All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
Opening Bell
Richmond Public Schools students, parents, teachers and officials were up bright and early and full of optimism Tuesday morning for the beginning of the new school year.
Wilder symposium looks back and forward
It was a day of celebration and reflection last Thursday as members of the public gathered virtually to recognize the life and accomplishments of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder.
Jill Biden visits Henrico clinic to promote vaccine for children
First Lady Jill Biden joined state and local leaders at a Henrico County health clinic on July 1, where they encouraged parents to vaccinate children between the ages of six months to 5 years old.
Elmer T. Seay Jr. remembered for his civic, social activism
Elmer T. Seay Jr. known for his community activism, social work and talents as an artist died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. He was 90 years old.
Rise up
RISC continues mission for housing, safety, well-being
The city of Richmond’s current and potential political leaders committed themselves to more action on affordable housing, mobile home repair and replacement, and discussions on gun violence prevention Tuesday evening, during RISC’s 2024 Nehemiah Action Assembly.
ACTION Film Festival features 3 new works by local artists
The sights, stories and histories of the city of Richmond are the focus of a new film festival running from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The ACTION Film Festival will showcase three films, “Still Fighting,” “Bleach” and “Break,” written by and featuring local creatives and set at historic locations and landmarks across Richmond.
Va. student test scores show no significant improvement
Virginia students continue to struggle academically, according to the latest results from the state’s Standards of Learning tests.
Maulana Karenga is speaker for Capital City Kwanzaa
Annual festival welcomes those near and far
The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival returns to Richmond on Friday, Dec. 30, bringing a suite of year-end celebrations united under the theme “Celebrating Black Futures.”
Investigation continues into Richmond Police shooting of Henrico man in East End
Two Richmond Police officers have been put on temporary administrative leave after shooting and killing a white man Sunday night in the East End.
VUU works to retain accreditation status
Virginia Union University is continuing to address financial issues months after receiving probation that, if not resolved, could lead to the loss of its accreditation.
RPS taps Sands Anderson to investigate graduation shootings
A new investigation into Richmond school operations before, during and after the June mass shooting that followed the Huguenot High School graduation, is set to begin after the Richmond School Board approved a third-party review by the Sands Anderson law firm.
Funeral traditions changed – maybe permanently – by COVID-19
John E. Thomasson was a hero in his hometown. As a member of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, he was the first African-American elected to public office in the county. Across 98 years, he built a successful realty company, helped to save mortgages, paid for college scholarships and owned the local funeral home for 53 years, where he oversaw the burials of thousands of Virginians. When he died of an age-related illness on July 22, there was hardly anyone in Louisa County who had not been touched by his life. Other than his wife of more than 65 years, the Rev. Christine Thomasson, there is likely no one who knows his impact better than his successor, D.D. Watson Jr., who was handpicked by Mr. Thomasson to purchase and take over his funeral home business in 2004. And yet upon the death of Mr. Thomasson—a businessman, philanthropist, politician and public servant whose life and work was recognized this year in a proclamation from the Virginia Senate—the largest single gathering in his honor held barely 12 people. That’s because of government-imposed safety restrictions on public gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wilder urges firing of state diversity official, VCU president
On Tuesday, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder called on Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin to replace Chief Diversity Officer Martin D. Brown over remarks declaring the state’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion “dead.”
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Richmond area
The counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover are among the Virginia localities where COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have risen, as the spread and impact of the virus has increased throughout the Central Virginia area and statewide in recent weeks.
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.
Hanover County School Board gives final approval to new school names
The Hanover County School Board approved new names for the former Confederate Stonewall Middle School and Lee-Davis High School during a meeting Tuesday night.
A new deal
City pitches special bonds for stadium project
The Richmond city government is pushing the idea of using special revenue bonds to finance the new Diamond Stadium and the first phase of infrastructure work in the Diamond District.
Va. student network criticizes colleges reopening for in-person learning
Virginia students have leveled several criticisms against state colleges that chose to reopen their campuses for the fall semester in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
State officials stay the course on the coronavirus
Keep on keeping on. That’s the continuing message from officials as Virginia dramatically increased its coronavirus testing capability, data collection and access to health information.
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.
