WHEREAS, for three decades, the Richmond Free Press, a mission-driven independent newspaper, has worked to inform, educate, and empower readers in the Richmond area; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Free Press was established in 1992 by Raymond H. Boone, Sr., a Suffolk native who was inspired to become a journalist in his youth, and previously worked at the Suffolk News-Herald, Baltimore Afro-American, and the Richmond Afro-American newspapers; and
WHEREAS, throughout its history, the Richmond Free Press has provided timely, accurate information to readers, elevated local voices on important issues, and advocated for transparency and accountability in local and state government; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Free Press has covered a wide range of local issues, including economic inequality, workplace discrimination, criminal justice reform, and quality of life issues in the Richmond area, such as housing, employment, and the conditions of roads and public schools; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Free Press has achieved numerous accolades thanks to the hard work and dedication of its loyal staff members and the newspaper has earned the respect of its competitors for its impactful articles, thoughtful editorials, and engaging photography; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Free Press has inspired generations of Richmond residents to expand their horizons, engage more fully in civic life, and seek opportunities to serve the community through volunteer leadership; and
WHEREAS, after Raymond Boone's death in 2014, his wife, Jean, the former advertising manager, became the publisher of the Richmond Free Press and has guided the newspaper through new challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to free expression and high quality investigative journalism; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Richmond Free Press on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Richmond Free Press as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the newspaper's legacy of contributions to the Black community in Richmond.