Thursday, February 29
Community rallies to preserve historic Black hospital
Richmonders will rally for an important symbol of the city’s Black history Sunday afternoon at the former Richmond Community Hospital on Overbrook Road. Virginia Union University, a historically Black university which owns the former hospital, plans to demolish the historic building and replace it with housing.
Soccer star’s talent comes home
The inaugural W League RVA squad will feature a talented local woman this soccer season.
Manchester duo legacy leading scorers
If the names Woolfolk and Wright sound familiar to serious basketball fans, they should.
Do you believe in magic? VUU does
Virginia Union University’s Panthers had smiles on their faces while bussing to Baltimore earlier this week. Not so for Virginia State.
Crusading for better education outcomes
The Richmond Crusade for Voters would like Superintendent Jason Kamras to resign or have the present School Board relieve him of his duties.
Duty to preserve our legacy
Virginia Union University’s first listed item on its “Core Values at Union” page is “Innovation.” “Spiritual Formation” follows. Demolishing an historic Black structure committed to community learning and healing seems puzzling considering these expressed values. Given the brilliant minds cultivated by the university throughout its lifespan, the move to destroy the former Richmond Community Hospital site demonstrates a lack of creativity and a dishonor to our ancestral legacy. Possibilities abound when considering ways to integrate the facility into residence hall planning.
Reader expresses gratitude for efforts to save hospital
Dear Mary DePillars: Thank you on behalf of myself, the citizens of Richmond, and history generally for your beautiful letter for a critical cause. I pray that it may help to save this valuable landmark. I join you in beseeching Virginia Union University to save the Richmond Community Hospital building.
Richmond must create something meaningful for Richmond Community Hospital
As a lifelong resident of Richmond and a neighbor of Virginia Union University, I feel compelled to express my deep disappointment regarding the recent news concerning the fate of Richmond Community Hospital in the “shiny new penny project” for the Overbrook Road/Edgehill neighborhood.
Proposed new Virginia ‘tech tax’ sparks backlash from business community
Trade associations representing hundreds of companies that do business in Virginia have come out swinging against a proposal to expand the state sales tax to cover digital goods, something Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed and Democrats endorsed in their budget legislation.
Fani Willis should have known better, by Clarence Page
It doesn’t take a law degree to know that the appearance of impropriety can be just as damaging as the real thing. Sometimes worse.
Biden, Dems need to get message out now!, by Ben Jealous
Biden, Dems need to get their message out now! Spoiler alert! Donald Trump will be allowed to remain on the ballot this fall.
Clark’s record run doesn’t tell full story
By now, you know Iowa sharpshooter Caitlin Clark has broken the all-time NCAA women’s scoring record, or at least you’ve heard her name.
Friday Cheers announces 2024 concert series
Friday Cheers, presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, returns May 3 for its 39th season as Richmond’s longest-running concert series and the city’s largest event of its kind on the James River.
Henrico bans firearms, ammunition from its buildings, effective immediately
Henrico County officials have announced a ban on the possession of firearms and ammunition in its government buildings, including libraries and recreation centers, effective immediately.
United Daughters of the Confederacy would lose Virginia tax breaks, if Youngkin signs off
Legislation that would end tax benefits for the United Daughters of the Confederacy — the Richmond-based women’s group that helped erect many of the country’s Confederate monuments — is on its way to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who hasn’t said whether he supports it.
City to acquire 3 historic Black cemeteries
Richmond City Council voted unanimously to declare East End, Evergreen and Forest View cemeteries a public necessity.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
City officials unveil ‘The Shockoe Project’
10-acre site to tell ‘a more complete story of Richmond’s history’
Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, members of the Richmond City Council and representatives from the Shockoe Institute yesterday unveiled “The Shockoe Project,” a 10-acre site in Shockoe Valley that they say is “dedicated to telling the full history of the Richmond slave trade and its national and global significance to the growth of our country.”
2 men convicted of killing Run-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay nearly 22 years after rap star’s death
More than 20 years after Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay was brazenly gunned down in his recording studio, two men close to him were convicted Tuesday of murder, marking a long-awaited moment in one of the hip-hop world’s most elusive cases.
Joseph Lowery is City’s first manager of new Richmond Civilian Review Board
Richmond City Council has announced the appointment of Joseph Lowery as the first manager of the new Richmond Civilian Review Board.
