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Raynell Reid shows off a tribute plaque to her late uncle, Richmond Fire Capt. Harvey S. Hicks II, during a ceremony last Sunday at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church. The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the hiring of the first 10 black firefighters in Richmond and Virginia. Capt. Hicks died June 4, 1963, attempting the daring rescue of a city resident who was trapped in a 23-foot-deep pit. The church joined with Engine Company No. 9 and Associates, a nonprofit group that works to call attention to the city’s pioneering black firefighters and police officers, on the Black History Month program. Richmond hired the first black police officers in 1946 and the first black firefighters in 1950. At the time of his death, Capt. Hicks also was studying for the ministry and was to preach his trial sermon a few days later. As part of Sunday’s commemoration, Dr. Price L. Davis, pastor of the church at 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, preached the sermon that the firefighter had written.

Raynell Reid shows off a tribute plaque to her late uncle, Richmond Fire Capt. Harvey S. Hicks II, during a ceremony last Sunday at Mosby …

Published on February 14, 2020

Socks for others: Home-schooled students who take online classes through Virginia Virtual Academy decorate a large Christmas stocking last Friday at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch in Downtown. Honoring the spirit of the season, the youngsters stuffed the decorated stocking with new socks of all sizes. The giant stocking then was donated to St. Joseph’s Villa to help people in need. Denise Haverty-Jackson of Petersburg, standing, checks the decorating progress of her son, Emmanuel Hollis-Jackson, and the other students, Dahlia Mohr of Bowling Green and James Searles of Fredericksburg. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Socks for others: Home-schooled students who take online classes through Virginia Virtual Academy decorate a large Christmas stocking last Friday at the Richmond Public Library …

Published on December 21, 2018

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family, she says, has experienced health scares in recent weeks, both related and unrelated to the coronavirus. “I have always valued family and friends, yet the communication with loved ones is even more cherished than before,” said the founder of BareSOUL Yoga. The experience also has shifted how she connects with people and the community — through online offerings and resources. The silver lining? “I am able to appreciate, explore and enjoy my home.”

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during …

Published on April 30, 2020

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The 13-year-old Henderson Middle School student, the son of Michael and Otesa Miles, received a trophy and $400 for his first place showing in the four-round competition involving 10 youths. Jace started playing chess in an afternoon elementary school program. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he further developed his chess skills by playing online with a cousin who lives in New York. In between, he continued to play the game.

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum …

Published on February 16, 2023

Va. Legislative Black Caucus reception at VMFA // Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus gathered Monday for their annual reception before the start of the 2016 General Assembly session. Other elected officials, corporate and educational leaders attended the event at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The 18-member caucus formally announced its legislative agenda Wednesday at a news conference. Above, Caucus members joined Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Virginia’s top elected officials for a photograph. From left, they are Delegate Jeion Ward of Hampton, Sen. Kenneth Alexander of Norfolk, Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan of Richmond, Sen. A. Donald McEachin of Henrico County, Delegate Charniele Herring of Alexandria, Delegate Lionel Spruill Sr. of Chesapeake, Gov. McAuliffe, Sen. Mamie Locke of Hampton, Sen. Dance of Petersburg, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, Delegate Daun Hester of Norfolk, Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, Attorney General Mark R. Herring, Delegate Marcia Price of Newport News, Delegate Lashrecse Aird of Petersburg, Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke and Delegate Joseph Lindsey of Norfolk. Caucus members not pictured are Delegate Luke Torian of Prince William County, Delegate Matthew James of Portsmouth and Delegate Delores McQuinn of Richmond.

