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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Norfolk State names new football coaching staff under Vick
Norfolk State University has announced its new football coaching staff, led by Coach Michael Vick. The team of experienced coaches, including several former NFL players, reflects a commitment to building a competitive program on the field and fostering growth off it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hampton honors the ‘Dixie Three’ for defying segregation at hospital
The City of Hampton dedicated a Heritage marker Saturday morning to recognize three Black nurses who, in 1963, risked their careers to challenge segregation at Dixie Hospital in Hampton.
Randolph-Macon to host 2027 NCAA DIII Women’s Volleyball Championship
Randolph-Macon College recently snagged the honor of hosting the 2027 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Set for the Henrico Sports & Events Center, just 8 miles from the Ashland campus, the event promises to shine a national spotlight on Central Virginia.
Vick lands first quarterback commitment at Norfolk State
Norfolk State University Coach Michael Vick has secured his first quarterback commitment as an HBCU coach in Earl Woods III, a former Alabama high school standout.
Exhibit explores Virginia’s Vietnam War experiences
Medals, letters, protest banners and personal keepsakes tell the stories of Virginians whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War in a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Azurest South named a national historic landmark
Virginia State University announced this week that Azurest South, also known as the Alumni House, has been designated as one of the nation’s newest National Historic Landmarks. The designation was part of a group of 19 new NHLs revealed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The designation is the highest federal recognition for a property’s historical, architectural or archaeological significance.
McEachin announces re-election bid for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Colette McEachin, Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney, officially launched her campaign for re-election this week, seeking the Democratic nomination in the June 17 primary.
Volunteers needed for free health care clinic in Cumberland
Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit organization providing free dental, vision and medical care through pop-up clinics, is seeking volunteers for its two-day health care clinic in Cumberland. The clinic will be held March 29-30 at Cumberland High School, located at 15 School Road in Cumberland.
Richmond churches plan faith-based racial healing initiative
St. Philip’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches are collaborating on “Walking with the Enslaved: The Church’s Role in Slavery,” a faith-based program focused on addressing Richmond’s racial history and promoting racial healing.
Coach Tierra Terry celebrates 50th career win as Virginia Union dominates
Virginia Union University’s women’s basketball team started the new year with style, delivering an 82-53 thrashing of Virginia University of Lynchburg on Sunday at Barco-Stevens Hall.
Sharpton to lead King Day events in D.C. to honor Dr. King’s legacy
The Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, will lead a series of events in Washington, D.C., and New York during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday. These events will serve aim to rally support for civil rights issues, including voting rights, diversity, equity and inclusion and criminal justice reform, as a second Trump administration nears.
Fifth Street Baptist to host 23rd annual MLK event
A quiet reflection will precede an afternoon of celebration as the 23rd Annual MLK Community Celebration & Drum Major Awards takes center stage Sunday, Jan. 12, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, honoring those who live out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and leadership.
Virginia State outlasts Johnson C. Smith for 75-68 victory
Virginia State University surged in the second half to defeat Johnson C. Smith University 75-68 in an exciting back-and-forth battle Saturday.
Library of Virginia to host virtual talk on historic mapping project
The Library of Virginia will present a virtual talk Jan. 22 from noon to 1 p.m., focusing on the 19th century mapping project that led to the creation of the first official map of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The talk will delve into the surveying efforts and teams that contributed to the detailed manuscript maps of each county, which ultimately formed the foundation for the engraved Virginia state map, often referred to as “the general map.”
“MathAlive!” exhibition nears final days at Science Museum
The Science Museum of Virginia’s touring exhibition “MathAlive!” closes this Sunday, Jan. 12, providing visitors this weekend the chance to explore the interactive display showcasing the connections between mathematics and music, sports, movies and games.
Virginia Holocaust Museum completes major renovation, adds new theater
The Virginia Holocaust Museum recently completed a significant renovation, marking its most extensive update since the museum’s inception. The renovated space, located in a 1896 tobacco warehouse in the Shockoe Bottom district, enhances the museum’s ability to educate visitors on the history of the Holocaust.
