Thursday, January 16
Local artists organize to raise funds for Hurricane Helene relief
Local artists are teaming up to raise funds for the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) through an online auction and an in-person art exhibition. RVA4CERF+, set to take place from Jan. 21-24, will feature artwork donated by over 50 Virginia artists to support the relief efforts for craft artists impacted by Hurricane Helene.
MJBL East-West All-Star Game returns to Daytona Beach
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League brings its East-West All-Star Game back to Florida this weekend, with events scheduled for Jan. 18 and 19 in Daytona Beach.
Colonial Downs reveals details for Virginia Derby weekend
The 2025 Virginia Derby, set for Saturday, March 15, will serve as a qualifying race for the 151st Kentucky Derby, offering the winner a spot at Churchill Downs on May 3. The event, a highlight of Colonial Downs’ March meet, will feature at least 10 races, with the Derby itself scheduled for the afternoon.
Rams standout Gerardo Castillo heads home to join San Carlos
Former Virginia Commonwealth University men’s soccer standout Gerardo Castillo is set to begin his professional career with Asociación Deportiva San Carlos of Costa Rica’s Primera División, the country’s top professional soccer league.
Lessons in kindness from a mother’s care
I was touched by the lovely story by Hazel Trice Edney. (Free Press, Jan. 2-4 edition) Members of my generation at some point have faced decisions about parent care.
Richmond showed resilience, but accountability is needed
Kudos go out to the citizens of Richmond, some of whom were without water for several days. Many of us looked out for those who were not able to get out (ex. buying food, bottled water, etc.) Thanks to some of our partners in surrounding counties who stepped in as well to help.
Recycling event rescheduled to Jan.18
If your Christmas tree is still taking up space in the corner of your living room or you’ve got other post-holiday items to recycle, the annual Bring One for the Chipper event is here to help — though it’s been rescheduled due to expected inclement weather. The event will now take place Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1710 Robin Hood Road.
Spanberger and Earle-Sears tied in first 2025 gubernatorial poll
Survey also found that 22% of voters remain undecided, did not plan to vote or would back another candidate
A little over one year before the 2025 gubernatorial election, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Prince William, the two leading declared candidates for governor, are tied at 39% according to a new statewide poll by the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.
Finn honored for community service
The Richmond Association of Realtors has named John S. Finn Jr. the recipient of the 2024 Civic Leader of the Year Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their community and honors those who improve the well-being of those in need.
King holiday schedule
In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 20, please note the following:
Quake rocks Western Henrico, followed by aftershock
A cold quiet Tuesday afternoon was interrupted by rumbles and a boom felt across western Henrico County.
Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen face off for berth in AFC championship game
Lamar Jackson versus Josh Allen won’t decide the NFL MVP next week. The stakes are higher with a spot in the AFC championship game on the line.
Personality: Dr. Lynda Hyatt
Spotlight on board president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Virginia
With over three decades in mental health, Dr. Lynda Hyatt has witnessed significant progress in reducing barriers to treatment and services. Yet, she remains steadfast in her fight against the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.
From South Central to center stage - Albright’s 40 year music journey
Gerald Albright, a West Coast native, likes coming to the Virginia area. Over the years, he’s experienced some of his highest record and ticket sales here. And every time he performs here, he feels a “oneness” with the audience. For Albright, music is about more than just notes — it’s about the shared experience between the artist and the crowd.
Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire, hostages to be released
Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
‘Mr. CIAA’ remembered as basketball tournament icon
For decades, Abraham Mitchell was a beloved presence in the sports world of historically Black colleges and universities. Easily recognizable in the bustling crowds of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournaments, his colorful suits and upbeat demeanor earned him the nickname “Mr. CIAA.”
The Branch Museum of Design announces rebranding, new leader
The Branch Museum of Design and Architecture is marking its 10th anniversary with a new name and a new leader.
Sculptures inspired by Alvin Ailey to be featured at Lewis Ginter
Kristine Mays’ sculptures appear to emerge from the ground, their wire frames evoking delicate yet resilient figures in motion. This striking juxtaposition of fragility and strength will be on display at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden when her acclaimed exhibition, “Rich Soil,” opens Jan. 18 and runs through March 9, 2025.
When good money comes at the cost of Black athletes, by Carl B. Mack
To those of us with a conscience, not ALL money is GOOD money.
