All results / Stories / Jeremy M. Lazarus
Perry L. Briggs Sr., member of the Walker Sports Hall of Fame, dies at 92
Perry Lee Briggs Sr., a former football star at Maggie Walker High School and Virginia Union University, has died.
VSU names new provost
Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah has found the person he wants to lead academic affairs at the Ettrick campus.
Coleman not seeking re-election to School Board
The Rev. Donald L. Coleman will not be seeking re-election to the Richmond School Board. The two-term, 7th District representative announced Monday he would be stepping down in December — becoming one of at least three members who will not return.
Federal appeals court upholds $2M award
Thousands of women who suffered injuries from a transvaginal mesh product that was implanted to resolve pelvic problems could benefit from a federal court decision.
William L. Prentiss Jr., local and regional band director, musician and educator, dies at 58
William Leon “BB” Prentiss Jr., who molded thousands of student musicians as the director of high school marching bands in Richmond, Chesterfield County, Norfolk and four other localities, has died.
City Council receives bids from 22 who want Confederate statues
To donate or not to donate? That is the question Richmond City Council may face when it comes to disposing of most of the city-owned Confederate statues.
Comfort Anderson-Miller, who charity helped thousands in Liberia, dies at 60
For 30 years, Chesterfield County resident Comfort Yjakpai Anderson-Miller led a charity that shipped essential supplies and educational materials to her native Liberia. The founder of the nationally recognized Robert and Mary Anderson Charitable Organization succumbed to cancer after a 16-month fight on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. She was 60.
Local screenwriter hopes next stop will be Academy Awards
Henry K. Myers is realizing the dream of every amateur screenwriter – to see his words turned into a film.
New weed-sales bill would include minority vendors
Prospects for the General Assembly to approve the retail sale of marijuana could get a big boost from a deal to guarantee Virginians of color gain a significant share of the business opportunity. Unveiled Jan. 18 at a State Capitol press conference, the agreement is between state lawmakers, advocates and the state’s four medical marijuana companies.
Alphonso H. ‘Al’ Bowers Jr., who fought for construction diversity, dies
Alphonso Hugo “Al” Bowers Jr., a veteran Richmond contractor who was outspoken in promoting Black inclusion in government building projects and promoted construction trades training program for unemployed adults, has died.
City Council greenlights Maggie Walker statue at triangle
Forget Monument Avenue and Abner Clay Park. The future statue of Richmond’s great lady, Maggie L. Walker, will stand at the intersection of Brook Road and Broad and Adams streets, the gateway to historic Jackson Ward where Mrs. Walker lived and won acclaim for her entrepreneurial spirit. Richmond City Council voted 6-1, with two abstentions, Monday night to reconfirm that decision for the third time in 15 years, clearing the way for the project.
Charles City native produces new citrus-infused whiskey
Walter A. Crawley is tapping his roots in Charles City County in seeking to create a better whiskey. The 53-year-old food industry veteran believes the harsh taste of corn-based alcohol can turn people off, particularly people who are trying their first drink.
Gordon to lead Office of Community Wealth Building
Reginald E. “Reggie” Gordon is leaving his leadership post with the American Red Cross to direct Richmond’s anti-poverty initiative.
Worker fired for doing mayor’s church work on the job
The Richmond Ambulance Authority quietly has terminated a high-ranking employee who was doing volunteer work for Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ church during business hours, the Free Press has learned. Pamela J. Branch, the authority’s chief human resources and legal officer for several years, was fired Feb. 24 after officials determined she spent time at the RAA doing work as clerk of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, where the mayor is senior pastor.
Work to begin in Jackson Ward on Fay Towers replacement
Heavy machinery will soon start moving into a block of Jackson Ward where 154 apartments are to rise over the next year or so, according to Orlando C. Artze, interim director of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Former teacher claims he is banned from RPS without official explanation
A former third-grade teacher who sought to volunteer at Chimborazo Elementary School where he taught has been banned from all Richmond Public Schools property.
Rekindling memories of childhood and pal Arthur
For one group of men, Arthur Ashe Jr. is more than a tennis superstar and internationally recognized crusader for human rights and bringing awareness and resources to the AIDS epidemic.
Richmond Public Schools moves out of 14th floor in City Hall
Richmond Public Schools is starting to give up floors in City Hall.
Retired educator Eva W. Hicks remembered
Eva Mae Wilkins Hicks, whose career as a teacher and guidance counselor for Richmond Public Schools spanned nearly 45 years, has died.