Thursday, March 28
Panthers prepare for an encore
Virginia Union University’s winding road back to the football playoffs will start with a trip to Frankfort, Ky.
Personality: Linwood ‘Shawn’ Nelson
Spotlight on board chairman of Rx Partnership
Linwood “Shawn” Nelson, a product of rural Virginia, was no stranger to poverty while growing up.
Black History Museum receives $300,000 grant
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia has received a two-year, $300,000 grant from The Anne Mullen Orrell Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. The award is to support the BHMCC’s general operating expenses, enabling the museum to continue its mission to preserve and promote the rich history and cultural heritage of African-Americans in Virginia, according to a museum news release. “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious grant from the Anne Mullen Orrell Charitable Trust, facilitated by Bank of America. This grant underscores the importance of the museum’s mission to collect, interpret, and celebrate the inspirational stories of Vir- ginia’s Black history & culture,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, BHMCC executive director. “Through education and storytelling, we demonstrate that Black history is part of our collective American story,” she added. “By providing support for the museum’s overall op- erations, the Trust allows us to continue our work through our exhibitions, educational and community programs, events, and other initiatives.” To learn more about the BHMCC, please visit https://blackh- istorymuseum.org/.
Religious affairs expert Thomas Bowen moves from city of Washington to White House
In the month since moving from Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration to the White House, the Rev. Thomas L. Bowen keeps encountering familiar faces.
The ridiculous retiring Republicans, by Julianne Malveaux
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson needed Democrats to narrowly avert the government shutdown that loomed if Congressional budget legislation was not passed by Saturday, March 23. Many Republicans did not vote for the budget legislation; Democrats saved the day.
Owens left mark on campus and above the rim at H-SC
Former basketball star Ed Owens is now Mayor Owens.
Branch Museum to host free open house
The Branch Museum will host a free open house Easter Sunday, March 31, from noon to 5 p.m. for the Monument Avenue Easter on Parade.
Black stereotypes in ceramic art at BHMCC
Exploring Black stereotypes in ceramic works may seem like a new trend but it’s not.
Barksdale’s star is rising
Some of history’s most prominent big men have made their mark in the Virginia High School League basketball tournament.
Mayor Stoney’s $2.9B budget
‘We are stronger than we’ve ever been’
In delivering his 2025 City of Richmond Budget speech yesterday, Mayor Levar M. Stoney praised his budget team for “working tirelessly year-round to ensure our financial house is in order.”
Authorities search Diddy’s properties as part of a sex trafficking probe
In the first nine months of 2023, Sean “Diddy” Combs triumphantly performed at the MTV VMAs, released an R&B album that garnered a Grammy nomination and was a suitor to buy the BET network. But several lawsuits filed late last year raised allegations of sexual assault and rape against Mr. Combs — one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as a performer and producer.
Youngkin acts on gun bills, vetoing dozens as expected
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday he had vetoed 30 pieces of gun-related legislation, including measures that would have halted the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms.
Are we there yet?
VCU’s road trips
From Brooklyn to Philadelphia to Tampa to Salt Lake City. No, this isn’t a connecting flight schedule at Richmond International, it’s Virginia Commonwealth University’s postseason travel itinerary.
Creighton Court groundbreaking announced
Richmonders are invited to celebrate the start of new construction in one of its oldest public housing communities 10 a.m. Thursday, April 4.
Remembering an icon
The esteemed civil rights leader, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, a native of Richmond, would have celebrated her 112th birthday on Sunday, March 24. Although she died April 20, 2010, at age 98 in Washington, D.C., her legacy remains strong, especially in Richmond’s Blackwell neighborhood where she was born.
Gov. Youngkin requests to review course syllabi at two Virginia universities
Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently requested syllabi from two state universities, a move some faculty called “unprecedented” and reflective of a national trend to challenge academic freedom. Some appointed Board of Visitors members also have questioned mandates for students to take general education courses on diversity and racial literacy.
Pac-12’s final chapter not over yet; conference has 5 teams in women’s Sweet 16
In a women’s NCAA Tournament where Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, LSU Coach Kim Mulkey and undefeated South Carolina have dominated the headlines, the Pac-12 Conference is making sure it doesn’t go away quietly in its final season.
Gov. Youngkin is VCU commencement speaker
Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be Virginia Commonwealth University’s spring commencement speaker on May 11.
