African lablab in West End. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Artists Mee-Mee Caston and Sir James Thornhill begin painting a new mural on a concrete wall that faces Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School on Mosby Street in the East End. A volunteer team of about 10 students participated in designing the new tribute to Dr. King and also will take part in the painting, Mr. Thornhill said. (Photos by Clement Britt)

Young book lover: Lorenzo Kenup, 3, finds his power dressed as a dragon as he and his mother, Alma Kenup, peruse book offerings at the first RVA Booklovers’ Festival last Saturday in Jefferson Park. The event featured about 40 authors and poets in readings and book talks, including Joshua P. Cole, principal at Ecoff Elementary School in Chester, whose children’s book, “The Character Club,” garnered Lorenzo’s attention. Virginia First Lady Pam Northam also spoke. Proceeds from the event were to benefit local literacy organizations. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Hundreds reunited at Virginia State University last weekend to celebrate homecoming 2018. Students, staff, faculty and others turned out for a weeklong variety of homecoming programs, including a gospel extravaganza, comedy showdown, jazz and hip-hop concerts, the Presidential Scholarship golf tournament and coronation program for the homecoming court, that started Oct. 13 and culminated with the homecoming tailgate and football game last Saturday at Rogers Stadium on the Ettrick campus. Kevin Barnes of Richmond handles the grill at a tailgate outside the stadium. (James Haskins/Richmond Free Press)

Hundreds of old friends, classmates and their families reunited at Virginia State University last weekend to celebrate homecoming 2018. VSU’s renowned cheerleaders pep up the crowd with a few moves. (James Haskins/Richmond Free Press)

Hundreds of old friends, classmates and their families reunited at Virginia State University last weekend to celebrate homecoming 2018. Mr. VSU and Miss VSU 2018-19, Michael E. Snipes Jr. and Ja’Scotta B. Jefferson are introduced with the royal court during halftime at last Saturday’s game against Lincoln University. (James Haskins/Richmond Free Press)

Hundreds of old friends, classmates and their families reunited at Virginia State University last weekend to celebrate homecoming 2018. Members of the VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band march in focused formation during the game. (James Haskins/Richmond Free Press)

Artists Mee-Mee Caston and Sir James Thornhill begin painting a new mural on a concrete wall that faces Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School on Mosby Street in the East End. A volunteer team of about 10 students participated in designing the new tribute to Dr. King and also will take part in the painting, Mr. Thornhill said. (Photo by Clement Britt)

Artists Mee-Mee Caston and Sir James Thornhill begin painting a new mural on a concrete wall that faces Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School on Mosby Street in the East End. A volunteer team of about 10 students participated in designing the new tribute to Dr. King and also will take part in the painting, Mr. Thornhill said. (Photo by Clement Britt)