Author

Samantha Willis

Samantha Willis, a 13-year digital, print and broadcast media veteran, is the Virginia Mercury’s Editor-in-Chief. Samantha is a native Virginian who was formerly Deputy/Commentary Editor at the Mercury, Editorial Producer at VPM News Focal Point, Arts Editor at Richmond Magazine and Digital Content Manager at ABC 8News. Samantha’s work has earned an Emmy, and first place Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters and Virginia Press Association awards.

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

‘Obligated to do what’s right:’ State money helping maintain more historic African-American cemeteries

By: Samantha Willis - September 10, 2018

Old oaks loom over the graves inside East End Cemetery, a 16-acre burial ground bordering the city of Richmond and Henrico County. Shafts of sunlight filtering through the foliage illuminate the final resting places of the thousands of black men and women interred there since it opened in 1897. For years, East End — and […]

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