Richmonders tend to procrastinate when filing taxes, study shows
With Tax Day less than a month away, Richmonders are likely to be among residents in more than 100 cities throughout the country who wait until the last minute to file their taxes.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
A tone-deaf attack on diversity at a university first built by the enslaved, by Bob Lewis
Posts began popping up in my social media feeds a couple of weeks ago from friends in my demographic: white, male and old enough to know better.
SPCA’s 2024 Rock the Block Party
The Richmond SPCA’s signature Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party drew dog lovers from near and far on Saturday, March 23, at the nonprofit’s humane center on Hermitage Road.
Baltimore bridge collapse
Port closure sends companies scrambling to reroute cargo
The stunning collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is diverting shipping and trucking around one of the busiest ports on America’s East Coast, creating delays and raising costs in the latest disruption to global supply chains.
Meet the new kids at Maymont
Maymont welcomed three baby Tennessee domestic goats to Maymont Farm just in time for spring.
Crump impresses in loss to UConn
Miya Crump earned her big March Madness moment even in defeat for Jackson State’s women’s basketball team.
Easter like Sunday morning
As we approach the second quarter of the year, kudos to those of you who adhered to Jan. 1 vows to lose weight, eat healthier meals and exercise more regularly.
U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion dissolved
Nearly two years ago, Sesha Joi Moon, a Richmond native and co-founder of a Richmond-based nonprofit, was named the U.S. House of Representatives director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
The humanities and HBCUs, by Yahusef Medina
Last month, as we commemorated another year of Black history, I found myself reflecting on two prominent themes in the life and legacy of Carter Godwin Woodson, pioneer of Black History Month, who was born in Buckingham County, Va.
Thursday, March 21
Still no clear answers about the fate of Richmond Community Hospital
After weeks of questions and uncertainty, plans for the possible demolition of the former Richmond Community Hospital remain unresolved.
Richmond Continentals host free financial workshop
The Richmond Continental Societies will host a free financial literacy workshop for high school students and parents Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at Armstrong High School, 2300 Cool Lane.
Gov. Youngkin vetoes bills to rejoin voter-sharing organization
Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed two bills that would have allowed Virginia to rejoin a national organization that helps maintain voter rolls.
Elegba Folklore Society welcomes Kenyan delegation
The public is invited to Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center on Tuesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. to “Meet the Maasai.” Chief Joseph Ole Tipanko, Cicilia Seleyian and Kilenyi John Parsitau are visiting Richmond from Maasailand in Kenya, and they will share with attendees the indigenous history of the Maasai along with their evolving stories split between Kenya and Tanzania as a result of both British and German colonization.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Va. court says lease agreements can’t override landlord’s duty to keep property ‘habitable’
In a case involving a flea infestation of an Alexandria rental, the Virginia Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday, March 12, that lease agreements can’t override state law requiring that landlords keep their properties “in a fit and habitable condition.”
RPS principals receive R.E.B. Awards
John Marshall High School Principal Monica Murray is a recipient of the 2024 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership, according to an announcement by Richmond Public Schools. William Fox Elementary School Prinicipal Daniela Jacobs was named a finalist for the award.
All Henrico Reads features for ‘Wild’ memoir discussion
All Henrico Reads, Henrico County’s long-running literary event, will return Thursday, March 28, with bestselling and award-winning author Cheryl Strayed discussing her 2012 memoir “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.”
Registration opens for HCPS Summer Academy
Registration opens this month for Henrico County Public Schools’ Summer Academy. According to HCPS, the program gives elementary, middle and high school students opportunities for enrichment, remediation and career exploration.
Maymont welcomes all for 2024 Dominion Energy Family Easter events
Maymont invites local families to celebrate spring at Dominion Energy Family Easter on Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
AMMD Pine Grove prepares to stabilize building, debut film ‘More than a School'
The past and future of the historic Pine Grove School will be the focus of two events hosted by the AMMD Pine Grove Project during the last week of March and the first week of April.
ICA exhibit explores race, class and gender
Artist Patrice Renee Washington isn’t interested in mainstreaming her creative talents to fit into the white-dominated spaces of the commercial art world. Instead, she focuses on exploring the roots behind racial identity. She’s the artist behind “Tendril,” a solo exhibition of her works at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU (ICA at VCU).
