Sam Hairston’s influence reaches from Negro Leagues to modern MLB
Before Major League Baseball opened its doors to Black athletes, before integration became policy rather than resistance and long before baseball families became celebrated storylines, there was Sam Hairston, a Negro Leagues standout and Triple Crown winner whose influence helped shape America’s pastime for more than 70 years.
Remembering Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first Black Catholic priest
Born into slavery, he’s now a candidate for sainthood
The first publicly recognized Black priest in the U.S., Augustus Tolton, may not be a household name.
Personality: Viola Baskerville
Spotlight on president of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Viola Baskerville, a retired local and state official, is now on the front lines of helping African Americans in Richmond overcome the unique challenges of reconnecting with their roots.
Frank S. Royal Sr., Richmond medical leader and VUU board chair, dies at 86
Frank S. Royal Sr., a physician and civic leader who spent decades serving Richmond’s African American community and medical institutions, died peacefully in his sleep Monday at age 86.
Buddhist monks’ trek for peace draws crowds, halts traffic
Nineteen Buddhist monks reached Richmond on Tuesday, drawing thousands to City Hall on the 100th day of their 2,300-mile trek across America for peace.
Richmond expressways going cashless
Drivers cruising down the Powhite Parkway soon won’t see toll booths ahead. Instead, overhead gantries will silently scan E-ZPass transponders or license plates as vehicles glide through, marking the start of All Electronic Tolling across Richmond’s expressway system in early 2026.
Clinicians, caregivers to address gaps in memory screening
The Wisdom Watch Alliance initiative is betting that the best way to screen for memory loss is to ask the people who know their neighbors best.
Virginia State earns Fulbright Scholar recognition
Virginia State University has been named a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution by the U.S. Department of State, the first time in the university’s history it has received the distinction.
Virginia Union, MTX Group announce AI-driven education partnership
Virginia Union University and MTX Group announced a partnership aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into student learning and workforce preparation during a news conference in the Living and Learning Center on campus on Tuesday afternoon.
General Assembly considering measure that threatens state funding for VMI
Another bill would dissolve VMI’s board and transfer governance to Virginia State University
Five years after an investigation found a “racist and sexist culture” at Virginia Military Institute, state Democrats are moving ahead with a plan that could eventually cut off public funding for the country’s oldest state-sponsored military college.
Panthers lean on defense, Gardner in shorthanded CIAA road game
Despite playing shorthanded, Virginia Union’s men showed defensive consistency Saturday afternoon in a CIAA road game against Lincoln University (Pa.).
Cam Newton to host Super Bowl Soulful Celebration on BET
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton will host the 27th annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, airing Saturday, Feb. 7, on BET, bringing together music, faith and football during Super Bowl LX week.
Advertising expert to decode Super Bowl commercials
A Virginia Commonwealth University advertising professor will break down the psychology and strategy behind Super Bowl commercials at a public talk on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Union Seminary adopting hybrid model
Union Presbyterian Seminary announced Tuesday it will shift to a hybrid learning format this fall, allowing students to complete graduate programs largely online with quarterly visits to campus.
NBCI partners seek $500,000 for prostate cancer awareness film
The National Black Church Initiative has teamed up with the American Clinical Health Disparities Commission and Black Pearl Media Works to raise $500,000 for a short film aimed at increasing awareness about prostate cancer among Black men.
Peter Paul RVA to host hands-on Black History Expo on Feb. 25
A Richmond nonprofit will celebrate Black excellence through science, innovation and creativity with a free community expo this month.
Virginia artists shine at Grammys
Virginia artists posted a range of honors at the Grammy Awards, highlighting the state’s influence across music genres.
Richmond continues to fight snow, ice as temperatures stay below freezing
Richmond will take its first tentative steps back to normalcy on Wednesday, with city and county offices opening on a limited basis, even as schools remain out across the region.
Disability advocates rally for progress in services, rights
Chanting “Make the Promise Real” and carrying signs, about 80 disability advocates from across Virginia rallied at the state Capitol on Jan. 22 to press lawmakers for improvements in disability services and protections during the General Assembly session.
Kamras, board leaders reveal funding challenges for city schools
The mood on the 17th floor of City Hall was somewhat somber on Jan. 22 as Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 to the School Board.