Mitch McConnell stepping down as Senate Republican leader in November
Long before Sen. Mitch McConnell surprised colleagues Wednesday announcing he would step down as the Republican leader this fall, he knew the time had come.
Tearful testimony highlights second day of Huguenot High graduation shooting trial
Loved ones and police officers gave jurors a clearer picture on Tuesday of a fatal shooting that occurred after a 2023 Virginia high school graduation ceremony on day two of the shooter’s trial.
Registrar offers options for voting amid snail mail issues
Richmond’s General Registrar Keith Balmer said at a recent meeting that he was offering practical solutions to ensure eligible voters in Richmond can cast ballots without hindrance in next week’s presidential primary, according to The Washington Post and other news outlets.
Yaegel T. Welch has long carried ‘Mockingbird’ role in his head
It was the power and value of performance that first inspired Yaegel T. Welch to take to the stage. Growing up, he saw the arts as a way to express himself in a world that didn’t always know how to connect or communicate with him.
JM now has ‘Moore’ to cheer for
A year ago, Ashaun Moore could do nothing but watch as John Marshall High rolled to the State Class 2 basketball title.
Bronze pieces from MLK memorial in Denver recovered after being sold for scrap
Three bronze artworks stolen from a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in City Park in Denver, along with seven bronze pieces taken from a nearby fountain, were recovered after being sold to a scrap metal business, Denver Police said Tuesday.
At National Cathedral, leaders of different parties, perspectives call for civility
Sitting under the imposing columns of the Washington National Cathedral, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox turned to longtime political strategist Donna Brazile and shared his change of heart about her.
Personality: Utibe O. Bassey
Spotlight on honorary chair of Centennial American Heart Association 2024 Richmond Heart Ball
Nigerian-born Utibe O. Bassey grew up in Connecticut and has family scattered far and wide, but none in Virginia. When she moved to Richmond in the summer of 2020 for a job with Dominion Energy, she was all alone and the pandemic was raging.
Pulley, Mbangue win conference honors
Keishawn Pulley has more than doubled his scoring in his sophomore basketball season at Randolph-Macon College (RMC).
Biden ‘continues to be fit for duty’ his doctor says after president’s annual exam
President Biden “continues to be fit for duty,” his doctor wrote Wednesday after conducting an annual physical that was closely watched as the president seeks re-election.
Moving the needle
Holland and Nelson energized by Chesterfield, Henrico growth
“We’re on a journey toward excellence, to be the very best we can be, to be a model of what is expected by you, for you.” With those words, James M. “Jim” Holland assumed chairmanship of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, Jan. 3., following a unanimous vote.
Thursday, February 22
Student brings loaded gun to elementary school, police say
The Richmond Police Department announced a student brought a loaded gun to Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School on Tuesday, following reports of a gun on school property.
‘We have seen enough’
Crusade for Voters calls for removal of RPS Superintendent Kamras
The Richmond Crusade for Voters (RCV), a historically Black political organization, is calling for the immediate removal of RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. In a statement released Tuesday, the organization said they have “seen enough” to make this determination.
School Board approves 2024-25 RPS budget
In a meeting Tuesday, the Richmond School Board approved the Richmond Public Schools budget for the 2024-25 school year.
A community made whole
The VMFA’s sixth annual public art project once again commemorates Black History Month with an art installation that unites local artists and the community to pay tribute to individuals who positively impact the Metro Richmond community. This year’s RVA 2024 Community Makers Unveiling took place at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Feb. 15.
Harold Deane Sr., VSU icon dies at 84
Harold Deane Sr., who found much success as a basketball player and coach at Virginia State University, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. He was 84.
Trojans attract top-notch recruits
One of the most decorated high school football players in Richmond area history will continue to play locally — at Virginia State University.
Pearl Moore made her mark before Clark
With so much national attention going to Iowa basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, let’s not forget Pearl Moore. Long before anyone heard of a three-point basket, and before the NCAA acknowledged women’s sports, Moore was the queen of the court.
Panthers go cold in Indy
NBA superstar Stephen Curry gave Virginian Union University its locker-room pregame speech, but unfortunately he wasn’t allowed to play for VUU.
The Civil War: Cause and effect
Contrary to what H.V. Traywick claimed in his recent letter to the Richmond Free Press, the cause of the Civil War was slavery.