Norfolk State names new football coaching staff under Vick
Norfolk State University has announced its new football coaching staff, led by Coach Michael Vick. The team of experienced coaches, including several former NFL players, reflects a commitment to building a competitive program on the field and fostering growth off it.
Virginia Beach incident inspires fair housing initiative, by Roger Chesley
I had hoped Raven Baxter — the Black woman who was rebuffed by an elderly white home-seller from buying a Virginia Beach condo because of her race – would keep fighting until she got the keys to her castle. In this day and age, there should never be obstacles to buying a home based on race, religion, disability or national origin.
Carter’s funeral brings much-needed vision of peace, by Clarence Page
When he showed up at the Chicago Tribune one day in early 1976, James Earl Carter Jr., was announced by one of our young newsroom copy clerks as “that governor from Georgia who thinks he can run for president.”
Urban League prepares for fight ahead, by Marc H. Morial
At the current rate of progress, it will take between 100 and 300 years for Black Americans to achieve parity with white Americans.
Born day
Today, The Richmond Free Press is 33 years old.
Deadline to enroll in state health exchange extended to Jan. 22
Virginians have until the middle of next week to enroll in the state’s public health care exchange, the result of an extension announced Monday.
Red Onion Prison inmate dies days after new oversight announced
A man incarcerated at Red Onion State Prison died last month, a Virginia Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed to VPM News.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 11, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness moderate and trending down compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at press time. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Council dives into water crisis, housing
The long-term effects of Richmond’s recent water crisis dominated discussion at Monday evening’s Richmond City Council meeting, as city officials promised accountability and residents urged action on issues worsened due to the crisis.
DPU director resigns following water woes
Less than a week after an outage that left Richmond residents without water for days, April Bingham resigned as director of the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities. Bingham was appointed to the role in 2021 by former Mayor Levar M. Stoney. She assumed the role after previous work with the Washington Gas Light Company and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.
Beloved Richmond entertainer Wayne Breedlove dies at 56
Wayne Breedlove, a prominent figure in Richmond’s entertainment and community scenes, died at age 56 on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025. Affectionately known as “Bree” to friends and loved ones, Breedlove was a dancer, athlete, counselor and community activist whose vibrant personality and talents left a lasting impact.
School Board curbs free speech — their own
Richmond School Board members unanimously updated their rulebook on meeting durations, limiting the time members can spend speaking on issues during Monday evening’s meeting.
Virginia lawmakers push for reforms following death of Rolin Hill
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) is demanding urgent reforms after the death of Rolin Hill, a man who died in the custody of three former Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputies. The deputies, now charged with second-degree murder, were granted $5,000 unconditional bonds last week.
Friday, January 10
RPS distributes food to families amid water crisis
Richmond Public Schools responded to the city’s ongoing water outage by providing meals to families in need on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday, January 9
Richmond school board members take oath of office
Richmond Public Schools School Board member Ali Faruk (3rd District) called his wife, Samieh, and their two sons, Yusef and Zayn, to stand by his side as he took the oath of office during Wednesday’s special meeting.
Boiling point
Water crisis tests City’s response, resilience
James Winfield is restocking the drink section at the Kroger in Carytown on Monday evening, taking in the scene around him.
Fifth Street Baptist to host 23rd annual MLK event
A quiet reflection will precede an afternoon of celebration as the 23rd Annual MLK Community Celebration & Drum Major Awards takes center stage Sunday, Jan. 12, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, honoring those who live out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and leadership.
Personality: Darian Wyatt
Spotlight on board chair of Richmond Peace Education Center
The Richmond Peace Education Center, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting peaceful education, offers workshops on conflict resolution, trauma healing, gun violence reform, and restorative justice. Through its advocacy for nonviolence, the center works to address harmful environments and reduce the use of violence, fostering safer and more peaceful communities.
Vick lands first quarterback commitment at Norfolk State
Norfolk State University Coach Michael Vick has secured his first quarterback commitment as an HBCU coach in Earl Woods III, a former Alabama high school standout.
Azurest South named a national historic landmark
Virginia State University announced this week that Azurest South, also known as the Alumni House, has been designated as one of the nation’s newest National Historic Landmarks. The designation was part of a group of 19 new NHLs revealed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The designation is the highest federal recognition for a property’s historical, architectural or archaeological significance.
