Thursday, September 25
Jackson State stays atop HBCU football media poll
Jackson State held onto the top spot in the BOXTOROW HBCU Football Media Poll for the fourth week of the 2025 season.
NBPC names Russell Wilson ‘Quarterback of the Century’
The National Black Players Coalition recently named New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson its “Quarterback of the Century,” citing his career achievements on and off the field.
Annual infield dinner will return to The Diamond
The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host the fourth annual “Dinner on the Infield” presented by West Broad Honda at The Diamond on Friday, Oct. 3, with proceeds benefiting Flying Squirrels Charities.
Jepkemboi leads Panthers at Blue Bear Invitational
Virginia Union’s Abijah Jepkemboi turned in a commanding performance Friday to win the women’s race at the Blue Bear Cross Country Invitational hosted by Livingstone College.
Panthers roll past Johnson C. Smith
Virginia Union University defeated Johnson C. Smith University 28-10 in the Willard Bailey Classic on Saturday at Hovey Field.
Lift Your Gift gospel fest to celebrate faith, music and fellowship
The Lift Your Gift gospel fest will bring faith, music and fellowship to Petersburg on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will run from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax St.
From Church grounds to community homes
Plans for a new affordable housing complex in Richmond — years in the making — are now taking shape.
RVA East End Festival set for MLK Jr. Middle School
Richmond will celebrate its homegrown musical talent at the RVA East End Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.
Memory of Jan. 6 fades as false narratives take hold by David W. Marshall
During the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, millions of people across the United States watched the events unfold in real time on live television. News broadcasters provided continuous coverage showing how police officers were unable to contain the rioters who eventually breached the Capitol. Watching this attack, I found myself in shock and disbelief that something like this could ever happen in our nation. We saw television images of the hangman’s noose along with the chants of “Hang Mike Pence.”
Early voting
Richmond voters are now casting ballots early for the 2025 elections, including races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates.
Red light cameras coming to high-risk Richmond intersections this fall
The City of Richmond is expanding its Safety Camera Program to address red light running at crash-prone intersections, with enforcement expected to begin at the end of September, weather permitting.
Richmond honors longtime city employees at annual service award ceremony
More than 560 Richmond city employees were recognized Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Main Street Station for reaching service milestones with the city recently.
RPS continues free vaccine program for middle and high schoolers
Richmond Public Schools is providing free vaccinations to middle and high school students for a fourth year.
Hispanic Football Hall of Fame launches to honor legends and inspire future players
A new chapter in American football history began recently with the launch of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to recognizing Hispanic players, coaches and contributors at every level of the sport.
Westmoreland church to host marker dedication for landmark civil rights case
A state historical marker will be dedicated next month in Westmoreland County to commemorate a late 19th-century federal court case that helped lay the groundwork for one of the country’s earliest civil rights organizations.
VMFA extends hours for ‘Frida: Beyond the Myth’ exhibition
Due to popular demand, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will offer extended hours for the exhibition “Frida: Beyond the Myth” during its final five days, Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 28.
Virginia authors celebrated at library’s Literary Awards
Seven authors received the Library of Virginia’s 28th annual Virginia Literary Awards on Friday at the state library’s annual dinner and gala.
Black chefs to take center stage during barbecue, fish fry
When you examine the flavors and history of food in the United States, one thing becomes clear: Large swaths of American cuisine as we know it today — particularly that of the South — are indelibly marked by the contributions of African Americans.
Personality: Djimon Hounsou
Spotlight on the actor, humanitarian and founder of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation
Before his role in “Amistad,” the 1997 film about a 19th-century revolt by enslaved Africans on a Spanish ship, Djimon Hounsou, a native of Benin in West Africa, had limited knowledge of slavery — including his own country’s involvement. This realization sparked a journey of discovery, leading him to explore the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
What the Readjusters teach us about healing a divided country by Ben Jealous
There’s a deep sense of despair settling over America. Families are working harder and falling further behind. The cost of raising children grows, while schools, housing and health care remain out of reach for too many. It’s no wonder people across this country — rural and urban, Black and white — feel left behind and politically homeless.
Silencing journalists threatens freedom of all Americans by Barbara Reynolds
Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel — giants of late-night television — faced censorship, dismissal or forced silence when their words cross the powerful. That should alarm us all. If media figures of their stature can be muzzled, what chance do ordinary journalists or community truth-tellers have?
