Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game sells out for 14th straight year
The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game at The Diamond has sold out, the team announced recently. This marks the 14th consecutive year the franchise has sold out its Independence Day game since its inception in 2010.
Tribute planned for civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker
The National Park Service will honor Maggie Lena Walker’s 160th birthday with a two-week celebration featuring events across Richmond highlighting the Black banking pioneer’s legacy.
New exhibition explores race and community in Richmond
A new exhibition titled “Race in Richmond: Healing in Richmond” is on display at The Gallery in Main Street Station until June 30. The exhibit features two installations: “I See You – A Portrait Experience” and “I Hear You: A Speaking Experience.”
Virginia Museum of History & Culture to host July 4th Citizenship Ceremony
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture celebrates Independence Day with its annual Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming approximately 75 new citizens. The event, held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, begins at 11 a.m.
Tourism program seeks nominations for awards
Richmond Region Tourism’s BLK RVA program is now accepting nominations for its Community Awards, marking the initiative’s fifth anniversary.
Richmond area health officials promote HIV testing, prevention
In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, health officials in Richmond and Henrico County are urging residents to get tested and learn about prevention methods.
Conservative Coalition selects Will Archer as chairman
The Virginia Faith & Freedom Coalition recently announced that Will Archer, a pastor with over 30 years of experience, has been elected as their new chairman. VAFFC is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s affiliate with the Faith & Freedom Coalition, a national conservative political advocacy non-profit.
Military Retirees to host Veterans Awareness Walk
The Military Retirees Club of Richmond is calling on vet- erans, service members and military families to participate in their first “Bridge Over Troubled Waters Walk” on Saturday, June 29, at Belle Isle. The event aims to bring more attention to suicide prevention and the opioid crisis affecting the military community. Partici- pants will gather at 7 a.m. in the Dominion Energy parking lot adjacent to the foot of the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge to register for the 5K walk, which begins at 7:30 a.m. The route will take walkers around Brown’s Island, allow for a photo opportunity at the Tredegar Iron Works, cross over the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge, and conclude back at the Dominion parking lot. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided after the walk. The “Bridge Over Troubled Waters Walk” is being held to show support for veterans, active service members, and their families affected by mental health issues and substance abuse. For additional information, please contact the Military Retirees Club of Richmond at (804) 400-9473.
Richmond opens cooling stations to beat extreme heat
As summer temperatures start to spike this week, the City of Richmond is taking steps to help residents stay cool and safe by opening cooling stations in neighborhoods throughout the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virginia War Memorial opens new exhibit on D-Day Landings
A new Virginia War Memorial exhibit, “D+80: Virginians in the Normandy Invasion,” opens on June 6 the 80th anniversary of D-Day when American and Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in France in 1944 during World War II.
Jubilation in June returns with music, fireworks
The city of Richmond will host the 3rd Annual Jubilation in June Weekend, a series of free public events featuring live music performances and community resources.
Woodland Cemetery historical marker to be dedicated
A state historical marker honoring Woodland Cemetery, the resting place for many prominent figures in Richmond’s African American community from the late 19th to 20th centuries, will be dedicated this weekend in Henrico County.
UR Hall of Fame basketball player, radio, TV analyst Beckwith dies at 60
Greg Beckwith, who served as University of Richmond’s basketball radio and television analyst for more than 20 years following his hall of fame career as a UR guard, died Friday at age 60.
New Hampton Jazz and Music Festival plays up diverse lineup
Taking a cue from a popular Richmond event, the long-running Hampton Jazz Festival has changed its name. The 50-year-old festival, originally a celebration of Hampton University, is now the Hampton Jazz and Music Festival. Over the years, it has featured top names in soul, pop and jazz.
Researchers find key to drug resistance in breast cancer
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a biological process that allows breast tumor cells to develop resistance to standard treatment, a finding that could lead to more effective therapies for the disease.
Floodwall testing to impact traffic
Motorists and pedestrians should prepare for road closures and detours in several areas of Richmond next week as the city conducts its annual floodwall testing.
Richmond tunes up for summer concert season
As summer approaches, outdoor concert series are gearing up at two of the more picturesque venues around the city.
University of Richmond Spiders football joins Patriot League
The University of Richmond has accepted an invitation for its football team to join the Patriot League, the institution announced Tuesday. This move comes after the Spiders’ successful stint in the Colonial Athletic Association, with the transition expected to occur ahead of the 2025 season.
Henrico to create trust to enhance access to affordable homeownership
Henrico County will establish an affordable housing trust with $60 million in cash and a dedicated revenue stream from new economic development, transforming local efforts to make homeownership possible for more of the area’s workforce, according to a press release from county officials.
Richmond Jazz Festival announces 2024 lineup
Organizers of the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival recently unveiled the lineup for the 2024 event, set for Aug. 9-11 at Maymont. Hip-hop artist Ludacris, R&B singer Fantasia, and jazz pianist Bob James are among the headliners announced for the three-day festival’s two stages.
Department of Veterans Services hosts Memorial Day ceremonies
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services will hold a Memorial Day ceremony 11a.m. Monday, May 27, at the Virginia War Memorial, at 621 S. Belvidere St.