Richmond favorites to return for 2024
Riverfront Canal Cruises will kick off their 24th season on Friday, April 5, offering historically narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Traveling along Downtown Richmond’s historic Canal Walk, passengers will learn about Richmond’s history and see sights such as the Virginia Capital Trail, the Low Line gardens and James River wildlife. Tours depart on the hour from the canal’s Turning Basin at 139 Virginia St. and will operate between April and November. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at the Turning Basin’s ticket kiosk, and online up to 18 hours in advance. Private charters also are available. Venture Richmond Events also has announced save the dates for two popular fall festivals. The Richmond Folk Festival, in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts and the City of Richmond, will happen along Downtown Richmond’s riverfront a little early this year. By celebrating its 20th anniversary Sep. 27-29, the festival will avoid falling on the Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur. It will return to its annual October weekend next year. This year, the 2nd Street Festival, in partnership with the City of Richmond, will mark its 36th year. The free annual festival celebrating the rich culture of Downtown Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, once known as “the Harlem of the South,” will take place Oct. 5-6. The two-day event features three stages of live music and entertainment, a kids area, food vendors, shopping and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development will headline the festival on Saturday, Oct. 5, and Richmond vocalist and festival veteran Desiree Roots will close out the festival as the headliner on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Safe and secure
New safety nets are crucial in ensuring the well-being and success of students in Richmond Public Schools. Recent discussions by the RPS School Board regarding homebound and home-based instruction protocols, as well as revised procedures for certifying graduating seniors, highlight the importance of providing support and guidance to students who already face myriad pressures and mental health challenges.
Taking a RISC
It is gratifying to read Free Press reporter George Copeland Jr.’s article about the commit- ment shown by Richmond’s current and potential political leaders who attended a forum focused on affordable housing, mobile home repair and replacement, and gun violence prevention. Tuesday night’s forum, which drew hundreds of parishioners from more than 20 member congregations to St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County, was organized by Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities, also known as RISC. Such a turnout is incredible and worthy of several rounds of “Amazing Grace” performed by our Forever President Obama! During the RISC meeting, pledges from city Councilmembers Stephanie A. Lynch, Andreas D. Addison and Ann-Frances Lambert for an additional $2 million in mobile home funding in next year’s budget and a resolution guaranteeing money owed from the 2022-23 fiscal year would be added to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Ms. Lynch agreed to patron the Trust Fund resolution and to ensure a mobile home fund amendment would be in the budget if it wasn’t already there. She also charged the RISC members pres- ent to bring this same energy and collective organizing to other political offices outside the City of Richmond. “It is not in any way equitable, just or Christ- like that we live in a country with so much and yet so many suffering with so little,” Ms. Lynch said. “If you live in Henrico, you live in Chesterfield, you live in other localities, I want you to push your electorate and challenge your elected leaders to do the same.” Councilmembers Addison and Lambert agreed to co-patron the resolutions. Coun- cilmember Ellen F. Robertson also agreed to support efforts in improving affordable hous- ing and supporting mobile home repair and replacement, though she said additional budget amendments might not be necessary. The additional funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Mobile Home Re- pair Program will help address critical needs in the city. The focus on gun violence prevention through the Group Violence Intervention solu- tion also is commendable, as it has garnered success in other areas. Say “Amen,” somebody.
No one likes to be taken for granted, by David W. Marshall
Realignment and transformation throughout our nation’s political landscape is not new.
Trump making Black voter inroads. Why?, by Clarence Page
Reports that Donald Trump has made surprising gains among Black voters have raised understandable alarm among my Democratic-leaning friends.
‘What became of the Black People of Sumer?’
I learned the value of peaceful protest at Virginia Union University. I learned to stand up and speak up for issues that matter, in an atmosphere of civil discourse. I learned about the necessity of preserving and protecting our history while making more for generations to come. I learned these things through classroom teachings and through the role models I encountered on campus every day over the 10 years I roamed those hallowed grounds, and in the years since as an involved alumna. I learned the meaning of good citizenship at Virginia Union University.
Richmond Community Hospital: Finding compromise is possible!
There are incredible times in our lives when we should work as hard as possible to preserve old buildings to retain our sense of community and protect our history.
Zeta Phi Beta chapter to VUU: Don’t demolish historic hospital
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter has been at the forefront for social, health and economic justice in the Richmond community since its chartering in 1942. Upon hearing of the decision to demolish the Richmond Community Hospital the Executive Board of Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter unanimously voted in opposition of the demolition of this rich, historical landmark that has significant historical importance to Black people across Virginia.
