New children's library to open Feb. 20 at Whitcomb Court
Whitcomb Court is getting a new children’s library from the Fountain of Youth Foundation.
VCU to open STEM center to aid area public school students
Careers in science, technology, engineering and math are booming.
Statue of archsegregationist remains in Capitol Square
Richmond and other Virginia localities are on track to gain permission from the General Assembly to take down Confederate statues.
School Board approves new names for 3 schools
Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School. Cardinal Elementary School. River City Middle School. Those are the new names for George Mason Elementary in Church Hill, E.S.H. Greene Elementary in South Side and the new middle school on Hull Street Road, respectively.
Obama Elementary School: New name, new spirit
It was an Obama love fest last Friday as students, teachers, officials and special guests dedicated Barack Obama Elementary School, the North Side school built in 1922 and previously named for a Confederate general that was renamed in September 2018 to honor the nation’s first African-American president.
Bloomberg met with support, opposition in Richmond
Roughly two weeks before Super Tuesday, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in Richmond looking for support from voters and from many of the lawmakers whose campaigns he helped fund.
Life as they know it: Homeless residents of Cathy's Camp tent city talk about drawbacks of leaving
Money and comfort are among the reasons that the homeless encampment across from the Richmond Justice Center is still standing and the city’s goal of dismantling it is still unrealized.
Councilwoman to challenge Stoney for mayor, sources say
For months, City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, has been the only person mentioned as a possible opponent to Mayor Levar M. Stoney in his November re-election bid.
Casino gambling advances with Pamunkey Tribe in the driver's seat
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe has gained a boost from the General Assembly in its efforts to build lavish casino-resort hotels in Richmond and Norfolk.
President's Day holiday closings
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 17, please note the following:
Raise Minimum Wage
Our state is struggling. One in every six children in Virginia is growing up in poverty. Nearly two-thirds of Virginia families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold have at least one adult who is working, yet they are paid too little to make ends meet. There is one solution: Raise the minimum wage.
LGBTQ rights and protections a must in Virginia
Throughout my career as a public servant, I’ve worked to make sure that Virginia is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. The law should protect all of us.
Low Line park request was for $125,000
Re “Mayor withdraws proposal to name city park plaza for Dominion Energy,” Free Press Feb. 6-8 edition: Thank you for the informative piece about Capital Trees and our work in the community. We are proud of our work to create public landscapes in the city that enrich and build community.
Remembering gun violence survivors by Marc H. Morial
On Jan. 8, 2011, I was performing my favorite duty as a congresswoman — meeting with my constituents — when it happened. In a matter of seconds, a gunman shot and killed six people, injured 12 others and shot me in the head outside a Safeway in Tucson, Ariz. I keep the memories of those we lost that day — 9-year- old Christina- Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, Gabe Zimmerman and Judge John Roll — close to my heart. And I will be forever bonded to my fellow survivors who will spend the rest of their lives dealing with injuries and trauma. — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Hair discrimination alive and well by Julianne Malveaux
Andrew Johnson, a high school wrestler, was forced to submit to the humiliating act of having his dreadlocks shorn or have his New Jersey team forfeit their match to the opposing team. A gleeful white woman seemed too pleased to invade the young man’s person, and his team won, but at what price? When this happened in December 2018, there was a national outcry and the referee was suspended.
Lessons learned
Editorials
We applaud Richmond City Council for putting the brakes on the expensive project to replace the Coliseum and redevelop a portion of Downtown.
'Hair Love' gives color to Oscar winners list
A touching story about an African-American father trying to do his daughter’s hair for the first time is an Oscar winner.
Events celebrating Black History continues
The celebration of Black History Month continues through February around the area.
5 African-American leaders recognized as 'Strong Men & Women in Virginia History'
Five African-American leaders, including a retired judge, NASA scientist and inventor and a former NFL player, were honored during the eighth annual “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” awards program Feb. 6 at a Downtown hotel.
