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The Richmond Public Schools 2022 valedictorians plan to study art, business, biology, nursing and pre-med when they enter college in a couple of months. But first they will graduate from their respective high schools between June 13 through June 15. We’re so proud of this group of amazing and awesome young scholars! Yay to them and their families and friends! Best of luck moving forward! From left: Anthony Rodriguez Ortiz, George Wythe High School, GPA 4.46. Jermesha Artis, Thomas Jefferson High School, GPA 4.79. Jermesha plans to attend Norfolk State University on a full scholarship to major in biology and participate in the marching band. Debora Arteaga Ortega, Huguenot High School, GPA 4.86. Debora, who has an associate’s degree from Reynolds Community College, will attend the University of Richmond as a business major. Lindsey Diggs, Franklin Military School, GPA 4.76. Lindsey will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study biology and pre-med. Taliya L. Moss-Melendez, Richmond Community High School, GPA 4.94. Taliya will attend the University of Virginia on a full scholarship. Sanaa Hayes, Open High School, GPA 5.03. Sanaa will attend William & Mary and will major in biology. She is the top 2022 RPS valedictorian. Angel Shepperson, John Marshall High School, GPA 4.36. Angel will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to major in 2-D Animation with a minor in Illustration. Damarious Banks, Armstrong High School, GPA 4.1. Damarious will attend Norfolk State University to major in pre-nursing and nursing on a full academic scholarship.

The Richmond Public Schools 2022 valedictorians plan to study art, business, biology, nursing and pre-med when they enter college in a couple of months. But …

Published on June 9, 2022

Cheri Gupton, stands outside her home in Chamberlayne Farms before heading to work as an acute care nurse for DaVita Dialysis servicing various hospitals in the area. She has been working as a nurse for 11 years. She says she doesn’t know which hospital she will be assigned to from day to day, but she has no doubt that she is needed. Most of her patients, she says, tested positive for COVID-19. Her silver lining? “Due to the somber reality that we may not always have our loved ones around, I find myself more intentional with calling them and letting them know how much I love them or just asking how they are doing.”

Cheri Gupton, stands outside her home in Chamberlayne Farms before heading to work as an acute care nurse for DaVita Dialysis servicing various hospitals in …

Published on April 16, 2020

Jazmyne Childs, center, cries during a news conference in Raleigh, N.C., in September as she describes the sexual harassment she said she endured while working for the North Carolina State Conference NAACP. She filed a $15 million lawsuit Monday against the national NAACP, which she alleges condoned the behavior.

Jazmyne Childs, center, cries during a news conference in Raleigh, N.C., in September as she describes the sexual harassment she said she endured while working …

Published on February 7, 2020

DARIUS GRAY, Franklin Military Academy, 4.6129 GPA. Attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk in the fall, where he plans to major in civil engineering. Son of Terrance and Katrina Gray. The pandemic has allowed him to spend time with his family. That has been a silver lining, he says. “My family and I were very busy people before this pandemic. Now, I get to spend quality time with them that I was not able to do during a regular day. Another silver lining for me is my appreciation for the variety of activities I was able to participate in this year like Senior Day, indoor track and spending time with my friends. I’m looking forward to going to college and embarking on new challenges.”

DARIUS GRAY, Franklin Military Academy, 4.6129 GPA. Attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk in the fall, where he plans to major in civil engineering. Son …

Published on May 28, 2020

Mitch McConnell spoke to reporters Wednesday for the first time since his second freezing episode last week. He said that he has “no announcements” to make about stepping down, and said, “I’m going to finish my term as leader, and I’m going to finish my Senate term.”

Mitch McConnell spoke to reporters Wednesday for the first time since his second freezing episode last week. He said that he has “no announcements” to …

Published on September 7, 2023

Sonia Corporan of the West End, a marketing specialist: “I moved to Richmond about 10 years ago from New York. I’m thankful for my friends in Richmond that have pretty much adopted me into their families. “I’m also grateful that I have the opportunity do what I love on my job, which is write and prepare materials and produce curriculum for classes.”

