McClellan celebrates Women’s History Month with awards program
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, 4th District, recently launched her second annual Women of Excellence Awards program to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the outstanding contributions of women in Virginia’s 4th District.
VAIPL to host open mic on environmental and racial justice
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is hosting an open mic night this Thursday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Abi’s Books & Brews, 1212 W Cary St. The event invites participants to explore the intersection of racial and environmental justice through poetry, prose, music and storytelling.
Newlin Music Prize announces 2025 short list
The Newlin Music Prize recently announced the 20 albums shortlisted for its 2025 award, recognizing outstanding music from Richmond area artists. The winner, set to be revealed on March 24, will receive a $2,500 cash prize and a commemorative trophy. Each remaining nominee will receive $250, with the organization awarding a total of more than $7,000 to local musicians.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Mid-Atlantic Region to host Richmond conference
More than 4,500 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will gather in Richmond for the organization’s 72nd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, set for March 6 through 9 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Joy-Hogg leads Richmond’s operations as interim CAO
Sabrina Joy-Hogg was sworn in as Richmond’s interim chief administrative officer during a ceremony in the basement of the Main Branch of the Richmond Public Library last month.
Maggie Walker Community Land Trust announces leadership change
The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust has appointed Mae Worthey-Thomas as its new chief executive officer, the organization announced recently.
Construction firm selected for Shockoe Institute project
Against the backdrop of Richmond’s historic Main Street Station, plans for the Shockoe Institute are moving forward. The city has selected Team Henry Enterprises to lead construction of the more than 12,000-square-foot educational facility in Shockoe Bottom, a site central to Richmond’s role in the domestic slave trade.
Local standouts highlight Virginia State’s 2025 football recruits
With depth and competition in mind, Virginia State University Head Football Coach Henry Frazier III has assembled a 2025 recruiting class he believes will strengthen the Trojans following their 2024 Co-CIAA Regular Season Championship.
Kickers add VCU standout Jonathan Kanagwa to roster
The Richmond Kickers have signed former Virginia Commonwealth University midfielder Jonathan Kanagwa for the 2025 season, pending league and federation approval.
Naturalization ceremony brings American dream to museum
Holding small American flags and wearing broad smiles, dozens of immigrants will take the oath of citizenship 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, Presidents Day, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, marking a milestone in their American journey amid historical artifacts of their new nation.
RVA Sports Awards honors athletes/community leaders
The Richmond region’s top athletes and sports leaders were recognized Saturday night at the RVA Sports Awards, an annual event hosted by the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation.
Blood drive to honor Richmond firefighter battling leukemia
The Richmond community is coming together once again to support one of its own. The third annual blood drive honoring Jonathan Clarke, a longtime firefighter battling leukemia, will take place Feb. 18-19 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Black College Con brings esports competition and career opportunities
Black College Con 2025 is bringing the excitement of gaming and esports to Virginia State University on Feb. 19, giving students the chance to compete and connect with top industry professionals.
Purple Heart recipient Michael Gregory Brown dies at 77
Michael Gregory Brown, a Richmond native and champion for social justice, died peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on Jan. 26, following a brief illness. He was 77. Funeral services were held Feb. 3 at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home.
Maggie Walker’s pioneering journey explored in performance
Richmond’s Maggie L. Walker, a pioneering businesswoman and the nation’s first Black female bank president, will be honored in a special living history presentation featuring storyteller Theresa G.
VUU students compete in VFIC Ethics Bowl ahead of Super Bowl
As excitement builds for the Super Bowl, another high-stakes competition is set to take place in Richmond.
Charles H. Taylor Sr. honored for service, leadership
Retired 1st Sgt. Charles H. Taylor Sr., a decorated veteran and longtime Richmond-area businessman, died Jan. 19 at age 92. Taylor, known as “Pop” or “Pop Taylor,” was with his wife of 40 years and his son-in-law at the time of his death. His celebration of life service took place Jan. 29.
