Outdoor Festivals signal the changing seasons in Richmond
As sure as the temperatures begin to rise, Richmond’s festival season begins, signaling the arrival of spring. The city’s streets and parks become gathering places for food, music and celebration as locals shake off the winter chill and welcome the outdoors again.
Concert honors Sister Rosetta Tharpe at Hippodrome
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a former Barton Heights resident often called the “mother of rock & roll,” helped shape modern music with her pioneering guitar work and gospel-infused rock style. Her influence can be heard in the music of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. During the height of her career, Tharpe made Richmond her home, and now a group of musicians are coming together to honor her legacy.
Former rivals partner to bring racing back to Southside Speedway
Friday night racing is set to return to the Richmond area as Southside Speedway prepares for a revival under new leadership.
State officials highlight flood dangers, urge preparedness
As Virginians prepare for the upcoming spring downpours and hurricane season, state officials are urging residents to assess their flood risk and consider flood insurance during Virginia Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs March 9-15.
Orchard House Middle School to host screening of ‘Daughters’
Orchard House Middle School will host a public screening of “Daughters” on March 20 in partnership with Girls For a Change. The documentary follows four young girls as they prepare for a Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, examining the impact of separation on their relationships.
Sigma Gamma Rho to host youth symposium focused on girls’ empowerment
In response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of young girls, the Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority will host its annual Youth Symposium on March 8 at Fairfield Middle School.
Calendar-Ray honored for a lifetime of community service
Cassandra Calendar-Ray was honored Feb. 22 for her dedication to improving the lives of Virginia families at a ceremony held at The Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center in Louisa. The NAACP Branch #7085 recognized her with the NAACP Phenomenal Woman Plaque and the Harry Leroy Nuckols Memorial Certificate of Recognition for her exceptional community service.
Two-day event to bring women together for inspiration, community
Women seeking encouragement, spiritual renewal and community support will come together for “Empowered Women of Faith: Inspiring Change and Breaking Barriers.”
Fireworks, giveaways, special jerseys spotlight Squirrel’s 15th season
A night at a Richmond Flying Squirrels game is about more than baseball. Whether it’s fireworks lighting up the sky, fans walking away with unique giveaways or special theme nights transforming The Diamond, the Squirrels have built their reputation on making every game an event.
Byers named Black College Football Player of the Year
Jada Byers, a record-setting rusher at Virginia Union University, was recently named Black College Football Player of the Year by the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Richmond SCLC elects new officers, board members
The Richmond chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference chose new officers and board members during its election Feb. 27.
Woodford announces bid for Virginia’s 73rd House District
Justin Woodford recently announced his candidacy for Virginia’s 73rd District in the House of Delegates, focusing his campaign on issues affecting working and middle-class residents.
Virginia State captures CIAA title, awaits NCAA selection
Virginia State claimed its first CIAA men’s basketball championship since 2019 with a 71-64 victory over Bluefield State in the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. .
Richmond to host Broadway hits, including ‘The Wiz,’ ‘The Outsiders’
Broadway in Richmond recently unveiled its 2025-2026 season lineup, which will feature four Richmond premieres, two returning family favorites and the return of an iconic musical.
Lenten Lunch series to highlight women in faith leadership
Fifty years ago, the Episcopal Church ordained its first female clergy, a milestone that reshaped faith leadership. This Lenton season, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will mark the anniversary by hosting a special lunch and speaker series featuring women in ministry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