VUU’s willingness to destroy historic hospital shows shortsightedness
As an alumna of Virginia Union University and a longtime resident of Richmond, I find it hard to believe, and digest, that my beloved alma mater is so callously dismissing the intrinsic value of this landmark, Richmond Community Hospital, in an historic part of the city, which includes the neighborhood that produced so many of the leaders entrenched in the uplifting of the Black community.
Fight for reproductive freedom, by Ben Jealous
It matters deeply that America has a woman as our vice president. That has never been truer than at this moment.
Driesell’s racial pioneering remembered, by Wayne Dawkins
Charles “Lefty” Driesell died peacefully at home at 92 in his native Tidewater.
Crusade carries on
Anyone who knows anything about Richmond knows that the story of the Richmond Crusade for Voters is legend.
Driving while Black
Judge asked to revisit ruling regarding RPD’s racial profiling
A recent court ruling declaring that the Richmond Police Department stops African-American drivers far more often than other demographics is being questioned by federal prosecutors.
Youngkin, Earle-Sears join annual anti-abortion demonstration in Richmond
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, both Republicans, joined thousands of Virginia activists Wednesday for an annual anti-abortion demonstration, where attendees denounced Democratic lawmakers who have blocked proposed restrictions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Maymont’s new otter needs a name
Louis the otter has a new friend at The Robins Nature Center at Maymont. A three-year-old female otter is expected to make her debut in March and Maymont wants the public’s help selecting her name.
Library of Virginia hosts Weinstein Author Series
The Library of Virginia’s 2024 Carole Weinstein Author Series topics will focus on history, literature and the interwoven experiences of Virginians. The series, free and open to the public, will take place on select dates throughout 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia Lecture Hall, 800 E. Broad St.
YWCA Richmond announces 2024 Class of Outstanding Women Awards honorees
Free Press Managing Editor Bonnie Newman Davis among this year’s recipients
For more than 40 years, YWCA Richmond has recognized accomplished women leaders in the Richmond community who one LinkedIn article described as “modeling resilience, empowering their teams to embrace change, learning from failures and persisting in the face of adversity.”
Addison announces run for mayor
Richmond City Councilman Andreas D. Addison launched his campaign for mayor Wednesday morning, touting his experience in politics, business and the community as a boon for the city’s future leadership.
BHMCCV receives 2024 Commonwealth History Fund Grant
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) it is one of 14 organizations selected to receive a grant from the Virginia Museum History & Culture’s (VMHC) Commonwealth History Fund.
Martin is Walker’s freshman phenom
Jamie Martin has been sunshine in a cloudy season for Maggie Walker Governor’s School basketball. It’s almost unfair. She’s so talented, so savvy, so confident… and she’s only a 14-year-old freshman.
Hair care products founder Joe Dudley dies
Joe Louis Dudley, who rose from humble beginnings and overcame a speech impediment to create a multimillion-dollar, Black-owned hair care company, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at age 86. Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 19, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C.
Shining a light on the ‘Rural Black Church’
Leonard L. Edloe, the founding pastor of Hartfield’s New Hope Fellowship Church, delves into the history and the legacy of the rural Black church in his recently self-published book, “Restoring the Glory: Breathing New Life into the Rural Black Church.”
Personality: Margaret O. Daramola
Spotlight on 21st Poet Laureate of Virginia
Margaret O. Daramola says she is an overachiever. The Hampton University graduate is currently undertaking her master’s in theological studies at Harvard Divinity School while also serving as the 21st Poet Laureate of Virginia, which requires her presence and performance at official events.
Thursday, February 15
NFL’s head coaching ranks starting to look more diverse, by Marc H. Morial
Two years ago this week, I met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, along with my fellow civil rights leaders, to discuss the failure of the “Rooney Rule” to diversify the ranks of the League’s head coaches.
VLBC sees progress
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announced progress in its legislative agenda in terms of voter rights, criminal justice, education, arrest and confinement, and more.
‘Human suffering involved,’ says business owner
City Council passes steps to address meals tax concerns and homelessness
Among the ordinances unanimously passed by Richmond City Council on Monday was one that would change how the Finance Department collects and applies meals tax payments.
