One-year-old Avah White takes a closer look at the blooms appearing on an unseasonably warm afternoon at Forest Hill Park.

At the corner of Hammond and Brook Road in Richmond’s Edgehill neighborhood, Gary Flowers, left, pulls the signage cover strings Monday, as his sister, Jan Flowers, stands with him. Along with other family, friends and neighbors, the son and daughter of Stafford Alvin Flowers and Ella Lee Fountain Flowers unveil the honorary street sign, Flowers Way, that honors their father and mother. Stafford Alvin Flowers, who died in 2011, was a brick mason and owner of a contracting business. He also was a co-founder of the Metropolitan Business League, and a regional director for the National Business League, which evolved from the Negro Business League founded by Booker T. Washington in 1900. Ella Lee Fountain Flowers, a former Virginia Union University and Richmond Public Schools educator, died May 15, 2022. Mrs. Flowers was an 80-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a lifelong member of the NAACP, serving as the secretary for the Richmond Chapter. The street dedication was initiated by 3rd District North Side City Council woman Ann-Frances Lambert, who wants the history of Black Northside Richmond locked in for all to know. She reminded people that a large percentage of Black Americans, when researching their genealogy, realize they have a connection to Richmond.

Sprouting crocus in the West End

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The 13-year-old Henderson Middle School student, the son of Michael and Otesa Miles, received a trophy and $400 for his first place showing in the four-round competition involving 10 youths. Jace started playing chess in an afternoon elementary school program. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he further developed his chess skills by playing online with a cousin who lives in New York. In between, he continued to play the game.

The nonprofit Bright Minds, founded by Richmonders Bernice Travers and Fleming Samuels, seeks to spread interest in the game among city youths by offering free lessons. Other tournament winners include: 2nd Place – Denzel Johnson 3rd Place – Ptah Ahmed 4th Place – Nafiysi Harper 5th Place – Richardson Armstead Most Improved Beginner – Alnisa Scott