Local playwright’s ‘Hippocrite’ brings church satire back to stage
“Hippocrite the Musical,” a gospel comedy that sold out its one-night performance last year at the Dominion Energy Center, returns for three shows on July 20 and 21 at The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.
Richmond entrepreneur advances in Black Ambition Prize competition
A Richmond-based food company has been named a semifinalist in the Black Ambition Prize, an entrepreneurial competition founded by Virginia native and music icon Pharrell Williams.
Freedom Reads founder Betts to receive top honor from Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia will award its honorary Patron of Letters degree to poet, lawyer and Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts, the library announced Tuesday.
Local drag performers crowned with ‘Virginia Pride’ titles
Drag royalty was celebrated at the annual Virginia Pride Pageant last Sunday.
Former Ram Owusu Sekyere returns to VCU
VCU Women’s Soccer Head Coach Lindsey Martin recently announced the hiring of Owusu Sekyere as assistant coach. Sekyere returns to VCU after spending the past season as an assistant coach at George Mason. He previously served as a volunteer assistant under Martin for two seasons from 2021-2022.
VUU’s Ny Langley to showcase skills at Harlem’s Rucker Park
Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park is about to get a taste of Panther prowess. Virginia Union University’s basketball standout, Ny Langley, has been invited to participate in the HBCU All Star Dream Classic on Aug. 10, when she’ll compete alongside top collegiate talent.
Richmond basketball bolsters staff: Dollar named assistant coach
Darian Dollar, who served as video coordinator for the University of Richmond’s men’s basketball program last season, has been promoted to assistant coach/director of basketball operations and recruiting, Head Coach Chris Mooney announced last week.
Colonial Downs prepares for 2024 racing season
Colonial Downs Racetrack is gearing up for its 2024 thoroughbred racing season, set to begin July 11. The track announced last week that more than 100 horses have already arrived, with approximately 700 expected during the nine-week season.
NFL Players Choir set for Essence festival performance
The Players Choir, a group composed of current and former NFL players, is scheduled to perform at the 30th Anniversary Essence Festival of Culture on Sunday, July 7.
‘Red, White and Lights’ returns to Meadow Farm
Henrico County hosts its annual Red, White and Lights Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 4, at Meadow Farm Museum in Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road. The free event will begin at 5 p.m. and feature family-friendly entertainment.
Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority names new chief of staff
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) named Kim Cole as the new chief of staff last week. Cole has over 20 years of experience as a housing professional, including executive positions at Inlivian and the District of Columbia Housing Authority.
Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game sells out for 14th straight year
The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game at The Diamond has sold out, the team announced recently. This marks the 14th consecutive year the franchise has sold out its Independence Day game since its inception in 2010.
Historic former hospital site of Community History Fair
A part of Richmond’s past returns next weekend as the site of the former Richmond Community Hospital hosts a Community History Fair to commemorate its 90th anniversary. The event, set for Sunday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., aims to celebrate the institution’s history and raise awareness about its uncertain future.
Richmond Battlefield Park to shutter Tredegar Station, boost river programs
Richmond National Battlefield Park is set to close its visitor contact station at the historic Tredegar Iron Works on July 5. The National Park Service (NPS) has maintained a presence at Tredegar for several years, occupying a small leased space near the entrance to the American Civil War Museum. With the lease expiring this year, park officials are planning to expand their community outreach.
Tribute planned for civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker
The National Park Service will honor Maggie Lena Walker’s 160th birthday with a two-week celebration featuring events across Richmond highlighting the Black banking pioneer’s legacy.
Local BBQ restaurant crowned ‘Best Chef’ at Chicago barbecue competition
The Original Ronnie’s BBQ from Henrico County won the “Best Chef” title at the Six in the City Southern BBQ Experience event in Chicago last month. The competition featured pitmasters and chefs from six southern cities known for their barbecue.
Tribute planned for civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker
The National Park Service will honor Maggie Lena Walker’s 160th birthday with a two-week celebration featuring events across Richmond highlighting the Black banking pioneer’s legacy.
New exhibition explores race and community in Richmond
A new exhibition titled “Race in Richmond: Healing in Richmond” is on display at The Gallery in Main Street Station until June 30. The exhibit features two installations: “I See You – A Portrait Experience” and “I Hear You: A Speaking Experience.”
Virginia Museum of History & Culture to host July 4th Citizenship Ceremony
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture celebrates Independence Day with its annual Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming approximately 75 new citizens. The event, held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, begins at 11 a.m.
Tourism program seeks nominations for awards
Richmond Region Tourism’s BLK RVA program is now accepting nominations for its Community Awards, marking the initiative’s fifth anniversary.
Richmond area health officials promote HIV testing, prevention
In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, health officials in Richmond and Henrico County are urging residents to get tested and learn about prevention methods.
Richmond opens cooling stations to beat extreme heat
As summer temperatures start to spike this week, the City of Richmond is taking steps to help residents stay cool and safe by opening cooling stations in neighborhoods throughout the area.
Military Retirees to host Veterans Awareness Walk
The Military Retirees Club of Richmond is calling on vet- erans, service members and military families to participate in their first “Bridge Over Troubled Waters Walk” on Saturday, June 29, at Belle Isle. The event aims to bring more attention to suicide prevention and the opioid crisis affecting the military community. Partici- pants will gather at 7 a.m. in the Dominion Energy parking lot adjacent to the foot of the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge to register for the 5K walk, which begins at 7:30 a.m. The route will take walkers around Brown’s Island, allow for a photo opportunity at the Tredegar Iron Works, cross over the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge, and conclude back at the Dominion parking lot. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided after the walk. The “Bridge Over Troubled Waters Walk” is being held to show support for veterans, active service members, and their families affected by mental health issues and substance abuse. For additional information, please contact the Military Retirees Club of Richmond at (804) 400-9473.