Protect your vote
One advantage of spreading the voting process over several weeks, rather than cramming all the tabulation into a single day, is that it allows time to catch and correct mistakes on the ballots.
Already strained food banks worry about looming SNAP cuts
Budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food banks will put more strain on Virginia organizations already struggling to meet increased need and costs, food bank representatives say.
Portrait of Martin ‘Tutti’ Townes unveiled at Executive Mansion
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and first lady Suzanne Youngkin hosted senior government officials, members of the Governor’s Citizens’ Advisory Council for Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion, and the Townes family and friends for the unveiling of a commissioned portrait of longtime butler Martin “Tutti” Townes.
Housing push stalls at City Hall
Council puts off decision on rental inspections
Richmond City Council deferred a long-debated rental inspection ordinance Monday night after residents and housing advocates packed City Hall to call for stronger tenant protections and anti-displacement measures.
Nearly 200 incorrect ballots prompt changes at Richmond elections office
Several changes are underway at the Richmond Office of Elections after officials discovered that 283 incorrect ballots were provided to voters in multiple districts at the start of early voting.
Thursday, September 18
River Road Church welcomes educator Joshua Cole for forum event
River Road Church will welcome award-winning educator Joshua Cole on Saturday, Sept. 27 for a session on inclusivity as part of its Distinguished Speaker Forum.
Sarah Garland Jones Center to host 2025 Gospel Fest and clothing drive
The Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living will host the 2025 Gospel Fest and clothing drive on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 2600 Nine Mile Road. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Third Baptist Church to hold candidates forum
Third Baptist Church will open its doors to the community Sept. 23 for a public “Conversation with the Candidates” forum ahead of the 2025 Virginia general election.
Burton named to Obama Foundation Leaders program
Chris Burton, director of the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary, has been selected for the 2025-26 class of the Obama Foundation Leaders program.
Dance festival to celebrate Richmond’s cultural diversity
Sixteen dance troupes representing cultures from around the world will take the stage at Deep Run Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, as Richmond’s International Dance Festival returns for its second year.
Historian to discuss LGBTQ+ history in Virginia at library event
Historian Charles H. Ford will discuss his new book about LGBTQ+ history in Virginia during a free presentation at the Library of Virginia this month.
Serena, Venus take a swing at podcasting
The sibling tennis stars — Serena Williams finished her career at the 2022 U.S. Open; Venus Williams just competed at that tournament in singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles — launched their podcast on X with a debut episode Wednesday.
Chesterfield to honor second Sports Hall of Fame class
Chesterfield County will induct seven athletes into its Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony Thursday at the Perkinson Center for Arts and Education.
Colonial Downs ends record-setting 2025 race season
Colonial Downs closed its 2025 thoroughbred racing season Sept. 13 with record numbers and a first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race.
Roadrunners surge too late in 73-72 loss to Lady Wolves
The Richmond Roadrunners nearly completed a furious comeback Sept. 13 but fell just short, losing 73-72 to the Maryland Lady Wolves at the Under Armour House and missing a trip to the Final Four.
VSU professor awarded $1.1M grant to study glowing mushrooms
Virginia State University Associate Professor Xianfa Xie has received a $1,148,010 grant from the National Science Foundation to study bioluminescent fungi, or mushrooms that glow, according to a VSU press release.
City wins electric vehicle policy award
The City of Richmond received national recognition last month for its electric vehicle policies and jumped 21 spots in a national ranking of sustainable municipal fleets.
Early voting in Virginia begins Friday ahead of 2025 elections
Richmond voters can soon begin casting ballots early for the 2025 elections, including races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates. Early voting allows residents to vote in person before Election Day and can help reduce wait times at polling places.
Virginia Union University to host Huston-Tillotson president for convocation
Virginia Union University will welcome Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, as the speaker for its opening convocation on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Allix B. James Chapel.
Panel to encourage political candidacy
A panel discussion aimed at encouraging community members to run for political office will be held Sept. 23 at Eggspectation Restaurant in Stony Point Fashion Park.
Tigers upset Virginia Union on field goal
Ryan Gagne kicked a 35-yard field goal with seconds remaining to lift Edward Waters to a stunning 41-38 upset of defending CIAA champion Virginia Union on Friday night.
Flying Squirrels close The Diamond era with record attendance
The Richmond Flying Squirrels ended their final season at The Diamond with record-setting crowds and a 5-2, 10-inning loss to the Hartford Yard Goats on Sunday.
