Marian Robinson, the heart of the Obama family, remembered fondly
Marian Robinson, mother to former First Lady Michelle Obama, died on Friday, May 31, at 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinson’s …
Mother of Congresswoman dies
Lois Jean Dedeaux McClellan, the mother of U.S. Congresswoman, Jennifer McClellan, died on Friday, May 24, 2024. She was 91.
New book argues most white U.S. Christians worship a religion of whiteness
In 2000, two sociologists wrote a book about the fraught efforts of white evangelicals to diversify their congregations to better address racial discrimination in the church.
UR Hall of Fame basketball player, radio, TV analyst Beckwith dies at 60
Greg Beckwith, who served as University of Richmond’s basketball radio and television analyst for more than 20 years following his hall of fame career as a UR guard, died Friday at age 60.
AME official Jerome V. Harris dies under a cloud of alleged corruption
The Rev. Jerome V. Harris, a retired general officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, died in Memphis, Tenn,, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. At his death, Rev. Harris was involved in a lawsuit with the denomination over alleged mishandling …
EMS & firefighters remembered
For more than 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, firefighters and EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the previous year, are honored …
David Sanborn, jazz saxophonist, dies at 78
David Sanborn, the Grammy-winning saxophonist who played lively solos on such hits as David Bowie’s “Young Americans” and James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and enjoyed his own highly successful recording career as a performer …
Faith and family inspire local nursing student
With a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing, Erin Norwood is ready to help others — and set an example along the way.
First AME pastor defends bankruptcy filing for FAME Corp
In response to the recent financial decisions, Pastor Robert Shaw from First AME Church in Los Angeles has issued a statement in defense of the church’s choice to file for bankruptcy protection for three of its entities: Fame Assistance Corporation, …
Steadfast devotion
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.
Lonely Mother’s Day, notes a mourning mother
Mother’s Day 2020 marked a significant shift. It was the first time I faced the day knowing with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t receive a call, card, text or visit from my beloved son, my only child, whom I affectionately …
Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church
No woman had ever preached the keynote sermon at the Joint National Baptist Convention, a gathering of four historically Black Baptist denominations representing millions of people.
Hospital Chaplain J.S. Park’s new book explores grief
“Everything happens for a reason” might be one of the least helpful things you can say to someone who just lost a loved one, according to veteran hospital Chaplain J.S. Park.
Mandisa, Grammy-winning singer and ‘American Idol’ alum, dies at 47
Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album “Overcomer,” has died. She was 47.
Faith Ringgold, pioneering Black quilt artist and author, dies at 93
Faith Ringgold, an award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, has died at 93.
