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Personality: Gabrielle E. Wilks
Spotlight on Miss Black Virginia USA 2020
The 2020 Miss Black Virginia crown goes to Gabrielle E. Wilks.
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President Carter talks ‘Faith’ in book
In his 32nd book, titled simply “Faith,” former President Jimmy Carter looks at how belief in God and others has shaped his 93 years.
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Should Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School building be renovated?
If renovation of Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School is a viable alternative to what assuredly will be more expensive new construction, then my colleagues on the Richmond School Board should have considered — and can still consider — that as an option instead of building the proposed new facility.
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‘Vote now!’
As an activist and engaged pastor, I am appalled at the lack of voter excitement in the Black community.
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Richmond Free Press ‘takes its mission to inform the public seriously’
As a new Virginia resident, I signed up for home delivery of the local newspaper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch. I was still receiving national news from a digital subscription to my former newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, but I wanted a local paper to learn about the concerns, activities, policies and politics of my new city and state. I also enjoy holding and reading a physical newspaper.
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Embiid raises Uncle Sam’s hopes
Joel Embiid sports the colors red, white and blue for his NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers. So it’s fitting he’ll wear red, white and blue for the United States for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
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Will education be a priority in Lumpkin’s Jail makeover?
Re “Lumpkin’s Jail site to get new life,” Aug. 20-22 edition:
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Hurricanes: Plan for worst, hope for best
I was born in New Orleans in 1949 and moved to Arabi, La., in 1960. During my lifetime, I have experienced every hurricane and tropical storm that ever hit the New Orleans region.
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Concern for fiancé in jail during pandemic
Re “3 inmates, 2 staffers at city jail test positive for COVID-19, numbers higher in Henrico,” Free Press July 23-25 edition:
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Personality: Kathryn B. ‘Katie’ Ricard
Spotlight on president of the William Fox Elementary PTA
Kathryn Baum “Katie” Ricard is looking to turn an outpouring of support in the wake of an unexpected, catastrophic event into an opportunity for education in Richmond — and a fulcrum for community unity.
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Personality: Margaret Rose ‘Meg’ Medina
Spotlight on National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Amid ongoing campaigns against certain kinds of literature in the United States, Margaret Rose “Meg” Medina has been given a new platform and new responsibility to champion the value of the written word.
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Personality: Thomas L. Johnson Jr.
Spotlight on local chapter president of National Negro Golf Association
Fore! Be on the lookout for golf, fun and fellowship. That’s what organizers of the National Negro Golf Association (NNGA) are aiming for next weekend when the organization kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration with golf, get-togethers and commemorations in the Richmond area.
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Personality: Edward H. Baine
Spotlight on recipient of the Anthony R. James Legacy Award
When 2.6 million Dominion customers in Virginia and North Carolina turn on their lights each day, they have Edward H. Baine to thank.
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Personality: Dr. Ram Bhagat
Spotlight on 2016 Peacemaker of the Year
Dr. Ram Bhagat is all too familiar with gun violence. After losing his younger brother at the hands of a gun in 1981, Dr. Bhagat vowed to fight gun violence through his love for drumming.
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Personality: Gwendolyn D. Douglas
Spotlight on president of American Business Women’s Association, Cavalier Chapter
For the 10th year, the Cavalier Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association is celebrating Women’s History Month with Hattitude RVA — “Hats Off to Women” Awards Luncheon, a salute to the accomplishments of area women.
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Personality: Pam Mines
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit JP JumPers Foundation
Helping people in the special needs community is a labor of love for Pam Mines. “I am not the advocacy voice for the special needs community. I am simply a voice,” says the Chesterfield County resident.
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VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s new designation driven by the community, by Dr. Robert A. Winn
Building engines for General Motors was going to be my one-way ticket to the other side of the tracks. Growing up, I dreamt of getting that job at the plant in my working class Buffalo, N.Y., neighborhood, earning a steady paycheck and setting myself up for life. It didn’t even occur to me to look beyond the borders of familiarity because I had no idea how I would get there. Eventually higher education came into play and medicine found me. But I’m still one part M.D. and one part M.C., connected to that kid down the block who knew there was something bigger out there, even if it seemed out of reach.
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Redemption through food: Renowned chef changed life cooking behind bars
At 19, Jeff Henderson was running a $35,000 a week cocaine operation in San Diego. Now 51, he has become a New York Times best-selling author and stars in a nationally syndicated television cooking show. He credits 10 years in prison as his “blessing in disguise.” That’s where he learned to cook and appreciate that he had a lot to offer in the outside world.
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Huguenot senior hurdles to state champion
Huguenot High School senior Shaunté Harris has a passion for fashion. But if there’s one thing she relishes more than a sporty, chic look, it’s running the high hurdles — an event famous for its thrills — and also its spills. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see Harris wearing distressed denims to school, rather than a trendy shirtdress. “My legs aren’t the nicest,” she says with a wide smile. “I’ve taken plenty of spills, lots of hard falls. My legs have cuts and scratches. It kind of never stops.”
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Flying Squirrels second baseman Jalen Miller, 22, already in Baseball Hall of Fame
Jalen Miller achieved one of baseball’s rarest feats a season ago when he hit for the cycle — a single, double, triple and homer in the same game. It was a shining neon sign of coming attractions for the now 22-year-old second baseman with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