Virginia’s red flag law could save lives — if communities would actually use It by Roger Chesley
Communities around Virginia are ignoring an opportunity to prevent suicides and mass shootings. That’s the unmistakable conclusion found in recent news articles about the use — or lack thereof — of “emergency substantial risk orders,” commonly known as the red flag law.
Trump escalates efforts to criminalize political dissent by Julianne Malveaux
Activist and Code Pink founder Medea Benjamin, whose group is a pro-peace feminist organization, was walking the halls of Congress when she spotted Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. She asked him about Israel’s attack on Qatar and his reply was “Go away.”
Personality: Kristin Harris
Spotlight on the CEO and founder of Cancer Retreat Centers at Blanton House
From the age of 4, visiting her cancer-stricken mother in the hospital, to becoming a caregiver and later facing her own cancer diagnosis, Kristin Harris’ life has been woven with the pink ribbons of breast cancer.
Playing for keeps
When it comes to gambling in Virginia, it seems the people behind the machines are always one step ahead of elected officials.
Attorney general renews attacks on early release program
Program recipients highlight benefits for family life and work after release
Sam Harris, who was incarcerated for 24 years in Virginia until last summer, wants “to be a face for second chances.”
Ex-RPS official alleges smear campaign, seeks $6.35M in lawsuit
Maggie Clemmons, a former Richmond Public Schools chief talent officer, is suing the district’s leadership for $6.35 million, alleging defamation and due-process violations after employees publicly accused her of discrimination, harassment and other misconduct during a February School Board meeting.
Creighton Court turns corner with ‘Creighton Renaissance’
Creighton Court residents opened the doors to a new chapter Tuesday as housing, city and state officials reintroduced the neighborhood as the Creighton Renaissance.
RRHA board rejects Gilpin Court transfer again
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners voted 6-3 on Wednesday to reject a resolution that would have led to the transfer of ownership of the Gilpin Court neighborhood.
Spanberger discusses policy, criminal justice and Black history in schools
It took time for the schedules of a woman running a statewide campaign and the editor of a short-staffed weekly newspaper to align, but they eventually did, making this long-planned interview possible.
Thursday, September 11
Lecture explores history of Black church in U.S.
West End Presbyterian Church will host a lecture titled “Swing Low: The Story of the Black Church in the United States” on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall, 9008 Quioccasin Road. Doors open at 8 a.m., with coffee available.
Pop singer Cody Fry to perform with Richmond Symphony for season opener
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry will join the Richmond Symphony for the 2025-26 season opener on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Altria Theater.
Black Girl Rally returns with prizes, activities, and parents
Girls For A Change will host its annual Black Girl Rally on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Victory Theater & Event Center in Chesterfield.
The WELL Fest brings art, music and mindfulness
The Well Collective drew a crowd to Main Street Station on Sept. 6 for “The WELL Fest,” a daylong celebration of Richmond’s arts, culture and music scene with a focus on well-being.
Comics, cosplay and fun at ComiCon
Richmond ComiCon came to life at the Raceway on Sept. 6, bringing comics, pop culture, and creators to fans of all ages.
Virginia Union’s Allen named National HBCU Player of Week
Virginia Union University senior running back Curtis Allen was named National HBCU Player of the Week after rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers’ 45-3 victory over Miles College in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday.
Diamond gets sendoff with former players, fan activities
The Richmond Flying Squirrels recently announced additional promotions for the final series at The Diamond, including former player appearances and special concessions.
Norfolk State rallies past Virginia State 34-31 in overtime
Norfolk State scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to rally past Virginia State 34-31 in overtime Saturday night at William “Dick” Price Stadium.
Roadrunners advance past Vitesse in playoff opener
The Richmond Roadrunners pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Virginia Vitesse 63-59 on Sept. 7 in the first round of the playoffs.
Vicky Hester’s legacy endures at Babes
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Vicky Hester, longtime owner of “Babes of Carytown,” one of the nation’s oldest and last remaining lesbian bars, passed away from cancer at the age of 71.
Richmond to host monthly boxing series supporting local charities
A new monthly boxing series will bring world-class fighters to Richmond starting Sept. 17, with proceeds benefiting local youth programs and nonprofit organizations.
Early voting
Richmond voters can soon begin casting ballots early for the 2025 elections, including races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates.
