Robert M. Davis Sr., founder of construction company, dies at 74
Robert Michael Davis Sr. left his mark on hundreds of homes in Richmond and Washington. For 50 years, he was involved in building, renovating and improving residences with a quality that kept him in demand. His record in home construction and his mentorship of and encouragement to young people who worked for him to
Dorothy Olivia Fletcher Jefferson, 78, longtime financial secretary at 31st St. Baptist Church, dies
Dorothy Olivia Fletcher Jefferson performed one last service for Thirty-first Street Baptist Church when she died. She brought together a pastor and congregation that has faced division and discord.
Gospel star Edwin Hawkins dies at 74
Edwin Hawkins, the gospel star best known for the crossover hit “Oh Happy Day” and as a major force for contemporary inspirational music, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at age 74.
Personality: Rhonda L. Sneed
Spotlight on founder of ‘Blessing Warriors’ who feed the homeless
Rhonda Lynn Sneed remembers how shocked she was to see people sleeping in the doorways of retail stores on Broad Street after she moved to Richmond.
Federal commission approved for 400th commemoration of Africans, African-Americans in U.S.
In late August 1619, a storm-tossed English warship flying a Dutch flag stopped at one of the earliest English settlements in Virginia and changed the future of America and the world.
Inaugural prayers mirror new governor’s themes of tolerance, unity
The Rev. Kelvin F. Jones called on new Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his leadership partners to “pursue an aggressive agenda” with a focus on “health care, a fair living wage, a thriving economy and a superb education for all” in his opening prayer at the governor’s inauguration Saturday.
UNCI completes purchase of RCC property
United Nations Church International now owns the former Richmond Christian Center property in the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue in South Side.
Faith, coping with loss highlight new book by co-pastor of New Kingdom Christian Ministries
For Sanya B. Young, writing a book about handling life’s challenge is helping her deal with the grief over the death two years ago of her husband, Dr. Leonidas B. Young II.
Religious groups planning 50th anniversary programs to remember Dr. King’s death
Religious groups are planning more than the annual holiday celebrations that note the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. this year.
‘This is the moment for real progressive change’
Well before the inaugural ceremonies kicked off last Saturday, former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, a groundbreaking civil rights attorney now retired, was seated in front of the stage with a clear view of the podium on the Capitol steps. It was cold, the sky was white and the temperature was dropping, but the 84-year-old seemed not to notice. As admirers young and old stopped to greet him, he paused briefly to talk with the Free Press.
6 Virginia tribes set for federal recognition
Six Virginia Indian tribes have secured congressional recognition, ending a nearly two-decade fight for official acknowledgment of their place in U.S. history.
Expect higher natural gas bills
Get ready to pay more to heat your home and cook your food. The price of natural gas is going up for Richmond customers, effective with the February bills. The city Department of Public Utilities now is paying more to buy the fuel and is planning to pass on the higher cost to customers.
Hunt wins re-election as union president
Thelma J. Hunt remains president of the Old Dominion Branch, Local 496, of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Stamp prices going up Sunday
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 21, the price of postage is going up. The U.S. Postal Service announced its 2018 increases last fall, which were approved in November by the Postal Regulatory Commission.
‘Tomorrow can be better’
Gov. Ralph S. Northam is sworn in as Virginia’s 73rd chief executive
“Virginians didn’t send us here to be Democrats or Republicans. They sent us here to solve problems.” So said Ralph Sherer Northam on Saturday after he was sworn in as Virginia’s 73rd governor with his wife, Pam, and children beside him.
‘Homeless people are human beings’
With frigid temperatures occurring, let’s not forget about those people who are homeless. Many people think this cannot happen to them, but it can. Many citizens are just a few paychecks away from falling into this catastrophe.
‘It’s time to make democracy work for everyone’
President Trump disbanded his Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which we all knew to be nothing more than a voter suppression scheme.
Former radio station owner ‘deserves better’
Re “FCC complaint filed over radio station change,” Free Press Jan. 4-6 edition:
Stop enabling white supremacy
Most black folk might get offended if it is suggested that they are enablers to white supremacists. Yet, this enabling takes place every day.
A year of historic anniversaries
“It is not an overstatement to say that the destiny of the entire human race depends on what is going on in America today. This is a staggering reality to the rest of the world; they must feel like passengers in a supersonic jetliner who are forced to watch helplessly while a passel of drunks, hypes,
