
Enjoy Black History Month—while you can, by Clarence Page
Back when a public backlash began to rise up mostly among white parents against “critical race theory,” I joked as to whether Black History Month might be next. I don’t joke about that anymore.

This Black librarian rewrote the rules of power, gender and passing
“Just because I am a librarian doesn’t mean I have to dress like one.” With this breezy pronouncement, Belle da Costa Greene handily differentiated herself from most librarians.

Kickers add VCU standout Jonathan Kanagwa to roster
The Richmond Kickers have signed former Virginia Commonwealth University midfielder Jonathan Kanagwa for the 2025 season, pending league and federation approval.

OutKast, Chubby Checker and Mariah Carey earn first-time Rock Hall nominations
Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast and Phish are some the 2025 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a list that also includes two sets of musical brothers who have had public feuds and recent reunions — the Black Crowes and Oasis.

Misty Copeland’s new picture story, ‘Bunheads, Act 2,’ out in September
Misty Copeland is ready to take young readers on another imaginary trip to the ballet.
Council approves land acquisition for Richmond Slave Trail
City Council members unanimously approved the acquisition of about 4 acres of land Monday evening, securing full ownership of a portion of the Richmond Slave Trail after years of effort.

5 Richmond women graduate ‘Black in Business’ program
Five Black women entrepreneurs from the Richmond area have graduated from Goldman Sachs’ “One Million Black Women: Black in Business” program.

Construction firm selected for Shockoe Institute project
Against the backdrop of Richmond’s historic Main Street Station, plans for the Shockoe Institute are moving forward. The city has selected Team Henry Enterprises to lead construction of the more than 12,000-square-foot educational facility in Shockoe Bottom, a site central to Richmond’s role in the domestic slave trade.

Personality: Bryce Robertson
Spotlight on president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters
Bryce Robertson’s passion for uplifting his community has driven his work since his time as a student government leader at Atlee High School in Hanover County. His commitment to this cause remains steadfast, and he is determined to inspire others to join his mission.

Henrico leaders seek solutions to water crisis with new proposals
Henrico County could experience significant changes to its water supply as local leaders assess their response to a water outage in Richmond that affected the region for days and consider measures to prevent a similar crisis in the future.

Black College Con brings esports competition and career opportunities
Black College Con 2025 is bringing the excitement of gaming and esports to Virginia State University on Feb. 19, giving students the chance to compete and connect with top industry professionals.

Local standouts highlight Virginia State’s 2025 football recruits
With depth and competition in mind, Virginia State University Head Football Coach Henry Frazier III has assembled a 2025 recruiting class he believes will strengthen the Trojans following their 2024 Co-CIAA Regular Season Championship.

Glow showcases STEM education at Science Museum
The Science Museum expanded its Glow event on Feb. 1 to coincide with the opening of “Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks.” The event, held from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., featured hands-on activities, live demonstrations and laser shows.
Naturalization ceremony brings American dream to museum
Holding small American flags and wearing broad smiles, dozens of immigrants will take the oath of citizenship 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, Presidents Day, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, marking a milestone in their American journey amid historical artifacts of their new nation.

‘Nickel Boys’ challenges perceptions with bold, visual storytelling
Amid numerous stories of Black hardship, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by grief and anger. But RaMell Ross’ “Nickel Boys” offers a refreshing reminder that many untold stories remain, and his innovative filmmaking adds depth to the African American experience.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 8, COVID-19 accounted for 1.4% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates high and trending upward compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time. As of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Feb. 2, COVID-19 wastewater levels in Richmond were below detection, and levels in Henrico County had plateaued.

Maggie Walker Community Land Trust announces leadership change
The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust has appointed Mae Worthey-Thomas as its new chief executive officer, the organization announced recently.

Fox to depart RPS, accepts position in Hanover
Richmond Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Dana Fox will resign from her position at the end of the month, the school division announced last week.

Ganther joins VCCS as senior vice chancellor
Felicia Ganther has been appointed as the new senior vice chancellor for academic and workforce services at the Virginia Community College System.