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John W. Bynum Jr. has turned a guest bedroom into what he calls “The Colored Waiting Room,” in which he spotlights racial injustices of the …
Published on December 21, 2023
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Despite defendants’ inability to pay court fees, many still incur costs
“Anyone charged with a crime that can result in jail or prison time is entitled to legal representation. In the familiar line from the Miranda warning, “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.”
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On probation
VUU has a year to meet financial accreditation standards
Virginia Union University remains optimistic of lifting the dark cloud that hangs over its accreditation – a key requirement for its students to access federal student loans – despite record enrollment, a strengthened academic program and increased donations.
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Retired educator Eva W. Hicks remembered
Eva Mae Wilkins Hicks, whose career as a teacher and guidance counselor for Richmond Public Schools spanned nearly 45 years, has died.
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His home has become a museum
John W. Bynum Jr. loves Black history so much he’s turned his split-level home in Chesterfield County into a small museum.
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Rattlers shine in James’ shoes
Florida A&M University, perhaps with a little help from LeBron James, is the Celebration Bowl and National Black Colleges football champion.
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Audit report dings Finance Department
More than a quarter of registered vehicle owners wrongly assessed penalties, late fees
The Richmond Finance Department wrongly hit owners of 66,057 vehicles with late payment fees and interest in 2022 even though the owners paid by the deadline, a new audit has found.
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Eureka!
FDA approves milestone treatments for sickle cell disease
Two breakthrough gene therapies can now be used to treat and possibly cure sickle cell anemia, the genetic blood disorder that afflicts 100,000 mostly Black Americans and 20 million people worldwide. But the announcement from the Food and Drug Administration of approval of the treatments — the first use of medicines to address an inherited disease — drew cheers and caution flags from those in the field.
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Retired Richmond educator Shirley E.S. Harris dies at age 89
Shirley Estelle Savage Harris spent four decades seeking to instill a love of learning in local Richmond schoolchildren. Mrs. Harris was best known for the more than 30 years she taught at William Fox Elementary School.
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It’s time to celebrate
Florida A&M and Howard head to bowl game in ATL
The eighth Celebration Bowl will have a first-time winner this year. Florida A&M and Howard are newbies to the annual event used to crown the de facto Black National Champion.
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State Jails Board creates improvement plan for City Jail
Investigation cites 6 deaths, inconsistent inspections and other unmet standards
Only a small staff of deputies is working in the Richmond City Justice Center on any given day, the Free Press is being told, as the number of sworn officers under the command of Sheriff Antionette V. Irving continues to fall.
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Youngkin proposes millions in child care subsidies
To the delight of beleaguered day care operations and child advocates, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin is calling for an investment of $484 million a year into child care— with most going to help parents cover the surging costs.
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Nicole Jones appointed as Michael Jones’ interim replacement on City Council
Richmond School Board member Nicole Jones has received a big boost to her campaign for the 9th District City Council seat.
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Highland Park’s Highland Grove development halted
A long-awaited 122-unit subdivision that is supposed to rise on nearly 40 acres in the 500 block of Dove Street in Highland Park remains shut down.
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Bobby Moore, 57, is among those waiting for the Salvation Army shelter to open. The shelter operates from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. seven days …
Published on December 7, 2023
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Dr. Joanne Harris Lucas proudly stands beside a bust of her late father and Virginia civil rights leader, the Rev. Curtis W. Harris Sr., which …
Published on December 7, 2023
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Mayor Stoney jumps into governor’s race
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, after months of hinting, this week made it official that he will be in the race for governor in 2025 and quickly began picking up endorsements.
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Open for needy
Shelter options few for adults with children despite increase in beds
City Hall has followed through on expanding winter shelter in the Richmond area, but families with children still are being left out in the cold, the Free Press has confirmed. Operators on Richmond’s Homeless Crisis Hotline are advising homeless adults with children that all shelter space reserved for them is full and that they should call back weekly to see if there is an opening.
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Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
Before his peers would label him a heretic, the late Bishop Carlton D. Pearson was once one of the best known preachers in the nation.
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City Charter changes approved
Among the first bills that Dr. Michael J. Jones could patron as a new member of the House of Delegates is one that would usher in changes to the City Charter, or constitution. Now the president of City Council, a post he will give up Dec. 31, he was among six members who agreed Monday to support a package of charter changes and send the package to the Virginia legislature for approval.
