Rev. Calvin Butts, influential pillar of Harlem, dies at 73
The Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, who fought poverty and racism and skillfully navigated New York’s power structure as pastor of Harlem’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, died Oct. 28 at age 73, the church announced.
Mabel Lighty, gifted math teacher, dies at 83
Mabel Eunice Caster Lighty taught math to two generations of Richmond high school students and then went on to teach math for another 14 years at Reynolds Community College.
Black church tradition survives Georgia’s voting changes
Black church leaders and activists in Georgia rallied Sunday in a push to get congregants to vote — a long-standing tradition known as “souls to the polls” that is taking on greater meaning this year amid new obstacles to casting …
Businessman and civic activist Anson L. Bell, 69, dies
Anson Lloyd Bell, a Richmond contractor and businessman who was active in community affairs, has died. Mr. Bell, who crusaded for Black inclusion in city contracts and on other issues, died Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. He was 69.
CeCe Winans first Black female to win Dove Artist of the Year
CeCe Winans, already a multi-Grammy-winning gospel singer, added a historic win at the 2022 GMA Dove Awards, the contemporary Christian music honors, becoming the first African-American female solo artist to be named Artist of the Year.
Educator Charles L. Walker, 71, dies
Charles Len “Herm” Walker spent more than 35 years involved with the education of Richmond children.
Scholar and preacher Walton named next president of Princeton Seminary
The Rev. Jonathan Lee Walton, an academician, preacher and administrator who has served on the faculties of Wake Forest and Harvard divinity schools, has been named the next president of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Binga Jr., 60, dies
Anthony J. “Tony” Binga Jr., a friendly, outgoing man who played a key role in naming and expanding Virginia Premier, a Richmond-based managed health insurance operation, has died.
John V. Moeser, an advocate of racial equity and justice, dies at 79
Educator and equity advocate John V. Moeser, who spent decades researching and inter- rogating Virginia and the South’s relationship with race, poverty and equality, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, following a lengthy illness. He was 79.
Early childhood educator Joyce R. Cosby dies at 83
For decades, Joyce Randolph Cosby played a key role in helping 3- and 4-year-olds in Richmond prepare for kindergarten.
Church leaders want public lands to better reflect Black history
Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, the Rev. Carey A. Grady heard about the history of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and its connection to a slave revolt planned by Denmark Vesey — long before it was the site of …
New dating apps — and ‘in person’ mixers — target religious and political niches
Dating today can be a bit like ordering at Chipotle. The universe of dating apps makes it easier than ever to custom-order a partner of your choosing — their height, their food preferences, their religion.
Donald ‘Cisco’ Ross, former Armstrong High, VCU star, dies
Donald “Cisco” Ross Jr., a former Armstrong High and VCU basketball standout, died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. He was 74.
Greening project at South Side church designed to reduce pollution
Nearly 50 trees are now growing in a portion of the parking lot of Branch’s Baptist Church, 3400 Broad rock Blvd. in South Side.
Fourth Baptist Church minister says he will resign
Dr. William E. Jackson Sr. plans to step down as pastor of historic Fourth Baptist Church in Church Hill.