Richmond native named 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts
Christian Trimmingham, a senior from Richmond studying at Interlochen Arts Academy, has been selected as a 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Awarded by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, this honor recognizes Christian as one of the top 20 high school artists in the United States.
VSU selects new provost, vice president for academic affairs
Virginia State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Tia A. Minnis as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Minnis brings over 15 years of leadership experience in higher education to her new role.
Museum appoints curator of Indigenous American art
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently named Siera Hyte (Cherokee Nation) as its first Schiller Family Curator of Indigenous American Art. Hyte starts her role on Aug. 26.
University of Richmond law professor receives grant to research Black legal issues
Marissa Jackson Sow, a law professor at the University of Richmond, was recently awarded a $27,000 grant from the Institute of International Education to support her research on Black and Indigenous legal issues.
Fiber artist Lauri Jenkins wins Arts Center’s Master Teacher Award
Lauri Jenkins, a fiber artist whose journey with sewing began in her teenage years, was recognized for her contributions to the Visual Arts Center of Richmond with the 2024 Shelly Shepherd Master Teacher Award. Ms. Jenkins received the award May 11 at the center’s 38th Annual Collectors’ Night, a fundraising event presented by Dominion Energy.
EMS & firefighters remembered
For more than 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, firefighters and EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the previous year, are honored at a memorial service.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers free admission to military on Memorial Day
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture honors active duty military personnel and veterans by offering free admission on Monday, May 27. This initiative is part of the museum’s Memorial Day observance, aimed at expressing gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces.
The Legendary Ingramettes headline Friday Cheers
The Legendary Ingramettes, a renowned local gospel group founded in the 1960s, will headline the Friday Cheers concert series on Brown’s Island this week. Known for their powerful vocals and inspirational performances, the Ingramettes are part of a special night of music of artists from Richmond.
Click It or Ticket campaign launches ahead of Memorial Day
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches and summer beckons, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement emphasize the importance of seat belt usage. The national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign is now underway, running until June 2, aiming to enhance road safety across the state.
Richmond Folk Festival announces first artists
The Richmond Folk Festival returns to Brown’s Island September 27-29, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The initial lineup of artists for the 2024 Richmond Folk Festival includes go-go band Trouble Funk, jazz artist Lonnie Holley, bluegrass group Junior Sisk Band, among many others.
Coming Together Virginia hosts dinner talk on race and psychiatry
In a culmination of a three-part series exploring the intricate relationship between race and mental health, Coming Together Virginia presents its Tuesday Dinner Gathering on May 21 at 6 p.m. at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. This event features guest speaker Dr. Shawn Utsey, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Riverrock brings music and sports Downtown
Dominion Energy Riverrock, an annual outdoor sports and music festival, returns this week with a new layout and an expanded footprint.
Council members host honorary street naming ceremonies
Richmond City Council members plan to honor two esteemed citizens this week with honorary street namings.
Black History Museum to host film screenings in honor of Brown v. Board
Marking the 70th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will host a special event titled “Our Past, Our Present, Our Future.”
Free Press wins 9 awards in Virginia Press Association competition
The Richmond Free Press was recognized with nine awards, including two first place awards, at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
Steadfast devotion
Faith Community’s Patricia Gould-Champ steps down from pulpit
After 28 years, Dr. Patricia A. Gould-Champ last January handed off the pastoral leadership of the church she founded, Faith Community Baptist Church in the East End.
‘Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design’ opens at Jamestown
he Jamestown Settlement is hosting an exhibition high-lighting the work of Ruth E. Carter, a distinguished figure in costume design and a recipient of two Academy Awards.
St. Catherine’s student awarded almost $2M in scholarships
After applying to over 30 colleges and universities, 17-year-old St. Catherine’s School student Ava Holloway was awarded over $1.98 million in scholarships.
Free concert series returns Main Street Station
Richmond’s Department of Public Works recently announced the return of Music at Main, a series of free music concerts featuring local musicians. The concerts will take place on select Thursdays in May from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station.
Summer Academy offers students lessons in leadership, public service
Richmond high school and college students can gain political skills and knowledge during the upcoming Summer Academy for Policy Leadership and Public Service. The academy runs from Sunday, June 23, to Saturday, July 6, and is organized by Policy Pathways Inc. The program will be hosted in partnership with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia universities announce graduation dates, speakers
College graduations start throughout Virginia in the next two weeks, with thousands of students receiving their diplomas and taking their hard-earned knowledge out into the world.
2 RPS high schools celebrate top honors
Two Richmond Public Schools high schools, Open High School and Richmond Community High School, recently garnered significant recognition. U.S. News & World Report has acknowledged them as standout institutions among Virginia’s educational community.
Herbs Galore descends on Maymont
Maymont’s Herbs Galore plant sale event on Saturday promises that herb lovers will find everything they need to freshen up their gardens. The fun occurs between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Carriage House Lawn, 1700 Hampton St.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden plans $31M expansion
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is breaking ground on a two-year expansion project. Called “Thrive,” the $31 million project will nearly double the size of the existing Conservatory, add 7.5 acres of new gardens, and incorporate an additional lake into the Garden experience.