At least 8 children among 22 hit by gunfire at end of Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade; 1 person killed
Eight children were among 22 people hit by gunfire in a shooting at the end of Wednesday’s parade to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, authorities said, as terrified fans ran for cover and yet another high-profile public event was marred by gun violence. One person was killed, a motherof two identified by her radio station as a DJ.
Rev. Thomas S. Simmons, a ‘people’s pastor,’ dies at 80
The Rev. Thomas S. Simmons always was willing to help somebody — anybody. “He truly never met a stranger,” his daughter, Angela Simmons Cason said. “Once you met him, he loved you and you loved him.”
Personality: Gregory D. Suskind
Spotlight on chair of CARITAS Board of Directors
Richmond native Gregory D. Suskind has been involved with CARITAS for more than a decade. Since May 2022, he has been board chair of the non-profit organization that focuses on helping people experiencing homelessness and/or addiction by creating safe spaces for healing and recovery and providing support to help them rebuild and renew their lives.
Glory
As a part of the First African Baptist Church Music and Fine Arts Black History program, the Richmond Free Press was recognized as having made significant contributions to the community on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, during the morning worship service.
One word says it best: ‘Mahomes!’
Chiefs win Super Bowl on Mahomes’ clutch play
Give the man a cape. He’s become the “Superman of the Super Bowl.” Patrick Mahomes now has three Super Bowl MVPs to go with a trio of Super Bowl victories following Kansas City’s 25-22 win over San Francisco on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.
Franklin from ‘Peanuts’ gets to shine in the spotlight of a new animated Apple TV+ special
The mild-mannered Franklin — the first Black character in the “Peanuts” comic strip — gets to shine in his own animated Apple TV+ special this month in a story about friendship.
Lawmakers take up ‘skill games,’ minimum wage, marijuana as Assembly hits midpoint deadline
Virginia lawmakers plowed through hundreds of bills Tuesday as they reached a key deadline for this year’s legislative session.
Youngkins’ announce high school essay contest
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and the Virginia Council on Women have announced the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare (STEAM-H) essay contest. The contest is open to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online or through certificated STEAM-H courses.
R.E.B. Awards nomination deadline is Feb. 20
The deadline is approaching for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence, a program of the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, which recognizes public schoolteachers who distinguish themselves with inspiring classroom performance.
President’s Day 2024
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 19, please note the following:
VCU alum Jeffrey Blount to discuss new book
Award-winning author Jeffrey Blount will discuss his new book, “Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library.
Community bands together to renovate Charles City’s historic Mt. Zion School
A tarp covers part of the roof of an abandoned building on Route 623 in Charles City County. Underneath the tarp, clear plastic drapes a weathered window, perhaps to further shield the decaying wood structure from elements endured nearly 110 years.
Housing and feeding brethen in need
Homelessness affects hundreds of people in the Greater Richmond area.
Congressman Troy Nehls — Rash, brash, out of control, by Julianne Malveaux
Republican Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX) recently attacked his colleague, St. Louis Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO), with rash, brash, and out-of-control language. It happened at the end of January, but somehow, his attack stuck in my craw.
VUU, don’t destroy hospital that took the Black community decades to build
Thank you for your recent editorial, “Don’t pull plug on historic hospital, VUU” and the coverage of Virginia Union’s development plans, which omit the old Richmond Community Hospital building on Overbrook Road.
Schools are trying to get more students therapy. Not all parents are on board
Derry Oliver was in fifth grade when she first talked to her mom about seeing a therapist.
VUU, VSU stars heading to New Orleans
The football season isn’t quite over for Virginia State and Virginia Union universities.
Panthers have wind at their back
It’s not how you start that counts most. It’s how you finish. And with Baltimore beckoning, Virginia Union is putting on a finishing kick.
Coble honored for longtime work in golf
E. Lee Coble’s lifetime golf achievements have earned national recognition.
Nelson leads Rams’ ‘Bench Bunch’
Basketball championships run in the Nelson family and there is room for more. Jason Nelson Jr. has become a ringleader of VCU’s talented “Bench Bunch” that has spurred the Rams to the threshold of the Atlantic 10’s top perch.
Elmer T. Seay Jr. remembered for his civic, social activism
Elmer T. Seay Jr. known for his community activism, social work and talents as an artist died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. He was 90 years old.
