Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis dies at 87
Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, whose music entertained fans over a more than 60-year career that began with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and made him one of the country’s most successful jazz musicians, has died. He was 87.
‘Honk for Jesus’ a wild ride that drives home paradox of faith in the Black church
“If you can’t say ‘amen,’ then say ‘ouch.’” If you’ve spent any considerable length of time in a traditional Black church context, you’ve heard this. It’s usually said by a preacher when they know a sermon is hitting a little …
Petersburg’s pioneering educator and mayor, Dr. Florence Saunders Farley, dies at 94
Dr. Florence Saunders Farley, a trailblazing psychologist who also served as Petersburg’s first Black female mayor, has died.
Sistine Chapel frescoes come to Richmond
Most people know about the remarkable paintings that Michelangelo created on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, even if they have never been to Rome. Now Richmond area residents can get a close-up view of his famous frescoes that still …
Excavation of graves begins at site of Colonial Black church
Archaeologists in Virginia began excavating three suspected graves at the original site of one of the nation’s oldest Black churches on July 18, 2022, commencing a month's long effort to learn who was buried there and how they lived.
George Wythe Principal Riddick T. Parker Jr. dies at 49
George Wythe High School in South Side will start a new school year Monday, Aug. 29, without the principal who was looking forward to starting his second year of helping students achieve success in school and in their future careers.
Minister continues legal pursuit of control of Fourth Baptist Church
The battle for control of historic Fourth Baptist Church is once again headed to court.
Church of Christ Pastor Joseph H. Brown dies at age 85
One of Richmond’s longest serving ministers, Pastor Joseph Hugh Brown, has died. Pastor Brown, who served the Church of Christ for more than 50 years, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. He was 85.
Glennys E. Fleming, Girl Scout leader, community servant, dies at 68
When Glennys Elaine Fleming joined an organization, others quickly took note of her energy, dedication and passion.
Clarence ‘Ollie’ Oliver of Supreme Hairstyling, dies at 53
Clarence Edgar “Ollie” Oliver, a professional barber who worked in the family business with his father, died on Monday, July 25, 2022, a little more than a week shy of his 54th birthday.
Dr. Taleshia L. Chandler, educator and first lady of Cedar Street Baptist Church, dies
Cedar Street Baptist Church of God is mourning the loss of its first lady, educator, author and inspiring church singer, Taleshia Lenshell “Lady C” Chandler.
James William Cheagle, who fought discrimination in law enforcement, dies at 79
Retired Richmond Police Capt. James William Cheagle, who was a leader in fighting racial bigotry within the department, has died.
Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ dies at 89
Nichelle Nichols, who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood as communications officer Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” television series, has died at the age of 89.
Sons and Daughters of Ham Cemetery rededication ceremony this week
The Sons and Daughters of Ham Cemetery, a historic Black cemetery that neighbors the University of Richmond and the city’s Bandy Field Nature Park, will be rededicated on Thursday, July 28, it has been announced.
In Canada, Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous peoples, says it’s only ‘first step’
Pope Francis issued his first apology to the Indigenous peoples in Canada for the Catholic Church’s role in administering residential schools, which robbed many of their families and culture.
