Solar-powered apartments set to rise in Henrico
A groundbreaking ceremony on May 30 marked the start of construction for The Helios, an affordable housing project in Henrico County. This solar-powered apartment complex is a collaborative effort between Richmond-based Spy Rock Real Estate Group and Crescent Development, aimed at increasing affordable housing units in the region by 2040. The development will occupy the site of the former Days Inn motel at 5701 Chamberlayne Road, with an expected completion by the end of 2025.
Rural housing workshop addresses land use and attainable housing
Tired of city life? A free workshop Saturday, June 8, will offer an insightful look into the distinct challenges and opportunities of country living, focusing on rural housing issues such as land inheritance and affordable housing shortages. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Powhatan County Recreation Center, 4290 Anderson Highway.
‘Dine Out for Pride’ Returns to Support LGBTQ Groups
For the second year, restaurants across the Richmond region are participating in “Dine Out for Pride” to raise funds for local LGBTQ organizations during the first week of June’s Pride Month celebrations.
The high cost of housing discrimination
Last week’s report by HOME of VA (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) on discriminatory practices in the Richmond housing market is a sobering document. It confirms the thoughts, feelings and vibes that African Americans experience when we attempt to find a place to live – something’s not right.
Virginia State releases inaugural soccer schedule
The Virginia State University men’s soccer team will take the field for the first time this fall under Coach Bob Jenkins. The Trojans released their inaugural season schedule recently, featuring five home games at Rogers Stadium.
Freshman phenom Markus White claims CIAA title
An athlete doesn’t need to go to the beach to get sand in their shoes. Markus White is the “Sand Man” for Virginia State University’s track and field Trojans.
Falcons Finish Third
The Huguenot High School girls’ 4x100 relay team finished third at the State Class 4 Track and Field Championships June 1 in Lynchburg.
Gardeners’ plant sale and festival in Henrico
The Henrico Master Gardener Association holds its annual Spring Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8. The free event will be held at the Recreation Center at Deep Run Park, at 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
Artist talk to explore African-American ceramics, collaboration
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia will host an artist talk titled “Re(CLAY)mation of Collaboration Intersections” 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8.
Victory Church of God in Christ to offer free summer meals for children
Victory Church of God in Christ is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals to children throughout the summer. The initiative aims to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school break.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces cancer diagnosis
“The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.” — Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has fought tirelessly for ground-breaking legislation throughout her career. She authored the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, creating the first new federal holiday in nearly four decades, and fervently championed the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring its passage for the first time in almost ten years. Now, the stalwart Texas representative is facing the battle of her life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Bishop William Barber II to visit St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Bishop William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and founder of Repairers of the Breach, will join St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for its Sunday service of Holy Eucharist on June 9, 2024. This event is part of Bishop Barber’s national preaching tour.
Guilty: Former President Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts
The courtroom was silent as the jury’s verdict was read aloud: “Guilty, guilty, guilty…” repeated 34 times, solidifying the former president’s fate.
New book argues most white U.S. Christians worship a religion of whiteness
In 2000, two sociologists wrote a book about the fraught efforts of white evangelicals to diversify their congregations to better address racial discrimination in the church.
VUU agrees to discuss plans for Richmond Community Hospital
After months of public outcry and private discussions, answers about the future of the former Richmond Community Hospital building seem closer than ever.
Count it!
Negro Leagues stats added to MLB records
Josh Gibson became Major League Baseball’s career leader with a .372 batting average, surpassing Ty Cobb’s .367, when Negro Leagues records for more than 2,300 players were incorporated Tuesday after a three-year research project.
Lawsuit alleges racial harassment at Maine company that makes COVID-19 swabs
A Maine-based company that makes COVID-19 test swabs is being sued for allegedly condoning or refusing to stop racial harassment against a Black former employee at a plant that opened during a pandemic production surge.
Personality: Wilmer Matamoros-Menjivar
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools top 2024 valedictorian
High school has had its ups and downs for Wilmer Mtr. Matamoros-Menjivar, a senior at Richmond High School for the Arts.
Falcons add a feather to their cap
Aniah Ross missed her junior season of track and field with illness, but she’s making up for lost time as a senior. The Huguenot High sprinter has helped give the Falcons a re- gion title in the 4x100 relay, and the best may be yet to come. The State Class 4 meet will be May 31 and June 1 at Liberty University in Lynchburg. After taking sixth in the open 100 at the Class 4, Region B meet May 22 at King George, Ross saved some energy for a relay to remember. The fleet foursome of J’miaya Muse to Ross to Ama Cousins to Kanaan Banks took the baton to the bank, crossing the finish line in 49.74, just ahead of runner-up King George. The Falcons shook off 91-degree heat to get what they were after. “A lot of work went into this,’ said Falcons Coach Kyle Fuller. “I’m ecstatic. I’m excited. But I’m not surprised. These are great kids.” Ross enjoyed a strong sophomore season under Coach Fuller but was unable to compete a year ago. “It started with a seizure at a cross-country meet and a trip to the ER; then she was in and out of the hospital after that,” Coach Fuller said. “Coming back out as a senior is a testament to her character. She had not run for a year and a half starting this season.” Ross and Muse will continue running next school year at Richard Bland Junior College near Petersburg while Cousins will continue racing for Radford University. Banks is the lone junior among the region champs. Track and field is a hard sell at Huguenot and at many inner- city schools nowadays. Coach Fuller’s spring roster included about 20 girls and just five boys. In the case of the girls, it was quality over quantity this season and a state championship would be the crowning touch. “I have no doubt,” Fuller said, “we can handle anything in 4A.”
Ashe Center demolition plan misguided
The recent decision and agreement between Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond to sell off the Arthur Ashe Jr Athletic Center to be demolished to build a hotel and apartment complex is a slap in the face to the city’s youths and the community at large.
