Personality: Melody Walker
Spotlight on president of Richmond Chapter of The Society
A recent report from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has reaffirmed what many have long believed — arts education has a profound and positive impact on the academic, social and emotional development of school-age children. However, this crucial aspect of education is under threat due to federal funding cuts to the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts and other agencies and programs that support arts education. These cuts mainly affect schools in underserved communities, limiting access to creative development. Melody Walker aims to fill the gaps for children who share her passion for the arts through The Society, hopes a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing, exposing and promoting young talent in the arts. As president of the Richmond chapter, she is committed to supporting and showcasing creative talent. Her enthusiasm harkens back to her days in Richmond Public Schools where she played the flute in the band.
‘Fat Ham’ cookin’ again: Triangle Players, Firehouse team up to save production
As soon as the cancellation of “Fat Ham” was announced, the leaders of Richmond Triangle Players (RTP) and Firehouse Theatre started talking.
Ealey Project seeks public help to preserve civil rights leader’s legacy
A stash of moldy boxes uncovered during a home renovation in Jackson Ward sparked a years-long effort to preserve the legacy of Roland J. “Duke” Ealey, a civil rights attorney and former Virginia state delegate whose work spanned pivotal moments in school desegregation, voting rights and criminal justice.
Richmond to investigate Confederate burial site under City property
Years after a costly renovation to a Confederate marker on City property sparked controversy, Richmond officials are moving forward with plans to determine whether the remains it honors are still buried there.
Avula unveils $3B budget with focus on housing and education
Housing and school funding, raises and spending reductions are major elements of Mayor Danny Avula’s first budget.
‘Go with the Flow’ project aims to map flooding patterns across Richmond
Southside ReLeaf and the University of Richmond have launched the “Go with the Flow” community science project to collect data on flooding patterns across the city. The project, which runs from March 20 to Sept. 1, encourages Richmond residents to participate in a flood survey each time it rains.
April Herstory
While lawmakers wrap up the recent veto session, here’s something they — and the governor — actually agreed on last year: honoring Black women.
Remembering Wilma Wirt
Last month, Wilma Wirt, a former Virginia Commonwealth University associate professor who taught, mentored and challenged many young writers over the years, died at age 94. While no official service is planned, it wouldn’t be surprising if her lasting influence brings together those whose lives and careers she shaped. There are many of us.
‘Signalgate’ reveals backward-looking military view, by Clarence Page
A hard-won Senate confirmation was not enough to keep the aroma of scandal away from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for long.
Faith leaders call on Congress to act against authoritarianism, by Bridget Moix
As Christians mark Lent, Muslims observe Ramadan and Jews celebrate Passover, leaders from numerous faith traditions are gathering each week in front of the U.S. Capitol, calling on Congress to show moral courage in the face of growing authoritarianism and attacks on democracy.
Respect the sanctity of churches, by David W. Marshall
Trust is a powerful word. It involves relying on someone to be honest and reliable. It becomes a belief in a person’s character and actions. Trust is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Cosmic invasion
GalaxyCon Richmond brought more than 22,500 fans to the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the four-day pop culture festival.
$6.8M funding gap threatens GRTC zero-fare program
During fiscal year 2024, almost 11 million riders rode the bus in Richmond, or used paratransit, or LINK Microtransit services, according to the Greater Richmond Transit Company, an increase of 14% over last year. That boost is almost certainly due to GRTC’s zero-fare program that has allowed people to ride for free. But the program, which started during the pandemic, may be eliminated this summer, if a funding gap isn’t closed.
Black-owned brands adapt their plans for a post-DEI era
The co-founders of a company that makes lip products for darker skin tones no longer hope to get their line into Target. A brother and sister who make jigsaw puzzles celebrating Black subjects wonder if they need to offer “neutral” images like landscapes to keep growing. Pound Cake and Puzzles of Color are among the small businesses whose owners are rethinking their plans as major U.S. companies weaken their diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Marvin Sapp defends fundraising style after viral video sparks debate
Gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp defended his fundraising approach during a radio interview March 31, following backlash over a viral video from a nine-month-old call for donations.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, March 29, COVID-19 accounted for .9% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates low and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time.
VUU hosts first CIAA Flag Football Roundup
Under bright Friday afternoon skies at Virginia Union University, whistles blew and flags flew as history unfolded with the school’s first CIAA Flag Football Roundup.
VMFA hires Karen Daly to lead provenance research
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently appointed Karen Daly as the museum’s first senior manager of provenance research.
Henrico seeks new developer for arena project at Best Products site
After the collapse of a previous development deal, Henrico is once again looking for proposals to transform the former Best Products headquarters into a mixed-use development anchored by an arena.
Richmond grapples with second data mishap in weeks after erroneous mailings
City of Richmond officials announced Tuesday that 226 debt collection letters were mailed to incorrect addresses last month, marking the second time in weeks Richmond has disclosed errors in sensitive mailings.