Sonia Corporan of the West End, a marketing specialist: “I moved to Richmond about 10 years ago from New York. I’m thankful for my friends …

Published on November 25, 2015

City becomes dumping ground again // “No city policies changed, and the dumping and accumulated bulk trash is rapidly taking place,” she continued in pointing to these examples of what she considers a “disturbing reality.” The problem, Ms. Robertson stated, is that the city is doing too little to prevent people from driving along alleys and dumping “mattresses, old furniture and tires free of charge.” Unless residents get vehicle license plates or photos of violators, “for law-abiding citizens living in such communities — tough luck.” However, Ms. Robertson stated she is not giving up trying to find ways to hold accountable those who illegally dump refuse. She is promising to develop a strategy and to share it with residents. She urges residents with ideas to email them to Ellen.Robertson@Richmondgov.com. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

City becomes dumping ground again // “No city policies changed, and the dumping and accumulated bulk trash is rapidly taking place,” she continued in pointing …

Published on January 8, 2016

Million Man March 20 years later - Throngs of people from across the nation flooded the National Mall in Washington for the Justice Or Else rally marking the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. People of all ages, ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds were drawn to the capital for the event initiated by Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan. A number of speakers and activists addressed participants, calling for changes in the conditions that oppress African-Americans and other marginalized people. Coverage, B3. By Jeremy M. Lazarus Charlene C. Harris hoped to live out her years at 1600 Colorado Ave., the single- family brick cottage that she and her family have called home for 47 years. But now the retired 68-year- old state employee is being told she must either purchase the two-bedroom home from her landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, or face moving. “It’s a terrible situation,” she said. “RRHA has told me I have to put up $500 to begin the process and to get a mortgage by December. Otherwise, I would have to accept relocation.” Like other public housing tenants of such homes, she feels caught in a Catch-22. Until she puts up the $500, RRHA won’t provide an appraisal that would let her know what the sales price would be so she could figure out if she could afford Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Charlene C. Harris stands in front of her two-bedroom home in the West End. She has been told to buy it or face having to move. Location: 1600 Colorado Ave. RRHA residents in ‘buy or move’ spot the house on her fixed income of about $1,500 a month. It is an ironic twist that RRHA is now marking its 75th

Million Man March 20 years later - Throngs of people from across the nation flooded the National Mall in Washington for the Justice Or Else …

Published on October 16, 2015

Shannon McKay, (she/her) executive director of He She Ze and We, distributes pins for the Transgender Day of Visibility to make known resources She Ze and We provides for the transgender community and others in need.

Shannon McKay, (she/her) executive director of He She Ze and We, distributes pins for the Transgender Day of Visibility to make known resources She Ze …

Published on April 7, 2023

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch Portraits” featuring top Richmond high school graduates, other individuals and families during the pandemic. With schools across the state closed in mid-March and classes continuing online, Amia said the pandemic taught her to “value the little things in life and appreciate all of my blessings and the people in my life.”

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch …

Published on January 7, 2021

This July 2019 image provided by the Sarah Cannon Research Institute shows Victoria Gray on her infusion day during a gene editing trial for sickle cell disease at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and The Children’s Hospital At TriStar Centennial in Nashville, Tenn. Ms. Gray, the first patient to test the treatment, shared her experience with researchers at a scientific conference in 2023. She described suffering with terrible bouts of pain since childhood and receiving high-dose pain medications and sometimes blood transfusions. She described feeling she “was being reborn” the day she got the gene therapy.

This July 2019 image provided by the Sarah Cannon Research Institute shows Victoria Gray on her infusion day during a gene editing trial for sickle …

Published on December 14, 2023

Kindergartner Alonna Smyre, 5, gives her mother, Shartisha White, a tearful goodbye Tuesday as she goes to school for the first time. Her mother said the youngster was excited about starting school at Westover Hills Elementary and claimed she wouldn’t be nervous. But once inside, the tears flowed and the hugs got tighter as she didn’t want her mom to leave.

