Story
Playwright aims to open hearts and minds with premiere production
Brittany Fisher left her native Virginia for New York in 2021 to attend Juilliard’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program. Now graduated, she is still based in New York, but she never stays away for long. Her family won’t let her.
Story
LGBTQ rights and protections a must in Virginia
Throughout my career as a public servant, I’ve worked to make sure that Virginia is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. The law should protect all of us.
Story
Personality: Frances T. Hayes
Spotlight on host chapter president of Club Dejouir’s 60th conclave
Frances T. Hayes served two terms as president of the Richmond Chapter of Club Dejouir Inc. in the 1970s. Now, four decades later, she has embarked on her third term as president of the nonprofit women’s social and civic organization.
Story
Virginia Teacher of the Year
RPS’ Rodney A. Robinson, who teaches history at Virgie Binford Education Center inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, wins prestigious award
Perspiration, inspiration and dedication to excellence have propelled distinguished Richmond teacher Rodney A. Robinson to the high honor of 2019 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The award was announced Tuesday evening by First Lady Pam Northam at a recognition ceremony and reception in the grand Marble Hall of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Story
Story
Santos’ shenanigans
Expelled congressman selling personalized videos for $200
George Santos already has a new gig.
Story
Rovenia Vaughan, former president of Virginia NAACP
Rovenia Vaughan was a trailblazing member of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. In 1999, she was the first woman to be elected president of the state’s largest civil rights organization. The state branch was started in the 1930s. “Once the ballots were counted, I felt the delegates had spoken and my past service to the organization was the reason I was elected,” she said when featured as the Free Press Personality in the Nov. 11-13, 1999, edition.
Story
Mo’ne Davis wins ESPY Award
Mo’ne Davis continues to add to her already crowded trophy shelf. The teen sensation’s latest accolade?
Story
Wake up and change the world
Wake Up Everybody” was a song by R&B group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in 1975. It could be the theme song for today’s African- Americans. The lyrics, written by Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, who also pinned and performed “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” are so poignant that I won’t fully repeat them here. Like my grandson says, “Google them, Papa.” YouTube has several renditions.
Story
Ministers host Maundy Thursday, Good Friday services
The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity is presenting Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services leading up to Easter weekend. The Rev. Vernon J. Hurte, pastor of New Light Baptist Church, will preach at noon Thursday, April 2, for the Maundy Thursday service that will be held at New Light Baptist, 2000 E. Broad St.
Story
‘Nobody wins with this deep racial hatred and daily murder’
Let us all pray for the Dallas officers who were shot by a sniper, five of whom are now dead. Let us pray for their families and the families of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were shot dead by terrorist police who must be brought to justice and not let off.
Story
No new taxes for RPS
If there was any correlation whatsoever relative to spending and academic performance, then Richmond Public Schools would be among the best school districts in the state.
Story
Awareness of sarcoidosis is critical in African-American community
April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month and Saturday, April 13, is “Shine a Light Day” on this rare disease. From VCU Health Systems in Richmond to Niagara Falls in Canada to the One Trade Center in New York City to some Mayo Clinics to bridges and buildings across America — all will be illuminated in purple.
Story
Fashion forward
Former banker now balances her life as a business owner and new mom
Chanel Nelson-Green is the owner of Liznel, a Richmond-based fashion boutique that has showcased designs in Hampton, New York and Washington, D.C.
Story
Foremost wishes for 2017
Kaine, Stoney, Locke, Bourne and Nelson tell them They respond to a special Free Press invitation
Kaine, Stoney, Locke, Bourne and Nelson tell them They respond to a special Free Press invitation
Story
Prospect of home ownership escapes 70-year-old Randolph resident
Charlene C. Harris hoped to buy the home in Randolph that she and her family have rented for nearly 50 years from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Story
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.
Story
Personality: Robin Watson Telfian
Spotlight on founder of local nonprofit Shood (Shoes for Good)
A casual soup kitchen conversation led 50-year-old Robin Watson Telfian to start a non-profit .
Story
Personality: Maureen Jules-Perez
Spotlight on Girls For A Change board president
Girls For A Change, a nonprofit youth development organization, empowers Black girls ages 9 to 18 in Central Virginia with experiences and resources that help shape their future. Maureen Jules-Perez became board president of the 20-year-old organization in the spring of 2021.
Story
Personality: Barbara S. Brown
Spotlight on Coming Together Virginia’s board chairwoman
Coming to the Table was founded in 2006 when a small group of descendants of slaves and slave holders met at a table in Harrisonburg with a goal of “Taking America Beyond the Legacy of Enslavement.”

