Spectators enjoy fireworks over the Appomattox River from the beach at Hopewell’s City Park last Saturday. It was the first of several holiday fireworks displays in the area. (James Haskins/Richmond Free Press)

Colette W. McEachin is sworn in as Richmond’s new commonwealth’s attorney Tuesday morning by Judge Joi Jeter Taylor, chief judge of the Richmond Circuit Court, as Mrs. McEachin’s proud mother, Gladys Wallace, holds the Bible. Mrs. McEachin’s husband, Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond, Richmond Circuit Court Clerk Edward F. Jewett and several of Mrs. McEachin’s deputy commonwealth’s attorneys also attended the ceremony at the John Marshall Courts Building in Downtown. Mrs. McEachin, who has more than 20 years of experience as a city prosecutor, took over the top job after veteran Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring left July 1 to become a partner in the McGuireWoods law firm. Mr. Herring, who recommended Mrs. McEachin for the top post, is backing her in the Nov. 5 special election when voters will formally choose his successor.

Attendants perform one of several baptisms last Saturday during the Jehovah’s Witnesses regional convention at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Thousands of people from Virginia and nearby states attend the denomination’s series of three-day conventions each summer in Downtown. This year’s theme: “Love Never Fails!” Highlights include symposia, song, prayer, films and dramatic Bible readings around the theme. The next gathering in the series will be this Friday through Sunday at the convention center. (Clement Britt)

Sunflower pod in East End (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

From left, Jonathan Johnson, Eugene Harden and Edward Hamlin, past presidents of the Astoria Beneficial Club, place a wreath at the statue of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson in Jackson Ward last Saturday during the organization’s 46th annual commemoration of the Richmond native and entertainer. In 1933, Mr. Robinson used his own money to purchase a traffic light for the intersection of Leigh and Adams streets after witnessing the dangers young African-Americans faced in trying to cross the busy street. The Astorians placed the statue in his honor at the intersection 46 years ago. (Ava Reaves)

Xaveria Hansom of Collective Consciousness’ “Bible Study in the Hood” talks to the crowd at The Village Against Violence Summer Rally last Sunday in Scott’s Addition. The event was organized following a series of shootings and deaths throughout the city and focuses on greater community unity to protect children and youths. Organizers are planning a back-to-school event in August. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)