Death can be confusing for young children who may not grasp the sudden absence of a loved one or comprehend the tears of an older child or adult. In Richmond, the faces of too many children resemble, on a daily basis, that of this youngster who attended the March 23 prayer vigil for Binford Middle School student Marquan “Quan” Mitchell-Nash, 13. Marquan was accidentally shot and killed by a relative on March 10. The vigil at the corners of 17th and Stockton streets on Richmond’s South Side was organized by United Citizens Against Crime. It drew dozens of Marquan’s family members, friends, classmates, teachers and Richmond Public Schools officials. Recognizing the deep sadness brought on by Marquan’s death, Charles Willis of UCAC, shared comforting reflections of the youngster’s brief life. “Marquan was a very happy young man, a loving son, a protector, a provider, was loved by his friends and community,” Mr. Willis said. “He loved playing football and playing jokes on friends.”

The Virginia Department of Transportation continues its bridge rehabilitation project at 1st Street over Interstate 95 in Jackson Ward. This section of 1st Street will see new sidewalks, travel lanes and shoulders. The department plans to rehabilitate five bridges over I-95 in Richmond. Structure replacements and minor substructure repairs will be done on bridges on North 1st Street, North 4th Street, North 5th Street, North 7th Street and the East Broad Street overpasses.

The John Marshall High School Basketball Team stands proudly at the Richmond City Council meeting March 27 to accept accolades. The team won the state championship and also has been ranked No. 1 among the nation’s high schools.

Nascar driver Bubba Wallace was back in town for his second block party at Richmond Raceway on March 31. Despite the rain, Mr. Wallace took the stage to share what he enjoys about Richmond during his “Bubba’s Block Party.”

Partygoers stood in line for the party’s various food trucks outside of the amphitheater and free performances by The Art of Noise and Backyard Band that were inside the facility. Mr. Wallace raced Sunday, April 2, in the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Will Spencer, center, of Chesterfield, a diehard NASCAR and Bubba Wallace fan, brought his nephews, brothers Taio Merrill, 9, left, and Will Spencer, 11 to the block party.

Virginia artist Gina Net painted a stylized portrait of Bubba Wallace and had him sign it during the block party.

Bri (they/them) helped organize the Transgender Day of Visibility that took place March 31 at Monroe Park. “The point of today is showing up for trans youths and trans community as a whole,” said Bri, 23. “We’re not looking for a win, we just want a chance to live so we can find our happiness, comfort, and joy.”

Shannon McKay, (she/her) executive director of He She Ze and We, distributes pins for the Transgender Day of Visibility to make known resources She Ze and We provides for the transgender community and others in need.

Meadow Street blooms