
Mural unveiling, African-American Read-In Feb. 27 at VMFA
A mixed-media mural of acrylic paint and photography will reflect the creative visions of Richmond Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and Regina Boone and several others at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Black Book Expo Freb. 22 and 23
The Elegba Folklore Society is hosting a Black Book Expo this weekend featuring local authors and entertainment.

2 plays examine periods in history during Black History Month
There’s nothing like live theater performances during Black History Month to illuminate unforgettable characters.

Former MLB player Tony Fernandez dies at 57
Tony Fernandez, a brilliant shortstop who played 17 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Toronto Blue Jays, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Weston, Fla.

Memories of Kobe Bryant flood All-Star Game
Team LeBron won the game. Anthony Davis scored the game-clinching point. Kawhi Leonard was MVP. But memories of Kobe Bry- ant garnered people’s attention and thoughts the most at last Sunday’s 69th NBA All-Star Game in Chicago.

Shaq's son, Shareef O'Neal, transferring to LSU
Talk about a tough act to follow. Shareef O’Neal, the 20-year-old son of basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, is transferring to Louisiana State University where his father was a two-time All-American.

VUU to take on VSU Feb. 22 at Barco-Stevens Hall
The rematch between Virginia Union and Virginia State universities on Saturday, Feb. 22, might be billed “No. 1 scorer versus No. 1 team.”

Local legends Arthur Ashe and Willie Lanier bound for VIA Hall of Fame
Two of Richmond’s most famous athletes—both from Maggie L. Walker High School—have been selected for the Virginia Interscholastic Association Hall of Fame. Football legend Willie Lanier and the late tennis great Arthur Ashe Jr. will be among 12 inductees into the VIA Hall of Fame on June 26 in Charlottesville.

Graham vows to continue UK tour despite controversy
The Rev. Franklin Graham said he will seek alternative venues for a United Kingdom tour this spring after all eight venues reneged on plans to host the evangelist, saying his views on homosexuality are incompatible with the values of the British people.

New Air Force rules allow turbans, hijabs and beards
Muslim and Sikh advocacy groups are welcoming new guidelines issued by the U.S. Air Force allowing personnel to request a waiver to wear religious apparel, including turbans and hijabs, and to have unshorn hair or beards for religious reasons.

Catholic Diocese of Richmond launches new victims compensation process
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond wants to ensure that people who were victims of sexual abuse by priests and deacons are compensated as part of its efforts “to assist in the healing.”

Emmy-nominated actress Paula Kelly has died at 77
Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film “Sweet Charity,” has died. She was 77.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala dies
The founder of the South African multi-Grammy Award-winning music group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala, has died at age 78, the group and the government have announced.

Thelma M. Robinston, longtime Richmond educator, dies at 99
Fueled by a love of education, Thelma Mealy Robinson rose from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent during a career largely with Richmond Public Schools that spanned more than 40 years.

Personality: Barney Cobb
Spotlight on former John Marshall High track star to be inducted into VHSL Hall of Fame
Barney Cobb, renowned for his exceptional speed, is sprinting straight into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. The former John Marshall High School track and field champion will be formally inducted April 26 during a ceremony in Charlottesville.

Virginia emerges as the South's progressive leader under Dems
In a state once synonymous with the Old South, Democrats are using their newfound legislative control to refashion Virginia as the region’s progressive leader on racial, social and economic issues.

Advocates seek full decriminalization of marijuana
Around 30 people called for the full decriminalization of marijuana during a rally in Capitol Square last Saturday, challenging a Democrat-sponsored bill that they said would lead to continued disproportionate arrests of people of color.

City's credit rating upgraded
Richmond’s government has moved closer to its long-term goal of achieving an AAA credit rating from Wall Street credit rating agencies.

VCU receives funding for pediatric brain injury research
Children who suffer brain injuries as the result of accidents or playing sports are expected to get more dedicated care at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU as the result of new funding.

Pamunkey tribe's status as preferred casino developer in question
Will the Pamunkey Indian Tribe hold on to its status as the preferred developer of resort hotel-casinos in Richmond and Norfolk?