Chesterfield opens early voting sites
Chesterfield County opened five library satellite sites for in person, early voting on Oct. 23.
Local groups host ‘Trunk or Treat’ at VMHC
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and 24 other local organizations will present Halloween fun at the inaugural Trunk or Treat community event that will take place at the museum on Oct. 27.
Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy exhibit opens at Richmond’s Black History Museum
The Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy Project has returned to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia with a new exhibit that will run until Nov. 22. During the exhibit visitors will view artifacts that help explore the history of the sports rivalry between Maggie L. Walker High School and Armstrong High School.
Henrico’s 1st phase of Ashland-to-Petersburg trail will be built in Lakeside
Henrico County is set to begin construction of its portion of the 43-mile Fall Line trail, following a ceremonial groundbreaking today in Lakeside for the trail’s 0.26-mile Park Street Phase.
Thompson Hospitality to donate $1M to Virginia State University
Thompson Hospitality, the nation’s largest black-owned and privately held hospitality company, will donate $1 million to Virginia State University. The donation, made by Warren Thompson, is a tribute to his parents, Fred and Ruby Thompson. It marks the second $1 million contribution to VSU from the Thompson Family, following an initial pledge in 2011.
Department of Defense awards $9M to create research institute at VCU
A new research institute is coming to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering through a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to create and improve technologies for security, health and various other benefits.
VCU class creates story maps of 2 historic Black cemeteries
Graduate students in a Virginia Commonwealth University class have created online story maps of two historic Black burial grounds, the Cemeteries of Barton Heights in Richmond and Woodland Cemetery in Henrico County.
VMFA to feature work of award-winning photographer Dawoud Bey
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) will present the exhibition “Dawoud Bey: Elegy” from Nov. 18 to Feb. 25, 2024. Described as “a profound exploration of early experiences of African- Americans in the United States,” the groundbreaking survey marks
Amy Wratchford named interim managing director at Virginia Rep
Amy Wratchford has been appointed interim managing director at the Virginia Repertory Theatre, the company’s board of directors announced.
Richmond Folk Festival returns with fun for everyone
The Richmond Folk Festival returns for its 19th year to downtown Richmond with six stages and over 30 performers from Friday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Oct. 15.
Fairfield meeting to feature local candidates, Thornton’s farewell message
Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton will hold his final Fairfield Constituent Meeting on Monday, Oct. 16, to highlight local candidates in the Nov. 7 general election and to share a farewell message as he prepares to retire.
People’s Tribunal to address injustices experienced by the formerly incarcerated, family members of prisoners
Hundreds are expected to attend a daylong discussion Saturday on how Virginia treats the incarcerated and detained.
Virginia’s AI directive
A newly-issued state directive seeks to ensure the ethical, transparent use and oversight of artificial intelligence technologies in Virginia.
VCU announces guaranteed university admission program
Virginia Commonwealth University has announced a guaranteed university admission program for first-year freshman applicants who are among the top 10% of their high school graduat- ing class or have a high school GPA of 3.5 or above. This is the first university-wide program of its kind among Virginia’s R1 universities and is open to any qualifying student nationwide, according to a university news release.
Garden Glow illuminates Maymont
The groves and lawn of Maymont Farm will be illuminated by art and good vibes Sunday, Oct. 8, as artist Alfonso Pérez Acosta will present a new community project as the opening preview of this year’s four-week Garden Glow event.
2nd Street Festival returns to Jackson Ward
Marking its 35th year, the 2nd Street Festival returns Saturday and Sunday in historic Jackson Ward.
Boston University names Melissa L. Gilliam 11th president
‘I lead by listening, collaborating and empowering’
Melissa L. Gilliam, the executive vice president and provost of The Ohio State University and a distinguished educator, scholar, research scientist, and physician, will be Boston University’s 11th president, the Boston trustees announced on Wednesday. She will assume the post July 1, 2024.
Richmond area events celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year to acknowledge the history and contributions of individuals with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.
Richard Samuel “Major” Reynolds III, corporate leader, civil rights advocate and philanthropist, dies
Richard Samuel “Major” Reynolds III lived his life by an axiom of British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, who said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Mr. Reynold died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at age 89.
Voter registration drives
Members of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority are doing their part to help area residents register to vote in the upcoming General Assembly elections on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Community festival with a focus on health
VCU’s Massey Cancer is throwing an open-to-everyone family-friendly carnival from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St.
Finding a safe space
Virginia State University will host a free discussion focused on African-American men and mental health as part of several HBCU Across America forums participating in Real Talk Drives Real Change events.
VCU names Faye Belgrave as vice president, chief diversity officer
Faye Belgrave, Ph.D., a respected scholar, author and equity advocate, has been named vice president and chief diversity officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, effective Oct. 23.
RPS names new leadership at McClenney and Overby-Sheppard elementaries
Richmond Public Schools recently announced two new interim principals.
Richmond International Film Festival returns
Filmmaking and musical guests from around the world will be in Richmond for the 12th Annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF). The six-day festival will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 26, with film premieres, live music performances, panel discussions and more.
SUN announces co-op solar initiative
The Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Metro Richmond 2023 Solar and EV Charger Co-op to help residents and small businesses in the Metro Richmond area go solar.
Chesterfield-Colonial Heights announces housing assistance guide
In response to rising levels of housing insecurity, the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services has created a digital housing assistance guide to help residents access critical resources at their convenience.
