
Calling out the Republicans
When you elect a clown, expect a circus. And this month’s impeachment hearings have been precisely that. Yelling, shouting and disrespectful accusing seem more the rule than the exception.

Hope during the holidays
During this holiday time, when it is easy to sink into a state of depression or despair because of finances, family, bad weather and bad news, we were buoyed last week when an envelope arrived at the Richmond Free Press office.

No neutral ground
We commend the thousands of people who turned out Tuesday night in rallies in more than 600 locales around the nation to call for the impeachment of President Trump. We believe that the president must be removed from office before he causes further damage and irreparable harm to our nation’s democracy. This is not a time for neutrality. The gravity of what is being debated in Congress — and on the streets of our nation — is too critical for any American to turn a blind eye or deaf ear.

11-year-old dancer breaks barrier in 'The Nutcracker'
For the first time, a young black dancer is playing the lead in the New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

Talk Dec. 28 on Harriet Tubman
Researcher and author Elvatrice Belsches will talk about abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman and the impact of the Underground Railroad in Central Virginia during a presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at The Market @ 25th, 1330 N. 25th St. in Church Hill.

Tom Joyner, the 'hardest working man in radio,' retires
The “fly jock” and “hardest working man in radio” has hung up his microphone.

Former VCU standout Troy Daniels popping treys for Lakers
A former Virginia Commonwealth University standout has found a home—and a new nickname — with the NBA’s hottest team.

QB Malcolm X. Perry sets record in Army-Navy game
The 120th renewal of the Army- Navy football game will be most remembered for the brilliance of Malcolm X. Perry.

VUU rebuilding men's team in big way
Virginia Union University basketball Coach Jay Butler needed to re-stock his roster this season, and it seems he aced the assignment. The Panthers, now 7-4, have won five straight games and seven of the last eight with a smooth blend of returnees and talented newcomers.

Study: 40% of millenials not affiliated with religion
Millennials — those between ages 23 and 48 — are shaking up the workplace, transforming dating and undoing organized religion.

Who are the Black Hebrew Israelites?
On Dec. 10, two individuals opened fire on a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, N.J. The violent attack — which occurred shortly after the assailants allegedly killed a police officer in a nearby cemetery — ultimately left three bystanders dead and three people wounded, including two police officers.

Black church believed to be oldest in U.S. finishes repairs in time for 246th anniversary
A black congregation that began worship services before the American Revolution has restored its historic church to a version of its former glory.

Longtime educator and community volunteer Dr. Vasti DeLoatch dies at 87
Dr. Vasti DeLoatch touched the lives of thousands of children and adults through her work as an educator and in her various roles in the community.

Personality: John H. Brown III
Spotlight on founder of 5C’s Development Program
“We wanted to give back to the community in memory of my son.” Following the murder of Jomond A. Lightfoot in 2009, John H. Brown III sought to take his 25 years of experience in the building trade industry and 15 years of teaching carpentry and share it with “at-risk youths and adults who have a strong desire to change their lives,” he says. His hope: They would then take their new skills into the trade industry and improve the Metro Richmond area. The next year in February 2010, Mr. Brown established the 5C’s Development Program with his parents.

Hopkins Road Transfer Station closing for 2 months
The Hopkins Road Transfer Station will be closed for the next two months.

GRTC changes schedule for the holidays
GRTC will operate on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day, but will cut back some runs in the afternoon and evening given the likelihood of lower ridership, the transit company announced this week.

Third man arrested in shooting death of 9-year-old Markiya Dickson
Richmond Police have arrested a third man in connection with the Memorial Day weekend murder of 9-year-old Markiya Dickson.

Tobacco purchase age likely to be raised to 21
The age for purchasing tobacco products and e-cigarettes is on track to be raised to 21 across the country, just as it is now in Virginia and 11 other states.

VLBC members to hold 7 committee chairmanships
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus will hold an un- precedented 10 committee leadership posts in the House of Delegates when the new General Assembly session convenes in January.