Former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball star Bernard Harris has been inducted into the Finnish Basketball Hall of Fame.
Landmark same-sex marriage bill wins Senate passage
The Senate passed bipartisan legislation Tuesday to protect same-sex marriages, an extraordinary sign of shifting national politics on the issue and a measure of relief for the hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples who have married since the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide.
Justice Department intervenes for struggling water system
The Justice Department made a rare intervention Tuesday to try to bring improvements in the beleaguered water system in Mississippi’s capital city, which nearly collapsed in late summer and continues to struggle.
Before the fall, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
I remember my mother and other accountable adults in our community teaching other children and me many important lessons of responsible citizenship.
Pelosi’s legacy is ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’, by Marc H. Morial
“History will note she is the most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives in our history. There are countless examples of how she embod- ies the obligation of elected officials to uphold their oath to God and country to ensure our democracy delivers and remains a beacon to the world. In everything she does, she reflects a dignity in her actions and a dignity she sees in the lives of the people of this nation.”—President Biden
Rest well, Congressman McEachin
In reading Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott’s description of A. Donald McEachin, as a “gentle giant” I firmly believe that truer words, perhaps, have never been spoken for Rep. McEachin who died on Monday at age 61.
‘Truth Tellers’ chronicles careers of 24 Black women journalists since 1960
A new book calls attention to the Black women editors, columnists and reporters who have brought change since the Civil Rights Movement to the previously mostly male and mostly white newsrooms of mainstream news outlets.
VSU announces new center for biotechnology and other sciences
Virginia State University has announced the establishment of the VSU Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, which is believed to be unique among HBCUs nationwide.
RPS scores in lower grades show decline
The latest student test scores reported at the Richmond Public School Board meeting last week contained more bad news.
Sing a song
Virginia Union University will hold its annual Christmas concert at Virginia Union University concert on Thursday Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
The holidays are here
Highlights include RVA Illuminates, Christmas Parade, Soul Santa
Richmond will officially kick off the holiday season this weekend with several popular events.
UR receives $625K grant to study barriers to student inclusivity
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded the University of Richmond a $625K grant to support efforts to create an inclusive experience for students and enhance student belonging, according to a UR news release.
Board votes to change school names
The Richmond Public School board voted during its Nov. 21 meeting to change three elementary schools’ names.
No response from City officials about shelter on North Side
Has City Hall shelved plans to open to additional shelters in North Side for homeless people that would add 90 additional beds for the winter?
Curriculum revision sessions scheduled
After several delays, Virginia citizens may now share their thoughts about the future of the state’s standards for teaching history and social sciences.
Ransom is VSU’s fall commencement speaker
Virginia State University’s fall commencement speaker is by Thomas L. Ransom, president of the Virginia Region at Truist Financial.
