Library of Virginia event explores Jimmie Strother’s music and legacy
On March 7, the Library of Virginia will take visitors back to a time when street musicians roamed the Upper South, sharing the music and stories of their lives. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., the library will host a free music performance and book talk focused on Jimmie Strother, a blind Virginia songster whose recordings from 1936 continue to influence American music today.
Henrico employee receives $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A CEO
At Chick-fil-A White Oak Village on Feb. 26, Taylor Powell, a Rise Academy student and employee, was surprised with a $25,000 scholarship as part of Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships program. The scholarship will support Powell’s plans to attend the University of Virginia, where she intends to major in psychology and pursue a career as a clinical child psychologist.
Virginia Union’s Maia Charles earns Rookie of the Year honors
Virginia Union University’s Maia Charles was named the CIAA Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, a well- deserved honor announced Sunday, Feb. 23, at the CIAA Tournament Awards Ceremony in Baltimore.
New round of funding to preserve Virginia’s diverse historical narratives
History is alive across Virginia, from museums and archives to tribal centers and cultural institutions. A new round of funding from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will support those efforts, awarding more than $500,000 to 11 organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing the Commonwealth’s past.
Richmond Ballet prepares for first performance at VMFA in decades
As renovations to the Leslie Cheek Theater at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts near completion, the museum and Richmond Ballet have announced that beginning March 20, the ballet company will move its repertory series, now known as “Moving Art,” to the theater.
Richmond names Scott Morris director of public utilities
The City of Richmond has appointed Scott Morris as the permanent director of the Department of Public Utilities, officials announced Friday.
Nutzy’s Block Party set for March 1 at The Diamond
The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host their annual Nutzy’s Block Party on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Diamond.
Dozens take oath of citizenship at Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The auditorium at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture was filled to capacity Presidents Day, Feb. 17, as more than 60 people from nearly 40 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony led by Judge David J. Novak.
Vick announces three new additions to Norfolk State football staff
Norfolk State football Coach Michael Vick announced three additions to his coaching staff Wednesday, welcoming Tim Smith, DeCedrick Quinn Sr. and Wilson Appleton for the 2025 season.
Staley to release memoir detailing her career, life lessons
Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star, will publish a book titled “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three” on May 20.
Chesterfield academy to offer government insight for local residents
Chesterfield County, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), is accepting applications for this year’s My Chesterfield Academy. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 17.
Chris Jasper, legendary Isley Brothers member, dies at 73
Chris Jasper, the renowned singer, songwriter and producer who helped shape the sound of The Isley Brothers, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 73. His death followed a cancer diagnosis in December 2024.
VCU dominates second half to take down George Mason 70-54
VCU used a dominant second half to power past George Mason 70-54 on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 7,637 at the Siegel Center, pulling the Rams into a tie for first place in the Atlantic 10.
HGTV stars headline Richmond Home + Garden Show
The Richmond Home + Garden Show will feature HGTV stars Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, co-hosts of “Unsellable Houses,” from Feb. 28 to March 2, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The twin sisters will share their home and design expertise with attendees on Feb. 28 and March 1, offering advice on budget-friendly home improvements and real estate insights.
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.
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.
Virginia golfer among finalists for Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Virginia golfer Amanda Sambach has earned a spot in the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, joining an elite field of top players from around the globe.
CIAA to celebrate 50th anniversary of women’s basketball tournament in 2025
The CIAA marks the 50th anniversary of its Women’s Basketball Tournament at the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, set for Feb. 25 through March 1 at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
VUU to play SIAC champion Miles College in opener
The Virginia Union University football team, the defending CIAA champions, will kick off the 2025 season with an appearance in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Canton, Ohio.
FXA Sports, 804 Softball team up to enhance local leagues
Coed softball players in the local area will soon have more opportunities to take the field. FXA Sports, a leading provider of adult recreational sports leagues in Virginia, has merged with 804 Softball to expand league offerings in the region.
Richmond cancer survivor featured in national campaign
As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month approaches in March, Richmond resident CiNease Freeman is taking her story to a national stage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
