¡FridaFest! at VMFA to honor Frida Kahlo and her Mexican heritage
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will bring Frida Kahlo’s legacy to life April 5, with a community celebration. From 1 to 7 p.m., ¡FridaFest! will mark the opening of the museum’s “Frida: Beyond the Myth” exhibition, offering visitors an experience filled with music, art, food and culture.
Preserving our natural wonders is a cause worth fighting for, by Ben Jealous
Dorothy Gibbs chanted “Save our parks” from her wheelchair while holding a sign that read, “97 years old, still fighting for public lands!”
Trump’s free speech hypocrisy, by Clarence Page
President Donald Trump and the GOP have called themselves the party of free speech. But since taking office, the president has been tightening up his definition of freedom like a hangman’s noose.
Remembering Dr. King
In this April 3, 2008 editorial from the Richmond Free Press archives, our late publisher and founder Raymond Boone reflects on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Boone, who championed civil rights through his journalism, draws parallels between Dr. King’s activism and the ongoing fight for justice in our communities.
5th Baptist Church hosts 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program
On the day after the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the community will come together to recognize individuals who continue his fight for justice and progress at the 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program, hosted by Living the Dream, Inc. The event will take place 2 p.m., April 5 at 5th Baptist Church.
Budget ideas, housing grants take center stage at council meeting
Richmond City Council convened Monday to review the city’s spending and housing plans, with council members pressing for more clarity on the financial implications of several key proposals.
Union leaders denounce Musk administration’s federal workforce policies
Protesters call for action against ‘arbitrary’ firings and demotions
A group of about 30 members and allies of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) rallied at the State Capitol on Friday to oppose Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which the organization said “degrades” civil servants.
Activists call for unified action against escalating violence in Gaza
Chants and speeches filled Monroe Park Wednesday evening as about 100 people gathered at the Checkers House building, calling for an arms embargo in the ongoing war in Gaza.
Personality: Margaret ‘Meg’ Turner
Spotlight on Women in Turning liaison for the American Association of Woodturners
Margaret “Meg” Turner discovered her passion for woodturning six years ago. It began with a class at Woodcraft, a local woodworking store for professionals and hobbyists. Captivated by the craft, she made it her main hobby and is now the liaison for Women in Turning for the American Association of Woodturners.
UR to host inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival
The University of Richmond will host the inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival March 21-24, featuring acclaimed contemporary Italian cinema and a restored classic.
Virtual book talk explores slave trade in Civil War South
The Library of Virginia will host a free virtual talk by historian Robert K.D. Colby on his debut book “An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South” on Tuesday, March 25, from noon to 1 p.m. .
Lounge to anchor year-round events at CarMax Park
The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Friday an expanded partnership with Atlantic Union Bank, which will become the first Founding Partner at CarMax Park, the team’s new ballpark scheduled to open in 2026.
Softball program receives support from Virginia Union
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The Virginia Union University softball team will host a clinic for Richmond Public Schools’ co-ed middle school program on March 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. More than 80 students from all eight RPS middle schools are expected to attend, according to Dr. Stefanie Ramsey, RPS coordinator for K-12 athletics and activities, who helped launch the program.
Henrico to host 2025 wheelchair basketball national championships
In April, the Henrico Sports & Event Center will be the center of intense competition as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Adult and Junior Division National Championships return for a second year. With 104 teams and more than 1,200 athletes ready to battle for supremacy, the tournament promises high-energy action and unforgettable moments on the court.
If it walks like a tax, it’s a tax, by Marc H. Morial
“You can’t really run a campaign where you’re like: I want to cut taxes for rich people and raise them on the poor. So instead, it’s all of this smoke-and-mirrors distraction about how foreigners are tak- ing advantage of us ... It’s a story that, if you don’t know any economics and you haven’t stopped to think about it, sounds appealing. And the more people who buy that story, the more he can do this fiscal switch and have an excuse for the tax cuts.” — Kimberly Clausing
Month of madness
For years, I was immune to the siren sound of rubber soles on plywood, bouncing balls and the screams of underclassmen that permeate this time of year, dubbed “March Madness.” I gracefully bowed out of sports discussions that turned to the collegiate variety. But now I might be hooked.
Grant funds VUU’s second doula certification program
A $40,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health will fund Virginia Union University’s second cohort of its Doula Certification Program, making VUU the first historically Black college or university in Virginia to offer follow-up doula training.
Dominion Energy, Elegba Folklore Society recognized for cultural contributions
Virginia Humanities has announced the three recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth Humanities Award, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the humanities and their impact on Virginia’s cultural landscape.
Cemetery Collaboratory symposium to explore long-term cemetery care
The worn headstones and overgrown paths of many historic cemeteries tell a story of neglect, but a new symposium in Richmond is working to change that.
VCU Health cleaners secure first union contract
Richmond workers earned an important victory this week, when 400 environmental service cleaners employed at VCU Health won their first union contract with the medical institution.
