All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
Dr. Harvey to VSU graduates: ‘Let’s get on with it’
“We believe that the sun rises and shines on you, and we believe that there is nothing, nothing, nothing that you can’t do.”
VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band suspended amid hazing allegations
All perfomances of the Virginia State University’s marching band have been suspended following allegations of hazing by band members, university officials said Monday.
City officials tout efforts, framework to prevent gun violence
Richmond officials have recommended investing more than $140 million in federal and local funds for a multi-pronged approach to intervening in the lives of those affected by gun violence, tackling the root causes behind the violence and preventing further injury and death.
Trailblazing dentists to be honored
Dr. James Avery Booker Jr. and Dr. Randy Adams will be honored for their work as dentists and medical trailblazers in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry on Saturday, Feb. 25, during the school’s 2023 Trailblazers Awards event.
Answers to COVID-19 questions
With eligibility for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expanded to children ages 12 to 15, and updates to mask mandates nationally and statewide, the Free Press has gathered answers from experts to common questions about these new developments:
Monument rally peaceful as neo-Confederates met by counterprotesters
“Tear these racist statues down!” Those words, shouted by about 40 counterprotesters on Monument Avenue, drowned out attempts by about 15 neo-Confederates on Sunday to speak in support of keeping the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis on the tree-lined street.
Corrections officers’ union calls for testing of all inmates and staff at Virginia facilities
A union representing state correctional officers is calling on Gov. Ralph S. Northam to immediately begin coronavirus testing for all officers, staff, residents and incarcerated people in facilities run by the Virginia Department of Corrections and the state Department of Juvenile Justice.
VIAHA 2022 to induct new members
Seven notable African-American Virginians will be recognized for their work in education and other fields during the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association’s Hall of Fame awards ceremony on June 24 in Charlottesville.
From vaccines to pet meds, COVID-19 has been a year of pivots for HOPE Pharmacy
HOPE Pharmacy and its owner, Dr. Shantelle Brown, faced a dilemma.
VCU, U.Va. and state's community colleges cancel spring commencement ceremonies
Spring commencement ceremonies have been canceled at many schools and universities across the nation, including Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond, the University of Virginia, all 23 community colleges in the state, at Morehouse College and Howard University, where a positive case of coronavirus was confirmed.
Black-owned businesses look back, ahead during pandemic
Michelle R. Mosby rang in the 20th anniversary of her business, International Hair Salon, on April 1 with a small group of employees and supporters in a spirited, but safe celebration at the salon on Forest Hill Avenue in South Side.
Vaccine supply, distribution problems frustrate area residents
Virginia’s teachers, grocery store workers and the elderly are facing delays in getting inoculated against COVID-19. A sharp reduc- tion in the supply of vaccine has left local health departments, including Richmond’s and Henrico’s, without enough doses to meet demand.
Central State Hospital commemorates 150 years of serving health needs
A key part of African-American health and history in Virginia was celebrated last Thursday, as state health officials and professionals gathered online to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Central State Hospital outside Petersburg.
'Black history in Virginia is Virginia’s story'
Museum exhibit explores freedom, justice, equality
From a weathered slave auction block used in 19th Century South Carolina, to the military attire, documents and scientific tools of soldiers, teachers and doctors, each item in Jackson Ward’s Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia tells a story.
Wilder symposium looks back and forward
It was a day of celebration and reflection last Thursday as members of the public gathered virtually to recognize the life and accomplishments of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder.
RISC holds City Hall rally in effort to meet with mayor about gun violence
More than a hundred Richmond residents assembled outside City Hall last Friday, seeking to discuss their solutions to the rise in gun violence with Mayor Levar M. Stoney.
VCU Vaccination Corps has cadre of volunteers rolling up their sleeves and getting to work during pandemic
The opportunity to help end the COVID-19 pandemic and to dispel vaccine mistrust and hesitancy among marginalized communities inspired Aliyah Simmons to become a part of the Virginia Commonwealth University Vaccination Corps.
Panels to explore UR's history with race
The University of Richmond is set to grapple with its history with race next week with two panels that will coincide with the institution’s 180th Founders Day on Wednesday, March 4.
Va. student test scores show no significant improvement
Virginia students continue to struggle academically, according to the latest results from the state’s Standards of Learning tests.