Family and friends celebrate Constance Delores Brown
For more than 38 years, Constance Delores Brown was a nurturing and welcome presence for students at Richmond’s Armstrong High School, where she helped further their education and served as the Senior Class Sponsor and “Miss Armstrong” Pageant Sponsor until she retired.
Judge Onzlee Ware dies at age 70
Roanoke Judge Onzlee Ware, who rose from drug charges and a gunshot wound that cost him a leg to become a Virginia legislator and the first Black judge in the city’s Circuit Court, died Saturday, Feb.10, 2024, the Roanoke Bar Association reported.
Review: Usher shines at star-studded 2024 Super Bowl halftime show
Wedding bells ring after
Usher emerged at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium for the Super Bowl halftime show seated on a throne, joined by a marching band and a trove of Vegas performers — but stayed its center.
VSU, NSU bands featured in documentary
In honor of Black History Month, the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) announced the debut of “The Legacy of HBCU Marching Bands,” a documentary film that pays tribute to the heritage and legacy of marching bands at historically black colleges and universities. The film will air on WTVR CBS6 at 9 p.m.,Sunday, Feb. 18.
Thursday, February 8
The Holy Eucharist commemorates Rev. Barbara Harris
The Diocese of Virginia announces the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist commemorating the consecration of the Right Reverend Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman Bishop in the Anglican Communion, and celebrating the life and witness of the Reverend Absalom Jones, the first African-American priest in The Episcopal Church.
In Memoriam: Tributes pour in for host, activist Joe Madison
Tributes poured in following the death of Joe Madison, the talk show host, activist and philanthropist known as “The Black Eagle.” After a lengthy bout with prostate cancer, the popular SiriusXM host died on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. He was 74.
For the culture
Recommended works and artists in celebration of Black History Month by Richmond Free Press staff members, Part 2
A Lunar celebration
ChinaFest: Year of the Wood Dragon took place Feb. 3 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Women dominate the 2024 Grammy Awards — Is the tide turning?
When the 2024 Grammy nominees were first announced, women dominated the major categories. And at Sunday’s show, those nominations translated into awards: Every televised competitive Grammy went to at least one woman.
VUU’s future tied to Caine
In what has been a rebuilding season for Virginia Union University basketball, Joshua Caine is a cornerstone.
Kuany is VCU’s sure shot
If VCU is looking for someone to take a shot, from any spot on the floor, at any time, Kuany Kuany is willing and able.
NFL broke color line in 1946
Sunday night’s Super Bowl will showcase two franchises with Black players making up some 65% of their rosters.
Justice Department proposes major changes to address disparities in state crime victim funds
The Justice Department proposed changes Monday to rules governing state-run programs that provide financial assistance to violent crime victims in order to address racial disparities and curb the number of subjective denials of compensation.
Family of Black girls handcuffed by Colorado police, held at gunpoint reach $1.9M settlement
The four Black girls lay facedown in a parking lot, crying “no” and “mommy” as a police officer who had pointed her gun at them then bent down to handcuff two of their wrists. The youngest wore a pink tiara as she held onto her teenage cousin’s hand.
Black wealth remains elusive, by Charlene Crowell
For America, Black History Month brings opportunities to revisit our nation’s lessons, achievements, and unfulfilled promises, capturing our attention as well as our hopes. Yet nothing hits home harder than the painful reminders of how so much of Black America continues to struggle financially, despite an economy that reports low unemployment, a robust stock market, and low inflation.
Setting record straight on Black History, by Ben Jealous
With the start of Black History Month, I brace myself for the mis-telling of Black History yet again.
Don’t pull plug on historic hospital, VUU
Without question, it’s good news that Virginia Union University is partnering with New York investor The Steinbridge Group to build about 200 general-use residences along the campus’ north edge.
Prisoners in the U.S. are part of a hidden workforce linked to hundreds of popular food brands
A hidden path to America’s dinner tables begins here, at an unlikely source — a former Southern slave plantation that is now the country’s largest maximum-security prison.
Stars shine during the day
Members of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted their 34th Annual Oratorical Contest on Saturday, Feb. 3, at John Marshall High School. The theme: “Shining Stars in the Literary Universe.”
VSU students providing free tax assistance
Virginia State University’s Accounting students are collaborating with the IRS for the 37th year to provide free income tax preparation and filing assistance to Tri-City area residents with an income of $73,000 or below.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Standing up
“It was February 1, 1960. They didn’t need menus. Their order was simple. A doughnut and coffee, with cream on the side."