Kindergartner Alonna Smyre, 5, gives her mother, Shartisha White, a tearful goodbye Tuesday as she goes to school for the first time. Her mother said …

Published on September 6, 2019

Undine Smith Moore, a classically trained pianist, who was born in Jarrett, was hired by Virginia State College in 1927 where she spent more than 40 years composing vocal music and teaching piano, organ and music theory to students. Mrs. Moore received numerous awards throughout her life, both for her choral works and her accomplishments as a music educator, which she once called “an art in itself.” She received honorary doctorates from Indiana University and Virginia State College and a humanitarian award from Fisk University, and was named music laureate of the state of Virginia in 1975. Other awards included the National Association of Negro Musicians Distinguished Achievement Award in 1975 and the Virginia Governor’s Award in the Arts in 1985, according to the Library of Virginia’s archives. Often referred to as the “Dean of Black Women Composers,” Mrs. Moore began composing while at Fisk University. Although she composed works for piano and for other instrumental groups, Mrs. Moore is best known for her choral works, including “Scenes from the Life of a Martyr,” based on the works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Undine Smith Moore, a classically trained pianist, who was born in Jarrett, was hired by Virginia State College in 1927 where she spent more than …

Published on July 27, 2023

Cynthia Downing is surrounded by some of the stuffed animals she has collected for The Comfort Movement project she started to help Richmond area youngsters whose parents are incarcerated.

Cynthia Downing is surrounded by some of the stuffed animals she has collected for The Comfort Movement project she started to help Richmond area youngsters …

Published on November 24, 2017

S.F. Braxton bears the scar of the vicious knife attack that changed her life. She has not been able to return to work since she was stabbed April 14, 2015. 

S.F. Braxton bears the scar of the vicious knife attack that changed her life. She has not been able to return to work since she …

Published on March 17, 2016

Morgan Bullock poses in front of a mirror during a recent practice. She shows off the special shoes she uses to perform the fast-paced Irish dance routines.

Morgan Bullock poses in front of a mirror during a recent practice. She shows off the special shoes she uses to perform the fast-paced Irish …

Published on April 29, 2016

Antoinette Rogers is staying put at her North Side home with her 161⁄2-year-old Maltese mix dog, Toby. She takes him out for walks and fresh air. The adjunct education professor at the University of Richmond teaches one weekly online class now from the comfort of home. “I know I thrive in a face-to-face setting,” she said, while admitting that online teaching “takes a little more effort.” The pandemic, she said, has brought a pause to most everyone’s life. The silver lining? “I think God gave us some time to step back, assess some things and take stock of our lives.”

Antoinette Rogers is staying put at her North Side home with her 161⁄2-year-old Maltese mix dog, Toby. She takes him out for walks and fresh …

Published on April 16, 2020

S.F. Braxton bears the scar of the vicious knife attack that changed her life. She has not been able to return to work since she was stabbed April 14, 2015. 

S.F. Braxton bears the scar of the vicious knife attack that changed her life. She has not been able to return to work since she …

Published on March 17, 2016

The Rev. Lois Bias, co-pastor of Bringing God’s Word To Life Church in South Side, is COVID-19 ready as she prepares to distribute bags of food at a drive- thru operation she and a team of members set up last Saturday morning outside the church on Bryce Lane. The 23-year-old church is a distributor for Feed More, which provided most of the items, Rev. Bias said. The church also received donations from a nearby KFC restaurant and Wawa stores, she said. At least a dozen members participated with Rev. Bias and her husband, the Rev. Ellis Bias, in packing the groceries, setting up the drive-thru and giving away the food to area residents.

The Rev. Lois Bias, co-pastor of Bringing God’s Word To Life Church in South Side, is COVID-19 ready as she prepares to distribute bags of …

Published on April 30, 2020

Beatrice Downs is confronted Friday by a Capitol Police officer as she pickets in front of the Patrick Henry Building in Capitol Square. She is told her demonstration on the state sidewalk is not allowed.

Beatrice Downs is confronted Friday by a Capitol Police officer as she pickets in front of the Patrick Henry Building in Capitol Square. She is …

Published on October 6, 2017