Va. Legislative Black Caucus reception at VMFA // Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus gathered Monday for their annual reception before the start of …

Published on January 15, 2016

Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus offer details Wednesday on their legislative priorities for the 2022 session of the General Assembly just hours before the session’s noon start. Among the priorities: Fully funding public education; ending solitary confinement; preventing evictions; universal paid family and medical leave; strengthening employment discrimination and harassment laws; equity in renewable energy development; and protecting recent progress, including the new Voting Rights Act of Virginia, the repeal of the death penalty, the increase in the state’s minimum wage and legalization of marijuana. VLBC members attending the virtual news conference are: Top row from left: Adele McClure, VLBC executive director; Delegate Delores L. McQuinn of Richmond; Delegate Michelle Maldonado of Manassas; and Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, VLBC chairman. Second row from left: Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan of Richmond; Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price of Newport News; Delegate Briana Sewell of Prince William County; and Delegate Angelia Williams Graves of Norfolk. Third row from left: Delegate Jeion A. Ward of Hampton; Delegate Candi King of Stafford; Delegate Nadarius Clark of Norfolk; and Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke. Bottom row from left: Delegate C.E. “Cliff” Hayes Jr. of Chesapeake; Sen. Mamie Locke of Hampton; and Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne of Richmond.

Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus offer details Wednesday on their legislative priorities for the 2022 session of the General Assembly just hours before …

Published on January 13, 2022

Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler and Zora Neale Hurston. Asked how their lives are different during the pandemic, Mrs. Achalam, executive director of Project Yoga Richmond and an herbal healer with True Grit Botanica, said, “We’ve launched an online membership platform where the community can remotely access yoga and mindfulness content from PYR ambassadors.” Mr. Achalam, a reggae artist and educator, said, “Shows are postponed. But we’ll regroup and spend more time in the studio.” On April 4, he performed in “Couchella,” a digital music festival that helped raise money for the Makindu Children’s Center in Kenya. The money will help install hand-washing stations at the center to combat the spread of COVID-19. Asked about the silver lining, both say the crisis has caused them to slow down and concentrate on the health and well-being of themselves and family.

Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler …

Published on April 16, 2020

Armstrong Renaissance is heading to the finish line after more than three years of construc- tion at this East End site near the city’s border with Henrico County. Crews now are focusing on development of the final phase – 36 attached and detached homes to be sold at market rates – that will cap the redevelopment on the former site of Armstrong High School. Oversized compared with most of the homes on nearby streets, the new houses were initially priced between $225,000 and $350,000 and are designed to add a residential cachet to the area. When finished, the total 22-acre development will contain 256 modern apartments and houses. The first residents moved in just before Thanksgiving in 2019. Previously called Church Hill North, Armstrong Renaissance is the creation of a partnership of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Boston-based nonprofit affordable housing developer, The Community Builders. The project is designed as the first step in the future redevelopment of the 30-acre Creighton Court public housing community located across Nine Mile Road. The new units were used, in part, to relocate Creighton Court residents, clearing the way for a large chunk of the public housing community to be bulldozed and replaced with new units. Demolition of a major portion of Creighton Court is expected this year. Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Richmond City Council cleared the way by allocating $6.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for new streets, alleys and underground utilities in the Creighton Court redevelopment.

Armstrong Renaissance is heading to the finish line after more than three years of construc- tion at this East End site near the city’s border …

Published on February 10, 2022

Standing with Bennett: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, left, meets with alumnae of Bennett and Spelman colleges Monday evening at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond to rally efforts to help raise $5 million by Feb. 1 to save Bennett College. Dr. Cole previously served as president of both institutions, the only two historically black women’s colleges in the nation, and was central to a video the group made Monday and posted on social media. United in sisterhood, the video calls on Spelman women and Bennett Belles to support the Greensboro, N.C., college, which may lose its accreditation if it cannot gain a more sound financial footing by the Feb. 1 deadline. The effort came together within 24 hours. “I have never witnessed black women move so quickly with one mission to make sure African-American women have the opportunity to  receive a quality education,” said Marissa Jennings, Bennett Class of 2003. Dr. Cole’s message is available online at https://vimeo.com/314049002. To donate, go to www.bennett.edu/donate. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Standing with Bennett: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, left, meets with alumnae of Bennett and Spelman colleges Monday evening at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond to …