Virginia War Memorial to hold annual Patriot Day ceremony on Sept. 11
The Virginia War Memorial will host its annual Patriot Day ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11, honoring all Americans who were killed or injured in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 24 years ago.
Ex-All Saints manager pleads guilty to embezzling nearly $240K
A former business manager at All Saints Catholic School faces up to 20 years in prison for embezzling $239,820 over nearly three years.
Indigenous culture celebrated at Kennanee Native Arts Festival
The Kennanee Native Arts Festival, celebrating Indigenous culture, community, and connection, will be held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Westwood Baptist hosting ‘Stay Awake Sunday’ panel on civil rights and policy
Westwood Baptist Church will host a panel discussion titled “Stay Awake Sunday” on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
First African Baptist Church partners with ‘Gabriel’ musical production
First African Baptist Church is playing a vital role in bringing the story of Gabriel’s Rebellion to the stage through the new musical “Gabriel,” which runs Sept. 26 to Nov. 9 at Hanover Tavern.
Personality: Kristin Janssen
Spotlight on the new executive director at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies
Chesterfield soccer prodigy Terry Richard heads to Spain
A rising American soccer star is taking his talents overseas. Fourteen-year-old Terry Richard of Chesterfield is headed to Spain to train with Patacona CF, a top development club in Valencia.
Anniversary of immigration reform raises questions about America’s refuge role by Wayne Dawkins
Sixty years ago, on Oct. 3, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Hart- Celler Immigration Reform Act into law. LBJ’s signature ended 40 years of race-based National Origins policy that favored bringing white northern European immigrants to the U.S. and restricted immigrants from less-desirable parts of Europe, along with additional roadblocks for people from Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Eviction story highlights urgent need for housing reform By Andréa Wilson
I thought I knew a lot about displacement, housing insecurity and homelessness. Then I experienced it for real.
Chicago’s streets move to America’s historic rhythms by Ben Jealous
I started out this year, 2025, in Chicago, honored to give the Martin Luther King Jr. Day address at the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s big gathering.
We won’t forget
In the years after a devastating terror attack killed 2,977 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, annual remembrances and memorials sprang up that kept the tragedy and trauma front of mind for at least a day or so.
Chicago braces as Trump threatens immigration raids
As President Donald Trump threatens to expand immigration raids and deploy the National Guard, Chicago has become the latest flashpoint in a broader national struggle over how far the federal government can push local authorities to cooperate with its immigration agenda.
Dominion proposes new rates for residents, data centers
Dominion Energy and the Virginia State Corporation Commission last week began a multiday hearing to evaluate a proposed energy rate increase for homeowners.
VCU, Reynolds launch program to smooth transfer process
Virginia Commonwealth University and Reynolds Community College have launched a dual-admission program designed to give community college students additional support as they transfer to VCU.
Democrats retake Connolly’s seat in special election
Democrat James Walkinshaw decisively won a special election Tuesday to replace former U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, narrowing Republicans’ majority in the House of Representatives to six seats.
Wilder Symposium to spotlight Virginia’s impact on national politics
Virginia voters will help set the tone for national politics this fall when the state holds one of only two gubernatorial elections in the country.
Federal judge says restoring Stonewall Jackson name at school violates students’ rights
A federal judge in the U.S. Western District Court ruled Tuesday that the Shenandoah County School Board’s decision to restore the name Stonewall Jackson High School violated a group of students’ First Amendment rights by compelling them to promote a positive image of the Confederate general.
City pays $5.8M to man wrongfully convicted
The City of Richmond has authorized a $5.8 million payment to a man who spent decades in prison after being wrongfully convicted in 1976 for murder and sexual assault.
Residents press RRHA on housing, displacement in Gilpin talks
Housing concerns and fears of displacement dominated a Saturday meeting between Gilpin Court residents and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where community members pressed officials on redevelopment plans for the neighborhood.
Thursday, September 4
Former Richmond theologian to preach at SBC, West End
The Rev. Steve Parker of Atlanta, a former minister at St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen, will return to Richmond as the Men’s Day speaker for Second Baptist Church (West End) at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 7.
Gilpin Court residents confront RRHA over redevelopment plan
A packed meeting at Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church last week underscored growing unease over plans to transfer Gilpin Court to a nonprofit, as frustrated attendees walked out after clashes between residents and housing officials over the neighborhood’s future.