A fast track to offsetting the child care crisis
National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day was March 15, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the community heroes who play an important role in teaching and shaping young minds.
Justices make All-State team
Success on the court has led to success at the ballot box for the John Marshall High girls basketball team.
Harding named to All- American team
Tahj Harding has followed up his All-CIAA honors with All-American honors.
Thomas named new Hampton coach
Hampton University has chosen Ivan Thomas to navigate its basketball program through what has been choppy waters of late.
Wood stands out in Nationals spring training action
Among the Washington Nationals’ brightest prospects has Richmond ties. Outfielder James Wood is the son of former University of Richmond basketball standout Kenny Wood, a member of the Spiders Athletic Hall of Fame.
Lunch and learn
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosts Chef Patrick O’Connell for VMHC’s Julia Child exhibit
Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted a media preview on March 14 in honor of the Virginia History and Culture Museum’s new exhibit “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” on view through Sept. 2.
Dr. Dorothy Height celebrated
The Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Richmond Section of the National Council of Negro Women will host the annual Dorothy Height Day celebration on Friday, March 22, at 10:45 a.m. The event will be at the historical markers at Hull Street Library, 1400 Hull St.
Lydia Thompson, NCECA works featured at BHMCC
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will host an exhibition opening reception for two new exhibits from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 22.
Let’s roll
RVA Hot Wheelz, a luxury car rental company owned by Dashia Oliver and Destiny Oliver, celebrated its grand opening Saturday, March 16, at 3107 Old Hilliard Road.
Rise up
RISC continues mission for housing, safety, well-being
The city of Richmond’s current and potential political leaders committed themselves to more action on affordable housing, mobile home repair and replacement, and discussions on gun violence prevention Tuesday evening, during RISC’s 2024 Nehemiah Action Assembly.
New safety nets
Richmond School Board discusses homebound learning, protocols for upcoming graduations
Improvements are underway to clarify Richmond Public Schools’ homebound and home-based instruction protocols, along with revised procedures for certifying graduating seniors. In its March 18 meeting, RPS School Board members discussed the changes made some nine months after the June 6 shooting death of Shawn Jackson, a homebound student attending Huguenot High School.
Judge clears way for Trump to appeal ruling keeping Fani Willis on Georgia 2020 election case
The judge overseeing the Georgia 2020 election interference case cleared the way Wednesday for Donald Trump and other defendants to appeal a ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the prosecution.
Richmond native Willie Williams III passes away at 93
‘He was always involved with trying to move things forward for us as a community and as a people.’ – L. Douglas Wilder
Willie Williams III’s life reflected unlimited service and leadership in the Richmond community. Born July 31, 1930, Mr. Williams left this life on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 93.
Personality: Stephanie Spencer
Meet the founder, executive director of Urban Baby Beginnings
For years, Stephanie Spencer has worked to build a better future for mothers. A lifetime of experiences – from working in the medical system as a nurse to becoming a mother herself – has contributed to her growing knowledge of maternal issues, particularly for Black women.
Sculpture park aims to look honestly at slavery, honoring those who endured it
Visitors to the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park wind a serpentine path past art pieces depicting the lives of enslaved people in America and historic exhibits, including two cabins where the enslaved lived, before arriving at a towering monument.
Healing in the Black community focus of spring symposium
Healing in the context of community will be the central theme of this year’s 14th Annual Lemon Project symposium taking place March 22-23 at the William & Mary School of Education.
Thursday, March 14
Honorary street sign to recognize Bishop Melvin Williams Jr.
For more than 50 years, Bishop Melvin Williams Jr., pastor of the Temple of Judah at 2120 Venable St. has made his mark on Richmond and Virginia – primarily through giving. For years, his words of wisdom through his daily radio show; Christmas bicycle giveaways for children; care packages for incarcerated people; Thanksgiving giveaways; daily prayer at 5 a.m. at the church and now online; housing for the homeless and marches against crime and for community safety are just some of the services the church has provided over the years. Now, the city of Richmond is recognizing that service in a major way.
Legislating with power and purpose
Jennifer McClellan’s historic first year in Congress
March 7, 2024, marked one year since Jennifer L. McClellan made history, winning a special election to succeed the late A. Donald McEachin and become the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.
Housing Secretary Fudge resigning; Biden hails her dedication to boosting supply of affordable homes
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge announced Monday that she would resign her post, effective March 22, saying she was leaving “with mixed emotions.”
Russell Wilson heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Sunday night.