Published on February 1, 2019

Dr. Derik E. Jones, left, and Dr. Dwight C. Jones, pastors of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, get a closer look at the new bronze sculpture “Hope Empowered by the Truth” with its creator, local artist Kathleen Lowry. The 150-pound sculpture was unveiled at the Decatur Street church on Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, during a ceremony viewed online by more than 200 people. Ms. Lowry donated the piece to the church after attending the socially distanced kickoff last September of First Baptist’s yearlong 200th anniversary celebration. She said the church seemed like the perfect home for the sculpture. “It is recognition of the work you do every day to promote peace in our country,” she said during Monday’s event. “Martin Luther King knew what would be necessary — faith, hopefulness, truth-telling, courage, resilience, kindness and forgiveness. And that is what you are doing and being in the struggle for equality and peace. It is an extremely tall order.” Members of the congregation will be able to see the artwork once the church reopens for in-person worship service. The church has held virtual services because of the pandemic.

Dr. Derik E. Jones, left, and Dr. Dwight C. Jones, pastors of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, get a closer look at the new …

Published on January 21, 2021

Construction of a new Amazon facility is scheduled for completion in Henrico County’s Fairfield District this year. When the online retailer announced plans in April 2021 for its state-of-the art robotics fulfillment center on 119 acres along Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, near Richmond Raceway, Amazon and county officials said it would lead to 1,000 job opportunities. The 2.6-million-square-foot facility will be the largest building in Central Virginia, officials said. To accommodate increased traffic in the area, Richmond-Henrico Turnpike has been extended to four lanes, with a new traffic signal placed at the main entrance to the site. “Amazon has been proud to call Virginia home since 2006,” said Alicia Boler Davis, who was Amazon’s vice president of Global Customer Fulfillment at the time of the announcement. “Collectively it takes a strong workforce and local support network to serve our customers across the Commonwealth and the region. The launch of this state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Central Virginia will create more than 1,000 jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits starting on the first day of employment. I’m excited to see Virginians continue to excel at Amazon, building better and brighter futures.”

Construction of a new Amazon facility is scheduled for completion in Henrico County’s Fairfield District this year. When the online retailer announced plans in April …

Published on January 26, 2023

Work is underway on the $1.2 million renovation of Virginia Union University’s renamed Wil- lie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium. Mr. Lanier, a former All-Star and Pro Bowl player with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1967 to 1977, played on Hovey Field when he was a student nearly 60 years ago at Richmond’s Maggie L. Walker High School next door. He has played a vital role in the project to resurface the field from grass to FieldTurf. When the VUU Panthers football team kicks off its 2020 season home opener on Oct. 3 against Shaw University, the new field will be a point of pride for the team and will put VUU on the same level as universities around the nation, officials stated. “That field shows something,” Mr. Lanier stated. “It shows the ability of what it is to provide for those young individuals who can take confidence and pride in where they play and how they are able to perform.” Squares of the old grass field, which has been in place since 1907, are being sold online to help fund the project. Go to https://vuusports.com/sports/2008/11/5/MBB_1105085727.aspx?id=42

Work is underway on the $1.2 million renovation of Virginia Union University’s renamed Wil- lie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium. Mr. Lanier, a former All-Star …

