All results / Stories / Free Press staff report
‘Kemba’ trailer and release date announced
On Thursday, Feb. 22, the MPI Original and BET Original feature film “Kemba” will premiere on the BET+ streaming platform and will air on BET, BETHer, and BET International.
Romance in Rio
Richmond’s Queen Harrison says ‘yes’ to silver medalist at Olympics
Queen Harrison of Richmond didn’t qualify for the 100-meter hurdles in the Olympics, but she’s bringing back bling from Rio — an engagement ring.
UR awards Paragon Medal to Marcus Weinstein
The Paragon Medal, the University of Richmond’s highest honor, has been awarded to University of Richmond alumnus Marcus Weinstein, a, well-known philanthropist, and chairman of Weinstein Properties. Weinstein is only the second person in history to receive the medal. The first was E. Claiborne Robins in 1986.
Mayor Stoney has COVID-19; state of city address postponed
Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in a 14-day isolation after developing mild symptoms.
Welcome home, Bobby
Robert “Bobby” L. Dandridge was a star long before the NBA made his name a household word. No one knew that better than Mr. Dandridge’s family, friends, fans and former teammates who were on hand for “The Bobby Dandridge Legacy Celebration” last Saturday at his alma mater, Maggie Walker High School (now the Maggie Walker Governor’s School) where he was a star in the late 1960s.
Adele, Beyoncé sparkle at Grammy Awards
Singer-songwriter Adele flubbed on a tribute Sunday night to the late George Michael at the 59th Grammy Music Awards, but she still walked away as the belle of the televised awards program. The London-born singer took home five awards Sunday night, including album, record and song of the year.
Amy Wratchford named interim managing director at Virginia Rep
Amy Wratchford has been appointed interim managing director at the Virginia Repertory Theatre, the company’s board of directors announced.
YWCA’s advancement officer becomes CEO
Rupa Murthy has been named the next CEO of YWCA Richmond. She will succeed Linda Tissiere, who is retiring after leading the nonprofit for the last decade.
Minor re-elected president of Richmond NAACP
James E. “J.J.” Minor III will continue to lead the Richmond Branch NAACP.
Street honoring Kirby Carmichael unveiled in Highland Park
Family, friends and admirers of radio personality Kirby Carmichael came out Tuesday for the unveiling of Kirby Carmichael Sr. Street at 1100 Front Street in Highland Park. The site is where the former WANT-AM radio station was housed when Mr. Carmichael, a pioneer of Black radio, was for decades known as the “tall man of soul” as he spun platters first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM.
If it’s June, it must be Black Music Month
While Juneteenth has been a primary focus for many Black Americans throughout June, another observance — Black Music Month — has also captured their attention.
Branch Museum to host free open house
The Branch Museum will host a free open house Easter Sunday, March 31, from noon to 5 p.m. for the Monument Avenue Easter on Parade.
Larry J. Bland seriously ill
Larry J. Bland, Richmond’s celebrated gospel choir director, issued an email Tuesday stating that he is suffering from a serious illness and included a request for prayers and privacy.
Smokey Robinson receives Gershwin Prize
An emotional and humbled Smokey Robinson received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song last week at a soul-stirring concert at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington.
Bubba’s Block Party returns
NASCAR driver William D. “Bubba” Wallace will again host a block party for the Richmond community as part of the return of racing to the track in Henrico County, it has been announced.
VCU names Faye Belgrave as vice president, chief diversity officer
Faye Belgrave, Ph.D., a respected scholar, author and equity advocate, has been named vice president and chief diversity officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, effective Oct. 23.
Dennis T. Clark is new librarian of Virginia
Dennis T. Clark has been appointed to serve as the 10th librarian of Virginia.
McClellan announces photo competition
Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan is inviting residents of Virginia’s 4th Congressional District to share their vision of the area and its community with her and, potentially, the nation at large.
JMI, VSU summit dips into global issues
Best-selling author Bakari Sellers, former Google exec Jewel Burks-Solomon among speakers
Bakari Sellers’ 2020 memoir “My Vanishing Country,” is filled with delicious morsels that stay with readers long after they’ve been digested.
Prev Next

