All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
Corrections officers’ union calls for testing of all inmates and staff at Virginia facilities
A union representing state correctional officers is calling on Gov. Ralph S. Northam to immediately begin coronavirus testing for all officers, staff, residents and incarcerated people in facilities run by the Virginia Department of Corrections and the state Department of Juvenile Justice.
VCU graduates praised for their resolve to not lose focus during pandemic
With graduates hailing from 43 countries and diverse cultural backgrounds, the sheer scale of accomplishment was immense during Virginia Commonwealth University’s graduation ceremony last Saturday.
Monthly food distribution program launches in Henrico
A new monthly curbside food distribution effort began last Saturday at Quioccasin Middle School in Henrico County, drawing long lines of people in their vehicles despite the intense rainfall.
Black Voters Matter brings ‘Freedom Ride for Voting Rights’ to Richmond
Black Voters Matter brought its “Freedom Ride for Voting Rights” bus caravan to Monroe Park last week, continuing the civil rights efforts of the first Freedom Riders 60 years ago and to push voting access and equity locally and nationally.
African-American pastors join effort to abolish death penalty
In 1608, Virginia became the first jurisdiction in America to execute someone under the death penalty. In the centuries since, Virginia has gone on to execute around 1,400 people, more than any other state. Now, state faith leaders and justice advocates are working to ensure it never happens again.
Richmond School Board decides not to publish graduation shooting report
Weeks after an external investigation into operations leading up to the June graduation mass shooting in Monroe Park was provided to Richmond Public Schools leadership, the next steps for the division are still unfolding.
Henrico police chief to retire
Another area police chief is stepping down as protests continue against police violence and racial injustice.
VIAHA 2022 to induct new members
Seven notable African-American Virginians will be recognized for their work in education and other fields during the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association’s Hall of Fame awards ceremony on June 24 in Charlottesville.
RISC holds City Hall rally in effort to meet with mayor about gun violence
More than a hundred Richmond residents assembled outside City Hall last Friday, seeking to discuss their solutions to the rise in gun violence with Mayor Levar M. Stoney.
Speakers virtually inspire VUU graduates
It was a momentous day for thousands of students last Saturday as Virginia Union University recognized its spring 2021 graduates with a virtual commencement ceremony.
Taking it to the streets:
‘Violence interrupters’ will work to stop bloodshed
The city is hiring new “violence interrupters,” people with connections in the community who can help mediate situations on Richmond streets before they escalate into gun violence.
Jackson Ward residents question plans for their community
Improved infrastructure, redeveloped housing and better health care are some of the goals city planners are crafting for Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward.
Richmond Police chief says he will no longer discuss alleged July 4 mass shooting
Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith, suffering from a credibility gap, has shut down any further comment on the alleged terrorist plot to shoot up the Dogwood Dell amphitheater during the Independence Day celebration last month that led to two arrests.
RISC gets affordable housing commitments from some City Council members
A coalition of religious and community groups have received new commitments from City Council members to address affordable housing, including the state of mobile homes, in the city.
Marijuana legalization comes with info, warnings from health officials
Treatment for chronic pain. Possible addiction. Improving muscle spasms. Mood changes.
VSU recognizes 700 grads in first in-person commencement since 2019
It was a day of celebration last Sunday at Virginia State University, as three classes of graduates marched and were recognized during the first in-person commencement held at the university since 2019 because of the pandemic.
Area churches to celebrate Easter in various, special ways
Area churches are ready to celebrate Easter by welcoming congregants back to services both inside their sanctuaries and some outdoors.
Activists demand greater public accountability from Richmond Federal Reserve Bank
The streets of Richmond’s financial district echoed with calls for accountability last week as activists gathered outside the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond to call for better transparency and representation following a series of scandals among the nation’s banking leadership.
RPS aims to limit exits with hiring bonuses
Richmond Public Schools leadership is continuing efforts to address an ongoing shortage of teachers and support staff throughout the city’s school system.
RPS proposes metal detectors and other devices to offset gun violence
In the wake of the shooting and deaths of multiple Richmond Public Schools students and ongoing concerns about school safety, RPS leaders are considering an estimated $1.3 million plan to expand the use of metal detectors in the city’s school system.