Joybells founder Joye B. Moore to appear on ‘Shark Tank’ Feb. 7
Richmond-based entrepreneur Joye B. Moore, the founder of Joybells, will pitch her family recipe-inspired gourmet pie business on ABC’s “Shark Tank” this Friday Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. Moore was selected from tens of thousands of applicants in September 2024 to present her company to the panel of investors known as the Sharks for a potential investment.
Advocate, educator Denise V. Thomas-Brown remembered
Denise V. Thomas-Brown, a passionate advocate for underserved communities, died Dec. 22, 2024, in Richmond. She was 66.
Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn announces retirement
Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn of the Supreme Court of Virginia has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Ganther joins VCCS as senior vice chancellor
Felicia Ganther has been appointed as the new senior vice chancellor for academic and workforce services at the Virginia Community College System.
RVA Sports Awards names Community Champion Award honoree
A respected leader known for her dedication to student-athletes will be honored at the RVA Sports Awards this month at the Altria Theater. The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation recently announced that the late Peggy Davis is this year’s Community Champion Award honoree.
Former NFL player Woodbury joins NSU coaching staff
Norfolk State head football coach Michael Vick is adding more firepower to his staff, this time with a familiar face to the MEAC — Tory Woodbury, who will serve as the Spartans’ new special teams coordinator.
Strikers and Kickers Youth merge to form Richmond United
Two of Virginia’s top youth soccer organizations, the Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers Youth, have merged to form Richmond United, creating one of the largest youth soccer clubs in the country. The recently announced partnership unites more than 10,000 players under one banner.
Civil rights documentary fundraiser set for March 23
A fundraiser for a new documentary about a 1960 civil rights protest will be held March 23 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Public input sought for Virginia’s most endangered historic sites list
Preservation Virginia is now accepting nominations for its annual Most Endangered Historic Places Program, an initiative designed to identify and protect historic sites at risk of being lost. The program invites the public to nominate significant locations facing threats such as demolition, neglect or other challenges.
Meyers receives Teacher of the Year award in Chesterfield County
Maria Meyers, a reading specialist at Davis Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Vick earns second Hall of Fame induction in one week
Norfolk State football head coach Michael Vick has been selected for induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class, the organization announced Wednesday.
Richmond Planet editor’s life inspires upcoming stage production
John Mitchell Jr., the fearless newspaper editor who used the Richmond Planet to fight racial injustice during the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras, will soon take center stage in a new play commissioned by Firehouse Theatre.
Chiefs, Eagles feature HBCU alumni in Super Bowl LIX
Super Bowl LIX will feature the Kansas City Chiefs aiming for a historic third consecutive championship against the Philadelphia Eagles. The matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, where the Chiefs triumphed 38-35, launching their back-to-back Super Bowl victories.
Spider track team shines at VMI Invitational with strong results
The University of Richmond women’s track and field team put on a strong showing at the VMI Invitational on Saturday at the Corps Physical Training Facility in Lexington, highlighted by a standout performance from the Spider 4x400-meter relay team.
New exhibitions, festivals coming to Science Museum
From interactive exhibits to seasonal festivals, the Science Museum of Virginia is gearing up for a year packed with unique experiences. Guests can look forward to a diverse slate of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages with science, technology, engineering and math.
Green infrastructure projects planned for Belmont, Hull Street libraries
Two Richmond Public Library branches will receive green infrastructure upgrades this year as part of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. Improvements are planned for the Belmont Branch, located at 3100 Ellwood Ave., and the Hull Street Branch, at 1400 Hull St., to enhance sustainability and manage stormwater runoff.
Bernice King to speak at ODU MLK Observance
As the nation reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Old Dominion University is preparing to host his youngest child, Bernice A. King, to share her vision for advancing social justice and equality.
Norfolk State’s head coach Michael Vick honored with Hall of Fame induction
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fameannounced the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class last week, and Norfolk State head football coach Michael Vick was among the honorees.