Personality: Meredith Hertzler
Spotlight on He She Ze and We board president
In 2016, family led Meredith Hertzler to reach out to the nonprofit He She Ze and We. She found a supportive community that she continues to rely on each day.
Educator Wilbert H. Brooks remembered
Wilbert H. Brooks Jr., 83, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, leaving behind a decades-long legacy in Virginia education.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph wins Oscar for ‘The Holdovers’
Trained opera singer never dreamed of being an actor
While tears rolled down Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s face, she collected her first Oscar then delivered a powerful speech about her realizing that she’s good enough as an actor.
Virginia lawmakers approve budget, but Gov. Youngkin warns that changes will be needed
Virginia lawmakers wrapped up their 60-day legislative session Saturday by approving a two-year budget that includes pay raises for teachers and state employees, increases for education funding and extends the state sales tax to cover digital services.
Town hall meeting to include VUU president, other City officials
The future of the Richmond Community Hospital, the cost of utilities and crime in the city will be the focus of an upcoming town hall in Richmond’s 3rd District on Wednesday, March 20, at Linwood Holton Elementary School at 1600 W. Laburnum Ave. from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Coming Together Virginia to explore impact of racism on mental health
For the next three months, Coming Together Virginia (CTVA) will host its Racism at Work (RAW) series to tackle how racism affects physical and emotional well-being. Founded by Danita Rountree Green and Martha Rollins in 2014, the nonprofit’s vision is of “a racially healed world of thriving, equitable and just communities.”
Dominion Foundation announces spring grant cycle
Nonprofit and educational organizations focused on human needs, the environment, education and their community but in need of financial support have a new opportunity courtesy of Dominion Energy.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Henrico CARES aims to strengthen youth mental health services
Henrico County and Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) are implementing the Henrico CARES plan with the goal to increase availability of mental health services in schools and to expand efforts of prevention, support, and early and intensive intervention for youth mental health, substance abuse and violence.
Congratulations, Congresswoman
March is Women’s History Month, and on this week’s front page, we feature the energetic Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, who recently marked her one-year anniversary as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.
The City and FOIA
Following media reports detailing issues faced in obtaining timely responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and a $250,000 lawsuit filed March 1 by the City of Richmond’s former FOIA officer, the city plans to overhaul how it receives and handles those requests.
Inflation, nutrition and reality, by Julianne Malveaux
Remember the parable of the blind men and the elephant? As each approached an elephant and tried to describe it, they came up with wildly disparate answers. One thought it a snake, another a tree, another a trunk. Because they were blind, they could not see the big picture; they described the part of the elephant they could touch.
For one night, Biden was media master, by Clarence Page
Ah, such embarrassment. Presidential campaigns will always surprise you, but I didn’t expect Donald Trump, a tireless master of media, to be tripped up by his own social media platform.
JXN Project to VUU: Do not contribute to efforts to erase Black histories
ATTN: Virginia Union University President Hakim Lucas and Board of Trustees
AAGHS GRVA: ‘Our history matters’
Founded in 2010, the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Greater Richmond, Virginia Chapter (AAGHS GRVA) strives to be at the vanguard of providing important historical context and the ability to use research skills and techniques to further the field of scholarly genealogy.
Young entrepreneurs display business skills
The 2024 Richmond Children’s Business Fair, also known as Central Virginia’s premier youth entrepreneurship expo, saw dozens of young innovators ages 5 to 17 showcase their businesses on Sunday, March 10, at the Dewey Gottwald Center on Leigh Street.
Pride of North Side wins … again
John Marshall High School did not compete in 2021 due to the pandemic. Many say that would have been the Justices’ strongest team.
UR women to play in ‘Big Dance’
Grace Townsend and the rest of the University of Richmond (UR) women’s basketball team are packing their dancing shoes for what lies ahead.
Joyner out at Hampton
Edward “Buck” Joyner, who served as Hampton University basketball coach in three different conferences, has been fired.
For the record at NFL Combine
Former Petersburg High and Hampton University standout Jerome Mathis was the fastest man in 2005 at the NFL Combine. Mathis’ 40-yard clocking of 4.26 still ranks ninth fastest all-time.
Bacot in contention for top NCAA center
The nation’s top college basketball center might be from Richmond.
A new generation of readers embraces bell hooks’ ‘All About Love’
In the summer of 2022, Emma Goodwin was getting over a breakup and thinking hard about her life and how to better herself. She decided to try a book she had heard about often, bell hooks’ “All About Love: New Visions.”