Richardson gets new hearing in controversial case
A man who was cleared in the murder of a police officer, but has served decades in prison, has another chance to seek his release.
FeedMore hosts food drive
A canned food drive to benefit Feed More will be held in the Henrico Sports & Events Center starting Saturday, Feb. 10 through Friday, March 1, with free tickets to the upcoming Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Basketball Championship for those who contribute.
Virginia Democrats sending gun control bills to a skeptical Gov. Youngkin
Dozens of pieces of gun-related legislation that advocates say will bolster public safety are winding their way through Virginia’s Democratic-controlled General Assembly, including a measure that would halt the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms.
A record number of Americans can’t afford rent
Single mom Caitlyn Colbert watched as rent for her two-bedroom apartment doubled, then tripled and then quadrupled over a decade in Denver — to $3,374 from $750 last year.
Love Stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature that shares the Love Stories of five Richmond area couples.
The line into the bookstore wrapped around the building. Angela had been standing in line for nearly an hour. Out of nowhere comes this bow-legged guy wearing a cowboy hat, suede coat, a tank top and Timberland boots…in AUGUST.
Mahomes, Purdy in NFL spotlight
Meet the “odd couple” of Super Bowl quarterbacks. Greatness, from the get-go, was predicted for Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, not so for San Francisco’s Brock Purdy, the longest of the longshots.
Carl Weathers, linebacker-turned-actor, dies at 76
Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, facing off against Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore,” has died. He was 76.
Personality: Shawna Chapman
Spotlight on America’s United States Mrs. Mid-Atlantic 2024
Growing up in Petersburg, Shawna Chapman never believed pageants were open to women like her, whose background includes dropping out of high school and experiencing periods of homelessness.
An hour can save a life
More diverse blood donors needed amid emergency shortage nationwide
National Blood Donor Month might have ended Jan. 31, but ongoing shortages in Virginia and nationally mean that the need for donors remains critical.
‘Removing obstacles to growth’
VUU’s plan for $42M investment includes new housing, but not historic hospital
President Hakim J. Lucas used Virginia Union University’s Founders Day celebrations to announce a partnership with a New York-based development and investment firm to build affordable housing along Brook and Overbrook roads. The Steinbridge Group has committed $42 million to build 130 to 200 residences on the northern edge of VUU’s campus. During the Feb. 2 press conference, the group’s founder and CEO, Tawan Davis, said his firm had worked with business- man and philanthropist Robert F. Smith’s Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) to select VUU as the first HBCU to receive an investment as part of its $100 million initiative announced in November 2023. Its aim is to help HBCUs and other minority-serving institu- tions make underutilized assets economically productive, thereby diversifying their revenue streams and improving their financial situations and endowments. Mr. Davis estimated that Steinbridge’s investment in VUU will increase the university’s endowment 13% to 18%, as well as providing the school cash income 3.5 to 5.5 times greater than what would have resulted from the sale of the land in to- day’s market. He noted that while a significant number of Black professionals emerge from the HBCU system, the schools are funded 30% less than their counterparts and that the collective endowments of all HBCUs is less than the smallest Ivy League endowment. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, VUU’s board chair, said this project was a demonstration of thinking creatively about remov- ing the obstacles to growth.
RPS School Board appoints Shavonda Dixon for 9th District; budget changes, safety also discussed
The Richmond School Board has unanimously voted to appoint Shavonda Dixon to represent the 9th District.
Thursday, February 1
2024 State of the City
Mayor Levar Stoney points to Richmond’s bright future
Mayor Levar M. Stoney used his final State of the City address to reflect on his administration’s accomplishments over the past seven years, while also signaling Richmond’s bright future.
Beltré set for place in hall of fame
Ozzie Virgil opened the gates in 1956. Ever since, there has been a flood of stars who have reached the Major Leagues from the Dominican Republic. Adrián Beltré surely made his mark on the game. The slugging third baseman has become the fifth Dominican to be selected for the Hall of Fame, following Juan Marichal, Pedro Martinez, Vladimir Guerrero and David Ortiz.
Curry comes off the bench
Steph Curry will be in an unusual role for this year’s NBA All-Star Game. He’ll be coming off the bench.
