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Personality: Kimberley L. Martin

Spotlight on founder of nonprofit helping students buy textbooks

Kimberley L. Martin recalls how difficult it was for her to pay for textbooks when she attended college more than two decades ago. “I got student loans. And after I had finished paying for my room, board and tuition, I couldn’t always cover the cost of my textbooks,” says Mrs. Martin. “I had to scramble to figure out how to pay for them.” Mrs. Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from Virginia State University in 1990 and a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan University in 1998.

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When making exceptions for Ramadan is no longer the exception, by Dilshad D. Ali

Scrolling Twitter on the first evening of Ramadan 2023, I was greeted (well, as all Muslims were) by Elmo. “Ramadan Mubarak to all of Elmo’s friends!” the red toddler Muppet said. “Elmo loves you!”

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Lt. Col. Linda M. Washington, former chief of medical services for the 113th Air Wing, dies

Lt. Col. Linda Marlene Washington left Richmond to make history as a military doctor. In 1988, the intrepid physician became the first female flight surgeon in the District of Columbia Air National Guard, also known as the 113th Wing.

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Personality: Betty L. Squire

Spotlight on president of Engine Company #9 and Associates

For nearly 30 years, Engine Company #9 and Associates has recognized the trailblazing path of the first African-American firefighters and police officers in Richmond. And now, the organization’s president, Betty L. Squire, is overseeing the group’s latest effort to showcase the pioneers in a new and big way.

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Dr. King’s daughter urges people to rise above anger with Trump administration

The Rev. Bernice A. King electrified an audience of men and women at the National Press Club, challenging them to rise above bickering with people with whom they may have political and cultural disagreements and find common ground — including President Trump.

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Love Stories

The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.

The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.

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Amelia Boynton Robinson, civil rights activist, dies at 104

Free Press staff, wire reports MONTGOMERY, Ala. Amelia Boynton Robinson helped change America. The first African-American woman to run for Congress served on the front lines during the Civil Rights Movement. Almost beaten to death in a march for voting rights in 1965, she was among those who pushed the country to pass a strong law to finally ensure African-Americans could cast a ballot without facing literacy tests, poll taxes and vicious attacks.

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How I found my voice as a Black student, by Etana Williams

I was excitedly talking with my friends about our high school plans when one of my eighth-grade teachers stopped me in the hallway and asked which school I got into.

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Personality: Evette Roots

Spotlight on chair of Sister Fund philanthropic group

Three years ago, a small group of philanthropic-minded women wanted to make a significant impact in the lives of black women and girls. That was the beginning of SisterFund, created with a spirited responsibility, coupled with dollars, to change and enhance the future for African-American females.

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Personality: Amy Black

Spotlight on founder of nonprofit Pink Ink Fund

When Amy Black began working as a tattoo artist in 2000 at Pink Ink in Richmond, she was among just a handful of women in the field.

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Personality: Kimberly Pleasants

Spotlight on board president of Richmond Story House

Richmond is rife with historical importance for the state, country and the world, but not all that history is treated with equal care and consideration. For all the lives and legacies that have fallen or risk falling between the cracks of a changing capital, the Richmond Story House seeks to uncover and elevate those stories.

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Revolutions, evolutions and Serena Williams, by Julianne Malveaux

Unquestionably, Venus and Serena Williams revolutionized women’s tennis. With serves that approached the speed of light, fantastic agility, exceptional athleticism, and the grace of gazelles, they changed how women played tennis.

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Black women and breast cancer diagnosis — just different, by Dr. Vanessa B. Sheppard

While we have made great strides in improving cancer outcomes among many populations over the last several decades, one group remains consistently, inequitably left behind: Black women in America.

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City’s last Confederate statue removed

A statue commemorating the death of Confederate Gen. Ambrose Powell (A.P.) Hill was removed on Monday, from Hermitage Road and West Laburnum Avenue where it had stood for 120 years.

Mother of Bishop Glenn succumbs at 77

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church Bishop Gerald O. Glenn credits his mother, Joan P. Andrews, for providing the guidance he needed as a young man to follow his call to ministry.

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Personality: Samantha Ayres

Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ highest achieving student

When Samantha Lynn Ayres began her sophomore year at Richmond Community High School, she found out that she was third academically in her class of 53 students. Knowing she was so close to being at the top of her class, her competitive spirit kicked in. That’s when she says she decided to put in some extra effort.

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What’s in a kiss? Wilder accused of sexual impropriety by VCU student

Aging political lion L. Douglas Wilder allegedly propositioned a Virginia Commonwealth University student who was young enough to be his great-granddaughter and has ended up receiving what amounts to an embarrassing and highly public slap from the young woman.

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Powerhouse Elexis ‘Lexi’ Edwards a force on national gymnastics scene

When all was well, an abundance of physical power helped Elexis “Lexi” Edwards climb to the top peg of her sport. Unwavering willpower kept her from losing her grip when hard times struck.

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Pay them, but not her

RPS spends extra to win bill dispute

The Richmond School Board paid a white law firm $31,000 in legal fees to avoid paying a Black professional’s $27,000 bill for doing consulting work in the case of a disabled student, half of which was to be paid by the state.

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Personality: Janet M. Moses and Pocket

Spotlight on volunteer duo for SPCA’s Paws for Health

When she enters a room, her excitement and eagerness to entertain others overwhelms the space and the people in it.Usually dressed to impress, she greets longtime friends and strangers the same way — with a contagious enthusiasm for connection. Her personality is much larger than her 7-pound frame. Her joy in making friends easily attracts strangers.