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Virginia Department of Veterans Services to host Memorial Day ceremonies
Memorial Day will be commemorated at four special ceremonies hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) on Monday, May 29. The events are free and open to the public.
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VSU names two women students as co-valedictorians
Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport both earn a perfect 4.0 GPA
Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport have been recognized by Virginia State University as Class of 2023 co-valedictorians. The announcement marks the first time in VSU’s history that two women, both STEM majors, have received this academic honor. They were recognized as part of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13, 2023.
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When vigilantism becomes a campaign stunt, by Clarence Page
On his way to see whether his expected presidential bid can play in Peoria, Fla., Gov. Ron DeSantis upstaged himself with a news making tweet.
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Virginia Union University’s president, Dr. Hakim J. Lucas places an honorary doctoral hood over the head of Dr. John W. Kinney in conferring his honorary …
Published on May 18, 2023
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Ms. Price
Published on May 18, 2023
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RPS struggles with student absenteeism still present
More than 4,700 students in Richmond Public Schools have missed 15 or more days of classes, many because of housing instability, the School Board was told Monday night.
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‘It felt racist’
Black victims of violent crime disproportionately denied aid in many states
The cold formality of the letter is seared in Debra Long’s memory. It began “Dear Claimant,” and said her 24-year-old son, Randy, who was fatally shot in April 2006, was not an “innocent” victim. Without further explanation, the New York state agency that assists violent crime victims and their families refused to help pay for his funeral. Mr. Long was a father, engaged to be married and studying to become a juvenile probation officer when his life was cut short during a visit to Brooklyn with friends. His mother, angry and bewildered by the letter, wondered: What did authorities see — or fail to see — in Randy? In this April 19, 2023, photo, Debra Long of Poughkeepsie,
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Howard U. picks African diaspora scholar as next president
Howard University is turning to an experienced scholar of the African diaspora to serve as its new university president.
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Personality: Anthony Bryant
Spotlight on Downtown Neighborhood Association president
As Richmond’s growth spurt continues to attract new businesses and residents, Anthony Bryant wants to guarantee that the community’s interests aren’t left behind.
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Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
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Decision day looms for employees’ union choices
Once stalled, unionizing of City Hall employees has begun to move forward after Labor Relations Administrator Keith D. Greenberg ruled that crew leaders with the title of supervisor cannot be part of employee bargaining units, the Free Press has learned.
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Master gardeners to celebrate pollinators at June events
The Henrico County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension and Henrico County Master Gardeners will offer activities and events throughout June to celebrate pollinators and promote the vital role they play in healthy ecosystems.
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New state funding for RPS school construction
Millions of dollars are heading to Richmond Public Schools to support school construction projects, including the rebuild of burned-out Fox Elementary School in The Fan, and the development of a new career and technical education high school in South Side, according to information provided to the Richmond School Board.
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Black Therapy Expo and mental health
As a teenager, Brittany Rush struggled significantly with her mental health. Her family did their best with their knowledge of the disease, but didn’t always talk openly together or understand how to obtain resources for Ms. Rush.
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Orchestra, museum present sounds of black composers
The Richmond Symphony’s Big Tent concert series comes to Abner Clay Park for the first time on May 27 at 7 p.m. The free event in the recently renovated park features the music of noted black composers such as, Florence Price, Joseph Bologne (the subject of the recent film “Chevalier”), and Virginia resident Adolphus Hailstork.
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Where’s the money?
Last week we asked Mayor Levar M. Stoney to explain what happened to the higher real estate taxes the city received from owners of property with expiring tax abatements, also called roll-off dollars.
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Uphold your oath
We call on President Biden to uphold his oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
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Power, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” — Lord John Acton
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America must rebuke a new feudalism, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
The pomp and circumstance of the crowning of King Charles III filled TV sets.
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Erasing redlining
Nearly 100 years since redlining left Richmond’s communities of color marginalized, Coming Together Virginia will host a discussion about how such discriminatory practices caused long-term environmental effects for Richmonders and others.