Embiid drops 70, breaks Wilt’s record
Erasing Wilt Chamberlain’s name from any record book is a rare feat, but Joel Embiid has done it.
Chiefs, 49ers primed for Super Bowl rematch
This year’s Super Bowl matchup features franchises with plenty of experience on football’s grandest stage.
JM girls don’t play second fiddle
Some might contend that the John Marshall High girls basketball team plays in the shadow of JM’s frequent-state champion boys squad. If so, Coach Virgil Burton’s young women are casting some mighty long shadows of their own on the North Side and beyond.
Recent accounts of Richmond businesses dealing with tax issues must be fixed, by Andreas Addison
Richmond is running the risk of losing its charm.
Biden-Harris administration’s LNG decision means hope, by Ben Jealous
James Hiatt lives in an area along the Mississippi River in Louisiana that has been dubbed “Cancer Alley.” Teeming with chemical plants and oil and gas refineries, the air the residents of this area breathe contains more carcinogens than anywhere else in the country.
When partisan politics leave migrants out in the cold, by Clarence Page
As a long, dreaded January chill made life on the streets unthinkable for waves of migrants bused North from Texas, city, state and federal officials engaged in a new round of finger-pointing and buck-passing.
Meals tax concerns continue
Andreas D. Addison is calling on City Hall to refund all of the money in taxes, penalties, and fees that restaurants and other businesses have been forced to pay because of the city’s “bad customer service.”
Parting ways
After more than 30 years, the Richmond Free Press and reporter Jeremy Lazarus have permanently parted company.
Black History Month is more important than ever
In 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) first conceived “Negro History Week” for the second week of February, the idea was to celebrate and remember the struggles and achievements in the history of the African diaspora.
Dr. Shirlene Obuobi prescribes comedy for health and healing
Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, a third-year general cardiology fellow at the University of Chicago, uses creativity to process what she sees and learns while pursuing a medical career.
‘Kemba’ trailer and release date announced
On Thursday, Feb. 22, the MPI Original and BET Original feature film “Kemba” will premiere on the BET+ streaming platform and will air on BET, BETHer, and BET International.
In service and remembrance
The Friends of East End and Ancestral Capital collaborated in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15, to clean up Evergreen Cemetery.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Brian McGill is Chesterfield County’s Teacher of the Year
Brian McGill, an English teacher at Tomahawk Creek Middle School since 2020, has been selected as the 2024 Teacher of the Year and Middle School Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County. Mr. McGill has taught in Chesterfield County Public Schools since 2008 and previously taught in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
DPU struggling with customer service
April Bingham is proud of the progress the Richmond Department of Public Utilities has made in clearing a backlog of customer service issues.
Shock, grief and mourning for 3 Georgia-based U.S. soldiers killed in Middle East drone strike
Described by their parents as bubbly and constantly laughing, Spc. Kennedy Sanders and Spc. Breonna Moffett became close friends soon after enlisting in the Army Reserve five years ago. Sgt. William Jerome Rivers served a tour in Iraq before joining the same company of Army engineers.
For the cuture
Black History Month enables many Black Americans to reflect on our history, honor our ancestors and educate ourselves while also celebrating our achievements. We asked our Richmond Free Press team to share the creative, cultural and literary works that quench their thirst for knowledge and purpose during Black History Month and throughout the year.
Primed for takeoff
Chance discovery at Ohio airport lands King at VUU
College athletes frequently transfer, usually for more playing time, a higher profile environment, to be closer to home or even for more Name Image Likeness (NIL) money. Jonathan King fell into a different category in transferring to Virginia Union University from Alderson Broaddus University in tiny Philippi, W.Va.
SAD? There are ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year, usually fall and winter, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Friends and loved ones to pay tribute to prominent musician Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Lee
Nathaniel “Nat” Bess Lee — a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger who worked with nationally known musicals acts in his career — died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, after an extended illness. He was 69.
Personality: Darrell Tyler
Spotlight on Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union board chairman
Darrell Tyler firmly believes that material advancement in society is nearly impossible without a financial institution’s backing or involvement.
Georgia district attorney prosecuting Trump has been subpoenaed over claims of improper relationship
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and a special prosecutor she hired for the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump have been issued subpoenas by a defense attorney who has alleged Ms. Willis and the prosecutor had an inappropriate romantic relationship.