Richmond Symphony meets the ‘Black Panther’
Richmonders are invited to take a special trip to Wakanda on Saturday, April 13, when the “Black Panther in Concert” comes to the Richmond Symphony in the Altria Theater at 6 N. Laurel St. as part of their Pops Series.
Sorority announces ‘March into Fitness’ event
The Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will host a “March into Fitness” program Friday, March 22, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook High School, 4901 Cogbill Road. The event is free and open to all ages.
No comment unless we know what you’re talking about
Resolution changes how residents address City Council
Council members unanimously passed a resolution Monday night that will mean changes to its meeting rules and procedures — including some related to public comment.
Morehouse School of Medicine receives cancer grant
A researcher at the Morehouse School of Medicine has been awarded a historic $25 million grant for her team’s efforts in studying inequities in cancer outcomes for people and communities of African descent.
Thursday, March 7
City School Board hears pros and cons about cell phone pilot program
Absent devices bring on boredom, missed buses, and language barrier, say students
Meeting for the first time since the Huguenot High School graduation shooting trial ended last week, the Richmond School Board failed to discuss the trial, which resulted in Amari Pollard, 20, accepting a plea deal.
Community shows up for former hospital
For Edwina Richmond, Richmond Community Hospital has been a critical part of her life for years.
Biden and Trump dominate Super Tuesday races, move closer to a November rematch
President Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, romped through more than a dozen states on Super Tuesday, all but cementing a November rematch and pushing the former president’s last major rival, Nikki Haley, out of the Republican race.
Personality: Brent Timberlake
Spotlight on Greater Richmond Bar Foundation board president
The three words that Brent Timberlake used to describe himself — curious, hopeful and hard-working — play a role in many aspects of his life.
Spring Creek Baptist receives $1.25M grant
Spring Creek Baptist Church in Moseley has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help strengthen families through Christian home visitation. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to help parents and caregivers share their faith and values with their children.
John Warren Jones III, owner of Church Hill Cleaners, remembered
Following the legacy of his grandfather and father, John Warren “John John”Jones III began working at the family-owned business, Church Hill Cleaners, as a youngster.
Lincoln, Fayetteville State win CIAA; VUU and VSU fail to find lucky charm
Last year, Lincoln University nearly won the CIAA men’s title, losing in the finals. This time, the Lions closed the deal.
Jeffrey Wright, shape-shifter supreme, sees some of himself in ‘American Fiction’
Jeffrey Wright has played Jean-Michel Basquiat, Martin Luther King Jr. and Muddy Waters. He’s played Colin Powell, a Dominican drug kingpin, Batman’s Commissioner Gordon and a longtime inmate nearing release. He’s played Bill Murray’s neighbor, a Civil War-era former slave, James Bond’s Felix Leiter, the nurse Belize in “Angels in America” and an android-human in “Westworld.”
Va. lawmakers again decline to put restrictions on personal use of campaign accounts
Virginia lawmakers on Wednesday defeated for another year campaign finance reform legislation that would have prohibited elected officials from spending political donations on personal expenses such as mortgages, vacations or gym memberships.
Shawn Jackson’s mother calls for community unity
On Thursday, Feb. 29, day four of the Huguenot graduation shooting trial, Amari Pollard, 20, accepted a plea deal. Mr. Pollard pleaded guilty to one charge of first degree murder and one charge of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for the death of Huguenot graduate Shawn Jackson. Mr. Pollard was not charged for the murder of Renzo Smith, Mr. Jackson’s stepfather, who was also killed during the shooting chaos. Mr. Pollard was sentenced to 43 years with 18 years suspended. After 25 years, Mr. Pollard will be eligible for release.
Former employee files lawsuit against City of Richmond
The City of Richmond’s former FOIA officer has filed a $250,000 lawsuit against the city alleging she was fired in retaliation for refusing to violate state law, according to various news reports. The suit, filed by Connie Clay, alleges that city officials attempted to withhold information that should be public by delaying or ignoring requests, and sometimes quoting exorbitant fees to deter the requester.
50 years after Va.’s first heart transplant, legislature honors Black donor who never gave consent
The first human-to-human heart transplant in the South occurred without donor consent from the injured Black man nor his family to help a white businessman live. Doctors in 1968 determined Bruce Tucker would not survive a severe head injury.
