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Cherished Holiday Memories
Holiday memories are created by family — whether it is the family in which we are born or the family we create through church, work or social interactions.
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Personality: Sharon Walton Darby
Spotlight on board chair for Greater Richmond Fit4Kids
As Richmond area children continue to grow and learn in school and beyond, Sharon Darby helps to foster a healthier, better environment and experience for them every day. The board chair of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids since 2022, Ms. Darby helps the non-profit improve children’s health through physical activities, healthy eating and other programs provided through schools and the community.
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Personality: Lok Lam
Spotlight on Neighborhood Resource Center’s board president
Lok Lam’s passion for a community’s welfare is clear from her work with the Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton since she became board president last October.
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Black kids face racism before they even start school
To her students who need the most support, India Strother is rarely just “Ms. Strother” — she’s a family figure they call “Mom,” a trusted guide as they negotiate their teenage years.
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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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Personality: Robert M. Lester
Spotlight on president of Club 533
An invitation from a friend and fraternity brother brought Robert M. Lester to Club 533 in 2012, offering him the opportunity to meet and listen to members from across decades. That night sparked Mr. Lester’s interest and desire to be a part of the club, now 64 years old, that still brings together men of accomplishment dedicated to improving the social and civic welfare of the community.
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Personality: Darlene A. Scott
Spotlight on Women Heart Champion and volunteer health advocate
Darlene Anita Scott, an associate professor of composition and creative writing at Virginia Union University, is a long-distance runner and the image of great health and fitness.
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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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High blood pressure plagues many Black Americans
Combined with COVID, it’s catastrophic
Charles Thomas was unwell but he had no time for rest. He was on the cusp of a management promotion and a move to Florida to begin a new chapter that would alter his family’s financial future and break the cycle of generational poverty. Yet, as his family’s prospects improved, concerns about his health grew.
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Personality: Maxwell L. ‘Max’ German
Spotlight on board president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond
“An opportunity to serve the community and support those in need.”
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Pandemic forcing Black morticians to bury their own in profession
When the last mourners departed and funeral director Shawn Troy was left among the headstones, he wept alone.
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Personality: Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green
Spotlight on new president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity
Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green wears many hats. She is the senior assistant to Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. She is the executive minister of ministries at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. And she now is the new president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity. Elected to the post in May, Dr. Ivey Green was installed as president in an evening ceremony last Sunday at First Baptist.
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Foremost wishes for the new year
With the start of 2020, the Richmond Free Press invited select state and local officials to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Here are their responses:
With the start of 2020, the Richmond Free Press invited select state and local officials to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Here are their responses:
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Personality: Michelle Johnson
Spotlight on board chair of Senior Connections
While the coronavirus affects all people regardless of gender, race or class, the elderly have seen an outsized impact in their lives. In this tense time, many are relying on the services of Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging,
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A lifetime of racism makes Alzheimer’s disease more common in Black Americans
Constance Guthrie is not dead yet, but her daughter has begun to plan her funeral.
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‘Being underestimated ... that’s my superpower’
Democratic House Minority Leader Don Scott Jr. ready to energize base
These days Delegate Don L. Scott Jr. doesn’t spend as much time in the courtroom as he used to.
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Personality: Regina N. Hall
Spotlight on co-chair of Central Virginia Chapter of the Sisters Network Community Health Fair
For 10 years, Regina N. Hall and the Central Virginia Chapter of the Sisters Network have been going into the community to educate women about breast health. This year, the chapter is hoping the community will come to them
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Personality: Joi Dean
Spotlight on Partnership for the Future board chair
Joi Dean believes she has been given much in her life and working with Partnership for the Future (PFF) is a way for her to give back.
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Personality: Robin Ann Brewster
Spotlight on Leadership Metro Richmond’s board chairwoman
A key factor in good leadership is being “a servant leader first and a good listener who seeks to learn and understand and whose actions demonstrate integrity, empathy and inclusion.” That’s the perspective and leading principle of Robin Ann Brewster, board chairwoman of Leadership Metro Richmond.