Virtual panel to show police footage of Richmond’s civil rights era
For decades, footage of Richmond’s marches, rallies and protests sat quietly in police archives. This week, VCU Libraries will bring these rarely seen films into public view.
Vape age
When we look back on 2025, once we process the general upheaval of governmental norms and the fractured political discourse, we might ask ourselves a question: What was up with all those vape and smoke shops?
Atlanta’s first all-Black high school polo team wins inaugural match
The Atlanta BEST Academy Polo Team made history at the eighth annual Atlanta Polo Party, not only becoming the first all-Black high school polo team to compete but also winning its debut match.
Virginia Union rolls past Shaw 59-7
Virginia Union University’s offense piled up 611 total yards as the Panthers routed Shaw University 59-7 on Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Virginia State sweeps Lincoln in straight sets
Virginia State volleyball needed just three sets to dispatch Lincoln (Pa.) on Monday, rolling to a 25-9, 25-9, 25-11 win at the Multipurpose Center.
New Jersey bishop to lead revival at Second Baptist Church (West End)
Bishop Liston Page Jr., a Virginia Union University graduate who has preached nationally and abroad, will return to Richmond next week to lead the fall revival at Second Baptist Church (West End), 1400 Idlewood Ave.
Faith, festivities to highlight first Catholic Fest
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond will host its inaugural “Catholic Fest” on Saturday, Oct. 11, at The Diamond, offering a day of free activities for families and the broader community.
Greater Mt. Moriah hosts festival of unity, peace
Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church joined with city leaders and the Richmond Police Department to host “Falling for the Culture: A Festival of Unity, Peace, and Hope” on Sunday along the Jackson Ward and Gilpin Court corridor.
Virtual talk to explore roots of Confederate monuments
The Library of Virginia will host a free virtual talk at noon Wednesday, Oct. 8, featuring Donovan Schaefer, a Virginia Humanities fellow, on his research project “Nationalism & Cosmopolitanism in the Creation of Richmond’s Confederate Monuments.” Registration is required at https://lva-virginia.libcal.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