Hampton honors the ‘Dixie Three’ for defying segregation at hospital
The City of Hampton dedicated a Heritage marker Saturday morning to recognize three Black nurses who, in 1963, risked their careers to challenge segregation at Dixie Hospital in Hampton.
Randolph-Macon to host 2027 NCAA DIII Women’s Volleyball Championship
Randolph-Macon College recently snagged the honor of hosting the 2027 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Set for the Henrico Sports & Events Center, just 8 miles from the Ashland campus, the event promises to shine a national spotlight on Central Virginia.
As MLK holiday nears, Bernice King urges people to focus on his teachings
As the holiday honoring slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. approaches, his daughter is urging people to really focus on his teachings and work throughout the coming year, rather than just quoting him or celebrating for a day.
McDonald’s is the latest company to roll back diversity goals
Four years after launching a push for more diversity in its ranks, McDonald’s is ending some of its diversity practices, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions.
Biden administration delivers big for coastal communities, by Ben Jealous
It may be the dead of winter, but when we think of our beaches, none of us want to picture them covered in oil.
MAGA takes on Elon Musk’s ‘tech bros’, by Clarence Page
Just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump was scheduled to return to the White House, the coterie of American tech oligarchs who played a decisive role in re-electing him was busy exerting their own power in ways that suggest the MAGA coalition may be heading for a crack-up.
Jimmy Carter remembered as a man of faith, humility, by Julianne Malveaux
Tens of thousands of words will be published in tribute to Jimmy Carter, our beloved 37th president. A renaissance man, diplomat, philanthropist, civil rights icon and so much more, he is most aptly described, in my opinion, as a man of faith.
Countdown on for TikTok, by Cullen Seltzer
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up TikTok’s plea for a stay of its own partial execution. The first round of briefs were due just before Christmas. The second and final round was due Jan. 3.
Coach Tierra Terry celebrates 50th career win as Virginia Union dominates
Virginia Union University’s women’s basketball team started the new year with style, delivering an 82-53 thrashing of Virginia University of Lynchburg on Sunday at Barco-Stevens Hall.
Tennessee State’s foray into ice hockey could break barriers for Black youths, by Marc H. Morial
Detroit radio icon and hockey fan Gerald McBride was inspired to write the screenplay for his film “Black Ice: The Rhythm” when he attended a sold-out University of Michigan hockey game and realized he was the only Black fan among 10,000.
Patriots fire Coach Jerod Mayo after 4-13 season
The New England Patriots fired Coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday after one season, beginning another reboot for the franchise just a year after it parted with longtime Coach Bill Belichick.
Virginia Holocaust Museum completes major renovation, adds new theater
The Virginia Holocaust Museum recently completed a significant renovation, marking its most extensive update since the museum’s inception. The renovated space, located in a 1896 tobacco warehouse in the Shockoe Bottom district, enhances the museum’s ability to educate visitors on the history of the Holocaust.
T.D. Jakes labels himself ‘Bishop Lazarus’ in return to pulpit
Saying, “I’m standing here as a testimony,” Bishop T.D. Jakes returned to his Dallas megachurch on New Year’s Eve for his first in-person appearance since suffering an unspecified medical incident in November.
Sharpton to lead King Day events in D.C. to honor Dr. King’s legacy
The Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, will lead a series of events in Washington, D.C., and New York during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday. These events will serve aim to rally support for civil rights issues, including voting rights, diversity, equity and inclusion and criminal justice reform, as a second Trump administration nears.
Exhibit explores Virginia’s Vietnam War experiences
Medals, letters, protest banners and personal keepsakes tell the stories of Virginians whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War in a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Lawmakers, activists demand reform at Red Onion prison protest
Nearly 40 people, including residents, prison justice advocates and lawmakers, gathered Wednesday at the Bell Tower at the Virginia State Capitol to denounce conditions at Red Onion State Prison and demand accountability and reform.
Maternal health and racial equity top Virginia NAACP’s legislative agenda
Days before the planned start of the 2025 General Assembly, the Virginia NAACP outlined its legislative priorities for the session during a virtual press conference Monday afternoon.
Ex-deputies in Virginia charged with murder over inmate’s death while restrained
Three former sheriff’s deputies in Virginia have been charged with second degree murder over the death of a man they restrained at a local jail last year, prosecutors announced Friday.