Ornithologist and wildlife ecologist J. Drew Lanham to address racism and the great outdoors
McArthur Fellow J. Drew Lanham, an ornithologist and wildlife ecology professor at Clemson University, will deliver VCU Libraries’ 2023 Social Justice Lecture to discuss “Coloring the Conservation Conversation.”
Opening set for GRTC’s new $2.2M transfer station
GRTC will officially cut the ribbon to open its new $2.2 million Downtown transfer station at 8th and Clay streets on Monday, Sept. 11.
Afrikana Film Festival returns next week
The Afrikana Independent Film Festival returns Sept. 14-17 with more than 50 films, workshops and panel discussions.
VSU students help address teacher shortage
On Tuesday, students in Virginia State University’s College of Education got a head start on their careers while helping to address teacher shortages in Petersburg through a new program. Starting this semester, five VSU students began work as teachers in Petersburg’s K-12 school system as part of VSU’s Hybrid Education Residency Opportunity (HERO) program.
Regional transportation alliance elects new leadership
Chesterfield County Supervisor Christopher M. Winslow and Hanover County Supervisor W. Canova Peterson will lead the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization for the 2024 fiscal year.
National Recovery Month program
A Church Hill restaurant is teaming with Richmond area playwright and author Raymond Goode to mark September as National Recovery Month in the city, it has been announced.
Turf takes the field in Chesterfield County
The first turf field in Chesterfield County Public Schools officially opened Aug. 24. Before the L.C. Bird High School Skyhawks hosted the Rapids of James River High School to kick off football season, a ribbon-cutting took place on the 50-yard line of Bird High’s new Sprinturf Ultrablade field.
VUU’s Garcia named All-American
Virginia Union University’s Hayden Garcia, who competed in 2022-23 as a graduate student for the VUU Golf Team, has been named an All-American by The Black College Golf Coaches Association and Golf Coaches Association of America, it was announced last Thursday.
VCU Health’s Bridging the Gap program receives $5M grant for community violence intervention initiatives
Bridging the Gap, a VCU Health program geared toward community violence intervention at the bedside and in the community, was among six recipients of a $5 million grant to sustain the work of hospital-based community violence intervention programs (HVIPs) in Virginia.
Science Museum’s space exhibit closing
Richmonders interested in space and how astronauts survive it have just a few days to experience it at the Science Museum of Virginia, as the “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience” exhibition will end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.
New principals appointed at RPS schools
Richmond Public Schools welcomed one new principal and five new interim principals with the start of a new school year and Superintendent Jason Kamras used his daily newsletter, RPS Direct, to give each of the appointees a brief introduction last Thursday.
Free Press announces new hires, summer interns from Stanford, VCU
Managing editor Bonnie Newman Davis recognized during Black journalists convention
The Richmond Free Press continues to expand, with two summer interns helping to cover some of the most important topics for the Richmond community and longtime contributors joining the staff in a full-time or extended capacity.
McClellan announces photo competition
Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan is inviting residents of Virginia’s 4th Congressional District to share their vision of the area and its community with her and, potentially, the nation at large.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations increase
COVID-19 hospitalization rates have risen 77% in Virginia so far this month amid signs of a late summer wave sweeping the country, according to Axios. COVID diagnoses in Virginia emergency rooms have risen every week since the end of June, per data released by the Virginia Department of Health yesterday.
August spells spirit of giving
Churches, corporations and RPD provide resources for schools, students
In the weeks and days leading up to Richmond area students entering a new school year, several churches, businesses and other organizations stepped up to provide backpacks, clothing, shoes, lunchboxes and even cash in an effort to ensure that children have the basics for learning.
I-95 Express Lanes, Fredericksburg extension open
New road estimated to save drivers 35 minutes when coming from D.C. during rush hour
A new, 10-mile extension of the 95 Express Lanes to Fredericksburg opens to mainline traffic late on Aug. 17, according to the Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin administration.
GRTC increasing drivers, ridership
GRTC is starting to fill driver vacancies and could have a full complement of 300 drivers before the end of the year based on current recruitment, according to a report to the regional transit company’s board Tuesday.
Down Home Family Reunion is ‘Bringing the World Home’
The 32nd Annual Down Home Family Re- union will bring music, dance, stories, food, shopping and enrichment to Jackson Ward’s Abner Clay Park on Saturday, Aug. 19. Presented by the Elegba Folklore Society, this year’s cultural arts festival highlights “A Celebration of African American Folklife.”
City hires urban forester
Michael Webb is the City’s first urban forester. Mr. Webb will work with the community to develop the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan.
Richmond fireman Rodney Jermaine Coles, 49, dies
The Richmond Fire Department has announced the death of a 15-year veteran, Rodney Jermaine “Cup” Coles.
Rep. McClellan addresses climate crisis during museum roundtable
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, was joined by National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy on Monday to tour the Science Museum of Virginia’s exhibit, “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience.”
VCU Medical Center leads again in annual ranking
For the 13th consecutive year, Virginia Commonwealth Uni- versity Medical Center has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital in the Metro Richmond area by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Hospitals rankings for 2023 and 2024.
DHR approves 7 state historical highway markers
City’s African burial ground, Washington Park to be recognized; Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup hailed
The Virginia Board of Historic Resources recently approved seven new historical markers that will be placed along roadsides in Virginia. The signs will highlight the City of Richmond’s first municipal African burial ground; three communities founded by formerly enslaved African-Americans after the Civil War; and the life and work of Arthur Crudup, a 20th century blues musician of the Eastern Shore whose song, “That’s All Right,” launched the career of Elvis Presley.
