
Former state registrar had no ‘personal decision’ in same-gender law
I am writing to address what I consider an inaccurate representation of my making a personal decision to deny same-gender parents’ names on a birth certificate. This representation, announcing the retirement of Janet Rainey, was in an article in the Richmond Free Press, March 9-11, 2023, edition.

On the road again
VCU beats Dayton 68-56 to win A-10 championship, NCAA bid
VCU heads back to New York, only this time it will be to the state capital of Albany rather than to Brooklyn.

Kenny Brooks is Virginia Tech’s first Black coach to win women’s ACC crown
If the NCAA Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year was announced today, Kenny Brooks might be a leading contender.

VUU succumbs to third-ranked IUP 60-45
The curtain fell on Virginia Union University’s outstanding basketball season late Sunday night in Indiana, Pa.

Howard wins MEAC title 65-64 over NSU
For the first time in three seasons, Norfolk State’s Spartans won’t be kicking up their heels at the NCAA Big Dance. But for the first time since 1992, Howard’s Bison will.

James Patterson shines in ECC win
You don’t have to play basketball at a large high school to become a college star. James Patterson is proof of that.

Cicilia Koisenke visits Richmond to nurture her Maasai home
Nearly 14 years ago, Richmonder Suzanne Hall traveled to Southern Sudan as part of a St. James’s Episcopal Church medical mission to administer meningitis vaccinations to children in that region.

Richmond jazz legend has new release
William F. ‘Bill’ McGee has performed with The O’Jays, Fred Wesley, Patti LaBelle and more
Richmond-based jazz legend and civil rights leader William F. “Bill” McGee is releasing his latest CD, “Tree of Life,” Friday, March 17, through music streaming services and the website he owns and operates, 804jazz.com.

The Links present ‘Art in the Atrium’
The Richmond Chapter of The Links will host its 11th Biennial Auction “Art in the Atrium” on Saturday, March 18, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Honorary co-chairs are Dr. Pamela K. Royall and Mr. Moses Foster Jr.

‘The Black Love Blue Print’ is film showcase feature
A documentary focused on the nature and complexity of black love will be the latest film showcased by the Elegba Folklore Society during its monthly film series, 3rd Saturday Documentaries.

Ruth E. Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars
Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

Bettye Jean Branch Bragg, former Head Start aide, dies at age 80
Bettye Jean Branch Bragg touched the lives of hundreds of Richmond children during her 34 years as a teacher’s aide in Head Start, a program to prepare 3 and 4-year-olds for kindergarten and higher grades.

DPU expects to soon restart disconnection of services
Thousands of Richmond families could lose water service, sewerage and/or natural gas service in the coming months for failing to pay their bills.

Janet Rainey retires after 47 years of keeping records vital
Keeping records of the births, deaths, marriages and divorces that occur in Virginia may seem like dull work. Don’t tell that to Janet M. Rainey.

Stoney’s $3B proposal
Funding designed to make Richmond more liveable, despite increased gas, water bills
Record pay increases for Richmond city employees, along with hikes in spending on youth programming, affordable housing, public education and street paving.

McClellan becomes 1st Black Virginia woman in Congress
Democrat Jennifer L. McClellan was sworn into the U.S. House on Tuesday, becoming the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress.

Personality: Alexander L. Taylor Jr.
Spotlight on Military Retirees Club fundraising chair
In 2022, retired Army Col. Alexander L. Taylor Jr. committed himself to a different kind of military service. A trial attorney, Mr. Taylor joined Richmond’s Military Retirees Club during its 50th anniversary celebration in June.

A brief history of the Black church’s diversity, and its vital role in American political history, by Jason Evans
With religious affiliation on the decline, continuing racism and increasing income inequality, some scholars and activists are soul-searching about the Black church’s role in today’s United States.

Brad Daugherty makes history in Daytona race
In case you weren’t watching, a Black man won the Daytona 500. And it wasn’t Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s most prominent Black driver.