Banner Christian’s Burke travels in the fast lane
Davian Burke specializes in takeoffs and landings and is almost always right on time. He ranks with the state’s top hurdlers even though he attends a high school – Banner Christian in Chesterfield – far removed from local sports’ neon lights.
VUU, VSU left mark on NFL
HBCU grads sidelined at NFL Draft
Nowadays, the NFL seems to have overlooked HBCU athletes. None were selected in the most recent draft and just one was called in the past three years. Current NFL rosters only average about one HBCU player per team.
Steadfast devotion
Faith Community’s Patricia Gould-Champ steps down from pulpit
After 28 years, Dr. Patricia A. Gould-Champ last January handed off the pastoral leadership of the church she founded, Faith Community Baptist Church in the East End.
Remembering a year of turmoil — 1968, by David W. Marshall
The year of 1968 remains one of the most historic turning points in history. This single year was marked by historic achievements, assassinations and protests over a much-hated war.
VSU’s Darrington Player of the Year
Virginia State University softball center fielder Hailey Darrington has been named CIAA Player of the Year.
School Board’s Dawn Page not running for re-election; board considers training
In a statement sent to the Free Press, the Richmond School Board’s 8th District representative Dawn Page announced that she will not run for re-election.
Otieno’s family seeks federal intervention after multiple charges dismissed
The family of Irvo Otieno is calling on federal officials to take up the prosecution of those charged with his murder at Central State Hospital last March. The call comes following the dismissal of charges against five people involved in the incident that led to his death.
Personality: Paula McCapes
Spotlight on board chair of Underground Kitchen-Community First
Philanthropy runs in the family for Paula McCapes.
Debut concert at Henrico Sports & Events Center features bluegrass bands
The Henrico Sports & Events Center introduces its musical program with a bluegrass performance set for Friday, June 21.
TikTok sues to block law that could ban the platform
TikTok and its Chinese parent company are challenging a new American law that would ban the popular video-sharing app in the U.S. unless it’s sold to an approved buyer, saying it unfairly singles out the platform and is an unprecedented attack on free speech.
Like NBA father, like NBA son
‘Brunson Burner’ ignites Knicks
Many fathers and sons have made their way to NBA rosters, including these with area/state ties.
Anti-war protests take to the streets, courts after encampment
For the second Monday in a row, Richmond stirred with activity from anti-war, pro-Palestenian protesters, who marched down the city’s busy streets in what was the latest development since the encampment at Virginia Commonwealth University ended.
Monument at Shafer Court honors Eta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at VCU
Fifty years in the making, the ties of fraternity remain strong within the Eta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Virginia Commonwealth University. But there’s a poignancy, too, that comes with time, and on April 20 — during the African American Alumni Council Reunion Weekend — its significance was set in stone.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week of Saturday, April 27, the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover saw 17 confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19. Two deaths associated with COVID-19 have been reported statewide for the week of Saturday, May 4.
It’s not too early to vote
Early voting has begun across Virginia, with locations open as of Friday, May 3, for Democratic and Republican primary ballots ahead of the primary election Tuesday, June 18.
‘Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design’ opens at Jamestown
he Jamestown Settlement is hosting an exhibition high-lighting the work of Ruth E. Carter, a distinguished figure in costume design and a recipient of two Academy Awards.
St. Catherine’s student awarded almost $2M in scholarships
After applying to over 30 colleges and universities, 17-year-old St. Catherine’s School student Ava Holloway was awarded over $1.98 million in scholarships.
New coaches join Hampton football
The coaching carousel continues at Hampton University. Trent Boykin has been named interim head football coach at HU, succeeding Robert Prunty.
Gilpin empowerment summit to support women
Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert hosts The Women of Gilpin Empowerment Summit on Friday, May 10, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The event, held at the Calhoun Center, aims to provide support and encouragement to women in the community.
New book asks: What if Harry Potter attended an HBCU?
It all began with a post on Twitter. It was 2020 during the height of the pandemic and LaDarrion Williams was thinking about the lack of diversity in the fantasy genre. He proposed: “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU in the South?”