Trump leans in on immigration, crime during campaign stop in Richmond
Former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Richmond on Saturday ahead of Super Tuesday, a day of primary voting that is expected to seal his bid to be the Republican nominee for president in November.
Jackson Ward’s restaurant scene helps spur city’s business growth
Richmond has long been a hub for black capitalism — especially in Jackson Ward, once referred to as the Harlem of the South. According to a recent report from Yelp, the online publisher of crowd-sourced business reviews, black business openings in Richmond grew 66% in 2023. Yelp also found that black business openings in Richmond outpace the national black business opening rate of 24% and the national average of 20%.
The 2024 Virginia General Assembly begins and ends with record number of Black legislators
History was made last November with the election of a record number of Black candidates to the Virginia General Assembly.
Coming home, by Jennifer Robinson
A hipper, more vibrant Richmond is sweet surprise for former New Yorker
Byrd Park was the place to be on warm Sunday afternoons in the 1980s. I was in high school and all of young, black Richmond gathered there. Picture the scene from Will Smith’s 1991 hit, “Summertime.”
Dominion recognizes African-American leaders, students
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation and the Library of Virginia recently recognized four Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees and Student Creative Expressions Contest finalists during its annual program that recognizes notable African-American business and community leaders.
Wealth disparities by race grew during the pandemic, despite income gains, report shows
A strong performance in financial markets, particularly an outsize gain for the stock market in 2021, helped entrench existing trends of wealth inequality during the pandemic, new data released this week show.
Tonsils, talent and newborns
Richmond Community Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of many, including Edwina Richmond, a retired college professor with deep family ties to the city. Born at the hospital 76 years ago, Ms. Richmond has fond memories of the care she received there, from getting her tonsils removed to witnessing the hospital’s integral role in the neighborhood’s welfare, Richmond Free Press reporter George Copeland Jr. reports in this week’s edition.
State of Black America 2024, by Marc H. Morial
“We’re building an America where we recognize the inherent dignity of every single person, and where every American has the chance to live a life of purpose and meaning. This is my vision for the future.” — President Biden, 2024 State of Black America
Fixing our broken drug pricing system, by Dr. Greg Gelburd
As a recently retired physician, I felt relief for patients across the commonwealth when Virginia legislators recently passed bipartisan measures, Senate Bill 274 and House Bill 570, to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. This board would be empowered to finally rein in skyrocketing prescription drug costs that make medicine inaccessible to too many patients. By signing this legislation into law, Gov. Glenn Youngkin can prioritize the health and well-being of Virginians.
Conversations to repurpose the old Richmond Community Hospital building ‘did not bear fruit’
My name is Mary DePillars and I am an alumna of Virginia Union University concerned about recent comments attributed to VUU personnel regarding the old Richmond Community Hospital building. I shared my Feb, 15, 2024, letter to the Richmond Free Press with VUU’s alumni relations manager that same day. However, for context, I am expanding those comments as follows:
RCH and the need to sustain local cultural consciousness
At the March 3 “We Shall Gather at the Hospital” rally hosted by the Save Community Hospital Work Group, public historian, Dr. Carmen Foster reflected on the erasure of local stories due to the Richmond area’s shifting sociocultural landscape. Her passionate testimony inspires contemplation on what the 1932 Richmond Community Hospital site represents within Richmond and the American South’s sociocultural location.
Richmond Crusade for Voters stands with Community
The Richmond Crusade for Voters stands with the many other organizations and individuals who have spoken up in support of preserving the Richmond Community Hospital on Virginia Union University’s campus.
With proper screening, colon cancer can be prevented
If you knew you could prevent a disease, not just treat it, you would do it, right? As we recognize Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, I feel compelled to share my story of prevention and family health history.
Earl Lloyd: A man of many firsts
In discussing the greatest players to ever compete in the CIAA tournament, a nice starting point might be Earl Lloyd.
Old and new Rams are doing well
This has been a take-notice basketball season for the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams, both past and present versions.
White switches pads for spikes
If not for two knee surgeries, this story might be about Maddox White the football star instead of Maddox White the track sensation. The precocious St. Christopher’s sophomore stopped racing for gridiron goal lines two years ago and switched to sprinting to track’s finish lines.
JM boys, girls look to double dip
They never even tapped their brakes in getting to where they wanted to go. The John Marshall High School boys and girls have rumbled into the history book as among the most dominant postseason teams in Virginia hoops history.