Richmond opens overflow shelter to accommodate more residents
With cold temperatures persisting before a warming trend later in the week, the Salvation Army has extended the operating hours of its Inclement Weather Shelter to ensure continuous service through Friday, Jan. 24, at noon. The shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, will remain open without disruption, providing a safe space for those in need during the frigid conditions.
3 local athletes nominated for McDonald’s All American Games
Three basketball standouts from the Richmond area have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All American Games, set for April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Virginia State defeats Virginia Union in close Freedom Classic showdown
In a thrilling Freedom Classic matchup, Virginia State University edged out Virginia Union University with a 78- 74 victory Saturday night in Petersburg. The game featured dramatic runs from both teams, including a late push by the Panthers that brought the contest down to the wire.
Firm hired to investigate water treatment plant debacle
In the wake of a weather-related power disruption that caused flooding and equipment malfunctions at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant, City officials have enlisted the help of HNTB Corporation to conduct an independent report. The firm, with over 100 years of experience in infrastructure development, will assess the circumstances surrounding the Jan. 6 debacle.
Spiders secure fifth straight win with 75-42 victory over VCU
In front of a season-high crowd of 3,462, the University of Richmond women’s basketball team defeated crosstown rival VCU, 75-42, Sunday afternoon. The win marked Richmond’s fifth straight and its largest margin of victory over the Rams since December 2001. The Spiders improved to 15-5 overall and 6-1 in Atlantic 10 Conference play, while VCU fell to 9-10 and 3-4 in the A-10.
Barbour launches campaign for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Tom Barbour officially launched his campaign for Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney last week, focusing on public safety issues in the city. Barbour, who previously ran for the office in 2021, outlined his vision for change, emphasizing Richmonders should not be held back by perceptions of unsafe streets.
Henneberry to receive Courage Story Award at RVA Sports Awards
Suellen Henneberry has been named the recipient of the 2025 Courage Story Award, which will be presented at the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8. The award recognizes individuals whose courage extends beyond sports, and Henneberry’s journey reflects this distinction.
Colonial Downs reveals details for Virginia Derby weekend
The 2025 Virginia Derby, set for Saturday, March 15, will serve as a qualifying race for the 151st Kentucky Derby, offering the winner a spot at Churchill Downs on May 3. The event, a highlight of Colonial Downs’ March meet, will feature at least 10 races, with the Derby itself scheduled for the afternoon.
MJBL East-West All-Star Game returns to Daytona Beach
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League brings its East-West All-Star Game back to Florida this weekend, with events scheduled for Jan. 18 and 19 in Daytona Beach.
Rams standout Gerardo Castillo heads home to join San Carlos
Former Virginia Commonwealth University men’s soccer standout Gerardo Castillo is set to begin his professional career with Asociación Deportiva San Carlos of Costa Rica’s Primera División, the country’s top professional soccer league.
Sculptures inspired by Alvin Ailey to be featured at Lewis Ginter
Kristine Mays’ sculptures appear to emerge from the ground, their wire frames evoking delicate yet resilient figures in motion. This striking juxtaposition of fragility and strength will be on display at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden when her acclaimed exhibition, “Rich Soil,” opens Jan. 18 and runs through March 9, 2025.
The Branch Museum of Design announces rebranding, new leader
The Branch Museum of Design and Architecture is marking its 10th anniversary with a new name and a new leader.
Virginia lawmakers push for reforms following death of Rolin Hill
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) is demanding urgent reforms after the death of Rolin Hill, a man who died in the custody of three former Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputies. The deputies, now charged with second-degree murder, were granted $5,000 unconditional bonds last week.
Finn honored for community service
The Richmond Association of Realtors has named John S. Finn Jr. the recipient of the 2024 Civic Leader of the Year Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their community and honors those who improve the well-being of those in need.
Recycling event rescheduled to Jan.18
If your Christmas tree is still taking up space in the corner of your living room or you’ve got other post-holiday items to recycle, the annual Bring One for the Chipper event is here to help — though it’s been rescheduled due to expected inclement weather. The event will now take place Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1710 Robin Hood Road.