McEachin announces re-election bid for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Colette McEachin, Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney, officially launched her campaign for re-election this week, seeking the Democratic nomination in the June 17 primary.
Volunteers needed for free health care clinic in Cumberland
Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit organization providing free dental, vision and medical care through pop-up clinics, is seeking volunteers for its two-day health care clinic in Cumberland. The clinic will be held March 29-30 at Cumberland High School, located at 15 School Road in Cumberland.
Harris unveils rule to erase $49B in medical debt from credit reports
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule to eliminate medical debt from consumer credit reports. The White House explained in a release that the action would remove $49 billion in unpaid medical bills, benefiting 15 million Americans by raising credit scores and improving access to home loans, cars, and small businesses.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 4, COVID-19 accounted for 1.6% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness high and trending down compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at time of publication. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County had plateaued as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Dec. 22.
The governor fiddles while Virginia smokes, by Phillip E. Thompson
The tale of Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned has become a metaphor for leaders ignoring pressing crises. In Virginia, this imagery feels all too real as Gov. Glenn Youngkin appears content to let the state’s illegal marijuana market thrive while turning down opportunities to regulate it, while denying Virginia millions in tax revenue. This policy fails to ensure health and safety protections for its citizens, while hundreds of thousands of Virginians still puff away.
Virginia State outlasts Johnson C. Smith for 75-68 victory
Virginia State University surged in the second half to defeat Johnson C. Smith University 75-68 in an exciting back-and-forth battle Saturday.
“MathAlive!” exhibition nears final days at Science Museum
The Science Museum of Virginia’s touring exhibition “MathAlive!” closes this Sunday, Jan. 12, providing visitors this weekend the chance to explore the interactive display showcasing the connections between mathematics and music, sports, movies and games.
Library of Virginia to host virtual talk on historic mapping project
The Library of Virginia will present a virtual talk Jan. 22 from noon to 1 p.m., focusing on the 19th century mapping project that led to the creation of the first official map of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The talk will delve into the surveying efforts and teams that contributed to the detailed manuscript maps of each county, which ultimately formed the foundation for the engraved Virginia state map, often referred to as “the general map.”
Richmond churches plan faith-based racial healing initiative
St. Philip’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches are collaborating on “Walking with the Enslaved: The Church’s Role in Slavery,” a faith-based program focused on addressing Richmond’s racial history and promoting racial healing.
Freedom Classic Festival returns with VSU-VUU basketball rivalry
The Freedom Classic Festival returns to the Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, promising a day filled with basketball, community and HBCU pride.
New world water
I sit here and wonder, How in the world this could be, my-oh-my I never thought, oh, I never thought you’d ever leave me But now that you left me Good Lord, good Lord, how I cried out You don’t miss your water You don’t miss your water ‘til your well runs dry — William Bell, “You Don’t Miss Your Water”
Monday, January 6
Richmond issues boil water advisory amid system outage
The City of Richmond, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health, has issued an immediate boil water advisory for all city residents following a winter storm-related power outage that disrupted the city’s water reservoir system.
Thursday, January 2
New year, new state laws
New Year’s Day brought a range of new laws and changes to Virginia, including a rise in the minimum wage, expanded protections against discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on ethnic origin and greater privacy for minors from data collectors. These are a few of the changes residents can expect this year.
America mourns the loss of Jimmy Carter, a president who lived with purpose
James “Jimmy” Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Ga., who became the 39th president of the United States and later redefined the role of an ex-president through decades of humanitarian work, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at his home. He was 100.
Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76
Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. He was 76.
Personality: Melissa Weaver
Spotlight on chair of 30th Annual Women and Wellness Luncheon/ VCU Massey Cancer Center
When doctors told Melissa Weaver the lump she had felt for six months was not cancerous and didn’t need to be removed, they suggested it was due to hormonal changes. However, she wasn’t convinced and sought more conclusive answers.
Settlement reached in case over vandalism of Arthur Ashe mural by white nationalists
Five members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front settled a civil lawsuit over defacing the Arthur Ashe mural in Richmond’s Battery Park in October 2021.
Youngkin putting brakes on car tax burden with new budget amendment
As lawmakers consider Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposal to provide vehicle tax relief for Virginians and ultimately eliminate the property tax, policymakers can find comfort after repeals in Rhode Island and Georgia.
