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At 16, Vijay ‘J.J.’ Powell claims first of many golf titles to come
Vijay “J.J.” Powell got his golfing start watch- ing Tiger Woods’ PGA tour videos at home.
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Boushall Middle teacher is Region 1 Teacher of the Year
When Henrico County native Kiara Thompson began her college career, teaching was not what she had in mind.
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Personality: Lynne B. Hughes
Spotlight on Comfort Zone Camp founder
When Lynne B. Hughes lost her mother and father at the age of 9 and 12, respectively, she struggled to find help after their deaths.
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Pink and green, OK; but no AKA symbols around campaign of Kamala Harris
When U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris was announced as Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s running mate, social media was flush with the pink and green excitement of Sen. Harris’ sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
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Personality: Tyra Hayes Beaman
Spotlight on Fulbright and Rangel fellowships recipient
Long before Tyra Zuri Hayes Beaman graduated with honors from Spelman College in May 2016, she was working toward becoming a U.S. foreign service officer by studying abroad in Argentina, Uruguay, Haiti and South Africa.
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Joye B. Moore hits the area’s sweet spot with Joyebells Sweet Potato Pies
Joye B. Moore is a sixth-generation baker whose sweet potato pies based on an old family recipe may be making their way into countless homes throughout Metro Richmond.
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Women at the first March on Washington: A secretary, a future bishop and a marshal
In front of the crowds and the cameras, the speeches of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other men loomed large 60 years ago at the March on Washington. But the women, including those of faith, who played roles in its organization, its music and its news coverage were mostly left off the official program.
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Single mom goes from nearly $100,000 debt to savings
When Takiia Anderson graduated from Boston College Law School in 1999, she was a single mom with a 2-year-old, nearly $100,000 in student loans and a new job as a government attorney that paid $34,102 a year.
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Longtime VCU executive assistant dies
Antoinette Louise Best Dickerson was ‘values-driven and even-keeled’
For three decades, Antoinette Louise Best Dickerson worked behind the scenes to help keep Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts humming.
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Personality: Christal Corey
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year
Richmond Public Schools, like many urban school districts throughout the country, face multiple challenges, heightened by students’ learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic and limited resources to offset other obstacles school systems endure daily.
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Personality: Kimberley L. Martin
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit helping students buy textbooks
Kimberley L. Martin recalls how difficult it was for her to pay for textbooks when she attended college more than two decades ago. “I got student loans. And after I had finished paying for my room, board and tuition, I couldn’t always cover the cost of my textbooks,” says Mrs. Martin. “I had to scramble to figure out how to pay for them.” Mrs. Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from Virginia State University in 1990 and a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan University in 1998.
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When making exceptions for Ramadan is no longer the exception, by Dilshad D. Ali
Scrolling Twitter on the first evening of Ramadan 2023, I was greeted (well, as all Muslims were) by Elmo. “Ramadan Mubarak to all of Elmo’s friends!” the red toddler Muppet said. “Elmo loves you!”
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Lt. Col. Linda M. Washington, former chief of medical services for the 113th Air Wing, dies
Lt. Col. Linda Marlene Washington left Richmond to make history as a military doctor. In 1988, the intrepid physician became the first female flight surgeon in the District of Columbia Air National Guard, also known as the 113th Wing.
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Personality: Betty L. Squire
Spotlight on president of Engine Company #9 and Associates
For nearly 30 years, Engine Company #9 and Associates has recognized the trailblazing path of the first African-American firefighters and police officers in Richmond. And now, the organization’s president, Betty L. Squire, is overseeing the group’s latest effort to showcase the pioneers in a new and big way.
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Dr. King’s daughter urges people to rise above anger with Trump administration
The Rev. Bernice A. King electrified an audience of men and women at the National Press Club, challenging them to rise above bickering with people with whom they may have political and cultural disagreements and find common ground — including President Trump.
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Love Stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.
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Amelia Boynton Robinson, civil rights activist, dies at 104
Free Press staff, wire reports MONTGOMERY, Ala. Amelia Boynton Robinson helped change America. The first African-American woman to run for Congress served on the front lines during the Civil Rights Movement. Almost beaten to death in a march for voting rights in 1965, she was among those who pushed the country to pass a strong law to finally ensure African-Americans could cast a ballot without facing literacy tests, poll taxes and vicious attacks.
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How I found my voice as a Black student, by Etana Williams
I was excitedly talking with my friends about our high school plans when one of my eighth-grade teachers stopped me in the hallway and asked which school I got into.
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Personality: Evette Roots
Spotlight on chair of Sister Fund philanthropic group
Three years ago, a small group of philanthropic-minded women wanted to make a significant impact in the lives of black women and girls. That was the beginning of SisterFund, created with a spirited responsibility, coupled with dollars, to change and enhance the future for African-American females.
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Personality: Amy Black
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit Pink Ink Fund
When Amy Black began working as a tattoo artist in 2000 at Pink Ink in Richmond, she was among just a handful of women in the field.
