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 …

From the age of 4, visiting her cancer-stricken mother in the hospital, to becoming a caregiver and later facing her own cancer diagnosis, Kristin Harris’ life has been woven with the pink ribbons of breast cancer.

Spotlight on the new executive director at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies

Spotlight on lead organizer at the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison

Spotlight on the board chair for the Amandla Fund for Economic & Racial Justice

Spotlight on the president of the board of The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond

Spotlight on the founder of Nolef Turns Inc.

Kevin Smith’s career experience guiding organizational growth informs his work on the board of NextUp RVA, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to out-of-school time programs. He also serves as the organization’s finance chair, helping to safeguard its financial health.

Growing up in Richmond felt magical for Lexi Cleveland, surrounded by a tight-knit extended family and the city’s deep historical roots. She remembers a childhood shaped by the presence of her great-grandmother and all of her grandparents, who shared stories …

Atul Patel, a founding member of Richmond’s Heartfulness Institute, has become a steady and uplifting presence in the community — balancing a long career at Dominion Energy with a deep commitment to meditation, mindfulness and inner peace.

Anissa Turner-Randolph first discovered BLK RVA while scrolling through Instagram. After learning about the organization’s mission at the Second Street Festival, she began following its account. So when a call for advisory committee members appeared in her feed, she didn’t …

Will Melton carries with him the memory of the housing insecurity his family faced growing up in Lansing, Mich. That experience, along with the loss of his father at age 12, shaped his resilience. As his mother worked multiple jobs …

When Richmond’s predominantly white tattoo industry didn’t provide an opportunity for Sherod Davis to learn the craft, he taught himself. Now, as the owner of one of Rich- mond’s Black-owned tattoo shops, Misfit Tattoo Society, he offers a safe space …

A lifelong Scout and now Scoutmaster of Troop 432 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Alan Meekins recently received Scouting America’s Silver Beaver Award, honoring his decades of dedication to the Scout Oath and Law. The award is the highest honor …

Rag & Bones, Richmond’s volunteer-run bicycle co-op has become a vital hub for the city’s bicycle community. Dedicated to making biking affordable and accessible, the non-profit offers low cost refurbished bicycles and parts and a welcoming space where anyone can …