Shiloh Duncan, 7, of Richmond, center, found the perfect place Sunday to enjoy the RVA Street Art Festival with his sister, left, Jaisah Duncan, 15, and their mother, Melissa Duncan. The family, perched at The Power Plant Building along the Haxall Canal in Downtown Richmond, also got a closer look at the muralists working during the festival’s 10th anniversary. For Shiloh, the spot and art were perfect. “So cool ... We can see the people, the water and the artwork.”

As runners in the inaugural RUN RICHMOND 16.19 approached Brown’s Island Sept. 17, the Emancipation and Freedom Monument awaited them. The monument features two 12-foot bronze figures – a male, and a female holding an infant – who represent those newly freed from slavery. Designed by artist and sculptor, Thomas Jay Warren, of Oregon, the brick plaza and landscaping was designed by architect Drew Harrigan of Four Winds Design and constructed by Fred Williams and his team at Williams Construction. Here is how Venture Richmond describes the monument: "On a rainy September 22, 2021, following nearly 10 years of planning and fundraising, Virginia’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission dedicated and unveiled Richmond’s newest monument — the Emancipation and Freedom Monument — on Brown’s Island, along Downtown Richmond’s riverfront. The new monument commemorates the efforts of both enslaved and free African- Americans whose ancestors endured tragedies and triumphs in their struggle to gain their freedom through emancipation.”

On Sept. 12, Tynashia ‘Nae’ Humphrey, 15, was walking to the store in her Gilpin Court neighborhood when she was killed by a bullet not intended for her. In response to her killing last week, a march and rally were organized from the parking lot of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church to the steps of the John Marshall Courts Building on Sunday, Sept. 18. Participants included Ms. Humphrey’s family members, friends and others who mourn her death.

Karen Regina Cheatham, center, grandmother of Tynashia, speaks with friends and supporters who share her grief. Numerous Richmond officials and leaders also participated in the march including members of Richmond City Council, Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s new director, Steven Nesmith, Richmond School Board President Shonda Harris-Muhammed and other families who have lost their children to gun violence in the Richmond area. One arrest has been made in the death of Tynashia.

Free floral on North Side

The RVA Street Art Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary at The Power Plant Building along the Haxall Canal in Downtown Richmond Sept. 16-18. Muralists worked throughout the three days as festival-goers admired their process and progress.

Austin ‘Auz” Miles of Richmond, above left in orange shirt, is one of the muralists participating in the RVA Street Art Festival Sunday, Sept. 18. She pauses for a moment to take a selfie in front of her work in-progress with her cousins, Melissa Harris, 23, of Prince George, second from left, Alysha Miles, 30, of Petersburg, center and Michele Harris, 23, of Prince George.

Runners take off during the inaugural RUN RICHMOND 16.19 that started and ended at Kanawha Plaza in Downtown Richmond on Saturday, Sept. 17. The run was organized by actor and model Djimon Hounsou’s foundation in collaboration with The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and Sports Backers. The run shines a light on the achievements of the Black community over the past 400 plus years with the designated courses of 16.19 km and 6.19 miles. As the runners proceed on the course they pass various historical Black sites throughout the city.

Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille, left, and Del. Delores McQuinn, who both were once on the now defunct Richmond Slave Trail Commission, greet Mr. Hounsou.

The Nottoway Indian Tribe’s Annual PowWow returned Sept. 17 and 18 at the Surry County Parks and Recreation Center in Surry. Native arts, crafts, food and more were featured during the two-day event sponsored by the Virginia Nottoway Indian Circle and Square Foundation and the Surry County Parks and Recreation. Highlights included primitive weapons demonstrations, historical enactments and storytelling activities. In this photo, Nottoway Chief Lynette Allston leads the PowWow’s grand entry

Lead dancers Adrienne Harmon and Louis Campbell perform ceremonial dances.