After debate, council advances plan to pay wrongfully convicted man
The Richmond City Council gave initial approval Tuesday for Richmond to pay $5.8 million in restitution to Marvin Grimm, a man who was wrongfully incarcerated for more than four decades after being linked to the death of a local boy in 1975.
Virginia nursing homes challenge Youngkin veto in court
Nearly 200 nursing homes in Virginia announced Wednesday that they are suing Gov. Glenn Youngkin over a veto he executed earlier this year that would have helped support staffing efforts at the facilities, which are facing a critical shortage.
Earle-Sears faces questions over past anti-gay rights positions
Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears expressed strong opposition to a series of LGBTQ+ rights in a candidate questionnaire completed when she unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2004.
Richmond hires Morrison as intergovernmental affairs director
The city of Richmond has named Ruth Morrison as its new director of intergovernmental affairs, officials announced Thursday.
Faith leaders march on Wall Street to denounce anti-DEI campaign
On Thursday, Aug. 28, Black faith leaders, activists and protesters descended on Manhattan’s financial district to denounce efforts by the Trump administration and some private companies to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, known as DEI.
Protests grow as critics call Trump a ‘wannabe dictator’ by David W. Marshall
When Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, he won by only 1.5 percentage points overall while receiving 312 electoral votes. Among Hispanic voters, Trump won 48% of the vote after losing to Joe Biden by a margin of 61% to 36% in the 2020 presidential election. In 2024, Trump won 15% of Black voters, up from 8% four years earlier.
Trump’s attack on the Smithsonian reveals fear of history by Clarence Page
Of the 21 museums under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution, one in particular seems recently to have rubbed President Donald Trump the wrong way.
Black women shaped labor history long before Labor Day by Julianne Malveaux
The French philosopher Albert Camus reportedly said, “Without work all life is rotten but when work is soulless, life stifles and dies.”
Wrestlers, fans fuel growth of local independent wrestling scene
Despite the uncomfortably hot July night, hundreds of Richmonders huddled around a wrestling ring that was set up for RVA Pro Wrestling’s “Wrestle Riot.”
Personality: Kenneth Hunter
Spotlight on lead organizer at the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison
Rudy ‘The Reject’ Cunningham, influential coach and athlete, dies at 68
Whether on the basketball court, working with a team, training young athletes or just living life, Rudolph B. Cunningham Jr. was remembered as a man of steady skill and values, always ready to share them with others.
New portal simplifies medical cannabis access
Virginia medical cannabis patients now have easier, faster and more secure access to their certifications through a new online portal launched by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
Employers to showcase career opportunities at Life-Ready expo
Henrico County Public Schools will host its annual Life-Ready Expo on Sept. 17 at Hermitage High School, giving middle and high school students and their families a chance to explore career options and connect with local employers.
Henrico Education Foundation names Jennifer Boyle as CEO
The Henrico Education Foundation has named Jennifer Boyle as its new CEO following a national search, the organization announced Tuesday.
Cash in the sofa
A few weeks ago, when Gov. Glenn Youngkin threatened to withdraw state funding from Richmond over unpaid restitution to Marvin Grimm, a man wrongly convicted in 1975, questions piled up.
A big three
There’s a belief that people of a certain stature move on from this mortal plane in groups of 3.
Panthers’ rushing attack overwhelms Miles in Hall of Fame Classic
Virginia Union opened its 2025 season with a statement.
RVA Roadrunners to play Vitesse in playoffs
The Richmond Roadrunners will meet the Virginia Vitesse in the first round of the Women’s American Basketball Association league playoffs, marking their second matchup in recent days.
VA Pride unveils headliners for Pridefest
VA Pride recently announced that rapper Saucy Santana, trans pop singer Mila Jam and club icon Kevin Aviance will headline Pridefest 2025 at Midtown Green on Saturday, Sept. 27.
R&B Festival to return to Kanawha Plaza
The sounds of classic R&B will fill Kanawha Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 6, as the third annual Richmond R&B Festival brings together some of the genre’s defining voices from the 1990s and 2000s.
Festival returns with wellness, art and music
The 22nd annual Happily Natural Festival and Urban Farm Expo returned to the Fifth District Mini Farm in South Side Richmond on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Latin jazz heats up Midtown Green
The 18th Annual Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival filled Midtown Green Saturday with live music from Edwin Ortiz y La Mafia del Guaguanco, Kevin Davis & Ban Caribe and Carlos Xavier, along with food, vendors and a car show celebrating Latino culture and community.