Published on July 2, 2020

Cityscape //These scenes show examples of the impact of the June 16 storm that hammered Richmond and Henrico County and knocked out power to nearly 120,000 homes and businesses in the two localities. Left, Laurie Petersen photographs a tree split during the raging winds at Monument and Roseneath avenues in the West End. Right, Brad Spangler takes a closer look at a car crushed under trees felled by the storm that packed 70 mph winds and dropped 1.6 inches of rain. Location: Seminary and Claremont avenues in North Side. Richmond area damage estimates ranged from $2 million to $5 million, including $770,000 in damage to 10 Richmond school buildings. Officials said all but $100,000 of the schools damage would be covered by insurance. Dominion brought in hundreds of workers, who helped restore power by late Monday. Fifty crews from the City of Richmond, meanwhile, cleared fallen trees blocking 156 streets and removed 700 tons of tree debris through Tuesday. As of Tuesday night, Byrd Park, Battery Park Pool and Bryan Park had yet to reopen. The city and Henrico County are offering to haul away tree limbs from residents’ property. In the city, residents can place limbs and brush near the curb or alley for pickup. County residents must register for service at (804) 501-4275 or online at www.henrico.us/services/storm-debris-pickup. The county’s deadline to sign up is Friday, June 24.     

Cityscape //These scenes show examples of the impact of the June 16 storm that hammered Richmond and Henrico County and knocked out power to nearly …

Published on June 24, 2016

Food is a major U.S. export, so the drought affects prices around the globe.

Food is a major U.S. export, so the drought affects prices around the globe.

Published on August 9, 2012

Senior Daniel Saunders, Hopewell High’s top scorer, leaps for two more points in leading the Blue Devils to a 61-55 victory over visiting Prince George High last Friday. This was Hopewell’s third win over Prince George this season and extended the Blue Devils’ winning streak to 16.

Senior Daniel Saunders, Hopewell High’s top scorer, leaps for two more points in leading the Blue Devils to a 61-55 victory over visiting Prince George …

Published on January 29, 2015

Virginia State University tailback Trenton “Boom” Cannon goes airborne for a touchdown over Virginia University University defensive back Ray Lewis III. His above and beyond effort on the last play of the first half of last Saturday’s game at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick brought the score to 28-17 for VSU. The Trojans won the seesaw of a game with a final score of 40-39 over the Panthers.

Virginia State University tailback Trenton “Boom” Cannon goes airborne for a touchdown over Virginia University University defensive back Ray Lewis III. His above and beyond …

Published on November 10, 2017

The Virginia Department of Transportation continues its bridge rehabilitation project at 1st Street over Interstate 95 in Jackson Ward. This section of 1st Street will see new sidewalks, travel lanes and shoulders. The department plans to rehabilitate five bridges over I-95 in Richmond. Structure replacements and minor substructure repairs will be done on bridges on North 1st Street, North 4th Street, North 5th Street, North 7th Street and the East Broad Street overpasses.

The Virginia Department of Transportation continues its bridge rehabilitation project at 1st Street over Interstate 95 in Jackson Ward. This section of 1st Street will …

Published on April 6, 2023

Watch Olympiakos vs Manchester United live online utsandiego

Watch Olympiakos vs Manchester United live online utsandiego

Published on October 10, 2012

The U.S. flag flies once again over the city of Richmond on April 3, 1865, proclaiming Union victory over Confederate forces in the city and liberation for thousands of enslaved men, women and children. It also signals that the Civil War, which ravaged the nation for four long years, would soon come to an end. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the liberation of Richmond and its people from the bonds of slavery, the Free Press is publishing a three-part series providing an overview of the African-American experience in the war and in Richmond and vicinity during this momentous time. The second installment appears below.

The U.S. flag flies once again over the city of Richmond on April 3, 1865, proclaiming Union victory over Confederate forces in the city and …

Published on April 2, 2015

The U.S. flag flies once again over the city of Richmond on April 3, 1865, proclaiming Union victory over Confederate forces in the city and liberation for thousands of enslaved men, women and children. It also signals that the Civil War, which ravaged the nation for four long years, would soon come to an end. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the liberation of Richmond and its people from the bonds of slavery, the Free Press is publishing a three-part series providing an overview of the African-American experience in the war and in Richmond and vicinity during this momentous time. The third installment appears below.

The U.S. flag flies once again over the city of Richmond on April 3, 1865, proclaiming Union victory over Confederate forces in the city and …

Published on April 10, 2015