Civil rights icon James Meredith honored in Mississippi
A new historical marker has been unveiled in the hometown of James Meredith, honoring the Black man who fought white supremacy by integrating the University of Mississippi in 1962.
Will next HUD secretary fight for the unhoused?, by David W. Marshall
In 2000, Republican George W. Bush ran for president as a “compassionate conservative.”
Behind the “Lie of the Year,” some bitter truths, by Clarence Page
As it has been doing yearly since 2009, the fact-checking organization PolitiFact has chosen the Lie of the Year.
‘I upended my life to care for Mama, it was one of the best decisions I ever made’, by Hazel Trice Edney
It was an autumn morning in 2018 when my phone rang in Washington, D.C., and I’ll never forget the sound of Mama’s voice on the line.
The transformation of Richmond’s Confederate monuments into historical lessons, by David Cunningham
In a symbolic rebuke of the American South’s racist history, an old Confederate monument now has a meaningful new life, four years after it was toppled in Virginia.
Nominations for RVA Sports Awards honor top athletes, coaches
Public voting is open for the fourth annual RVA Sports Awards, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate athletes, teams, and coaches who have significantly impacted the community. The awards highlight excellence in Richmond sports, with categories recognizing athletes, teams, coaches and standout moments of the year. Voting continues through Jan. 15.
Former NFL star DeSean Jackson to lead Delaware State football
Former NFL receiver DeSean Jackson is taking over the football program at Delaware State.
Marjorie Ann Cunningham, beloved gospel singer, dies at 81
A voice that brought music and joy to many corners of Richmond fell silent on Christmas Day as Marjorie Ann Cunningham died at age 81. Cunningham’s talent and spirit resonated deeply with those who experienced her music.
Floyd Andrew Miles, former RPS transportation director, remembered
Former Richmond Public Schools Director of Transportation Floyd Andrew Miles died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy of public service.
Latin Ballet presents ‘Legend of the Poinsettia’ for 24th year
The Latin Ballet of Virginia will celebrate the 24th anniversary of its holiday production, “Legend of the Poinsettia,” with performances scheduled from Jan. 9 through 12 at the Perkinson Center for the Arts in Chester.
Henrico sports center emerges as powerhouse in rookie season
The motto of the Henrico Sports & Events Center at Virginia Center Commons in Glen Allen is “Showtime, all the time.” Since the center’s grand opening in December 2023, over 375,000 people have attended events there. The center is the heart of Henrico’s sports tourism industry — which generated nearly $72.5 million in local economic activity in 2023 from “nonlocal tournaments,” according to county officials.
Richmond fire chief retires
Richmond Chief of Fire and Emergency Services Melvin Carter announced his retirement Friday, Dec. 27, after nearly four decades of service to the city. Carter was the third African-American chief in the department’s history.
Applications open for HBCU Scholars Fellowship
Virginia Humanities is now accepting applications for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholars Fellowship, a program designed to support humanities scholars affiliated with HBCUs.
Adinkra Alliance Institute announces honorees from Virginia
The Adinkra Alliance Institute recently announced the 2024 recipients of the Adinkra Distinguished Black Achievers Honors, recognizing Black leaders around the country whose significant contributions have positively impacted their communities.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are set to begin COVID-19 testing in 2025 on Thursday, Jan. 8. New data from the Virginia Department of Health on COVID-19’s impact on emergency department visits, respiratory illness levels, or deaths related to the virus were not available at press time. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County also were unavailable.
Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78
Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from his family released by the network on Friday. He was 78.
Virginia State commits to Henry Frazier III with long-term contract
Virginia State University Head Football Coach Henry Frazier III has signed a five-year contract, extending his tenure as he enters his third season with the Trojans in 2024. Frazier, named the team’s 26th head coach in May 2022, has led the program to 21 total wins and a share of the CIAA regular season championship in 2023.
Netflix’s ‘Missing You’ lands in time for New Year’s binge watch
It’s Netflix’s resolution every new year to give viewers a head scratcher in January.
Mayor’s orders: Avula prescribes day of service
More than a dozen new community service projects will begin Saturday, Jan. 11, as part of Mayor Danny Avula’s “Inaugural Day of Service.”