Conservative Coalition selects Will Archer as chairman
The Virginia Faith & Freedom Coalition recently announced that Will Archer, a pastor with over 30 years of experience, has been elected as their new chairman. VAFFC is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s affiliate with the Faith & Freedom Coalition, a national conservative political advocacy non-profit.
Gardeners’ plant sale and festival in Henrico
The Henrico Master Gardener Association holds its annual Spring Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8. The free event will be held at the Recreation Center at Deep Run Park, at 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
Bishop William Barber II to visit St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Bishop William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and founder of Repairers of the Breach, will join St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for its Sunday service of Holy Eucharist on June 9, 2024. This event is part of Bishop Barber’s national preaching tour.
Solar-powered apartments set to rise in Henrico
A groundbreaking ceremony on May 30 marked the start of construction for The Helios, an affordable housing project in Henrico County. This solar-powered apartment complex is a collaborative effort between Richmond-based Spy Rock Real Estate Group and Crescent Development, aimed at increasing affordable housing units in the region by 2040. The development will occupy the site of the former Days Inn motel at 5701 Chamberlayne Road, with an expected completion by the end of 2025.
Virginia War Memorial opens new exhibit on D-Day Landings
A new Virginia War Memorial exhibit, “D+80: Virginians in the Normandy Invasion,” opens on June 6 the 80th anniversary of D-Day when American and Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in France in 1944 during World War II.
Jubilation in June returns with music, fireworks
The city of Richmond will host the 3rd Annual Jubilation in June Weekend, a series of free public events featuring live music performances and community resources.
Victory Church of God in Christ to offer free summer meals for children
Victory Church of God in Christ is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals to children throughout the summer. The initiative aims to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school break.
Artist talk to explore African-American ceramics, collaboration
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia will host an artist talk titled “Re(CLAY)mation of Collaboration Intersections” 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8.
Floodwall testing to impact traffic
Motorists and pedestrians should prepare for road closures and detours in several areas of Richmond next week as the city conducts its annual floodwall testing.
New Hampton Jazz and Music Festival plays up diverse lineup
Taking a cue from a popular Richmond event, the long-running Hampton Jazz Festival has changed its name. The 50-year-old festival, originally a celebration of Hampton University, is now the Hampton Jazz and Music Festival. Over the years, it has featured top names in soul, pop and jazz.
UR Hall of Fame basketball player, radio, TV analyst Beckwith dies at 60
Greg Beckwith, who served as University of Richmond’s basketball radio and television analyst for more than 20 years following his hall of fame career as a UR guard, died Friday at age 60.
Richmond tunes up for summer concert season
As summer approaches, outdoor concert series are gearing up at two of the more picturesque venues around the city.
Researchers find key to drug resistance in breast cancer
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a biological process that allows breast tumor cells to develop resistance to standard treatment, a finding that could lead to more effective therapies for the disease.
Woodland Cemetery historical marker to be dedicated
A state historical marker honoring Woodland Cemetery, the resting place for many prominent figures in Richmond’s African American community from the late 19th to 20th centuries, will be dedicated this weekend in Henrico County.
University of Richmond Spiders football joins Patriot League
The University of Richmond has accepted an invitation for its football team to join the Patriot League, the institution announced Tuesday. This move comes after the Spiders’ successful stint in the Colonial Athletic Association, with the transition expected to occur ahead of the 2025 season.
Richmond Jazz Festival announces 2024 lineup
Organizers of the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival recently unveiled the lineup for the 2024 event, set for Aug. 9-11 at Maymont. Hip-hop artist Ludacris, R&B singer Fantasia, and jazz pianist Bob James are among the headliners announced for the three-day festival’s two stages.
VSU selects new provost, vice president for academic affairs
Virginia State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Tia A. Minnis as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Minnis brings over 15 years of leadership experience in higher education to her new role.
Museum appoints curator of Indigenous American art
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently named Siera Hyte (Cherokee Nation) as its first Schiller Family Curator of Indigenous American Art. Hyte starts her role on Aug. 26.
University of Richmond law professor receives grant to research Black legal issues
Marissa Jackson Sow, a law professor at the University of Richmond, was recently awarded a $27,000 grant from the Institute of International Education to support her research on Black and Indigenous legal issues.
Fiber artist Lauri Jenkins wins Arts Center’s Master Teacher Award
Lauri Jenkins, a fiber artist whose journey with sewing began in her teenage years, was recognized for her contributions to the Visual Arts Center of Richmond with the 2024 Shelly Shepherd Master Teacher Award. Ms. Jenkins received the award May 11 at the center’s 38th Annual Collectors’ Night, a fundraising event presented by Dominion Energy.
Richmond native named 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts
Christian Trimmingham, a senior from Richmond studying at Interlochen Arts Academy, has been selected as a 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Awarded by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, this honor recognizes Christian as one of the top 20 high school artists in the United States.
Henrico to create trust to enhance access to affordable homeownership
Henrico County will establish an affordable housing trust with $60 million in cash and a dedicated revenue stream from new economic development, transforming local efforts to make homeownership possible for more of the area’s workforce, according to a press release from county officials.
Click It or Ticket campaign launches ahead of Memorial Day
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches and summer beckons, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement emphasize the importance of seat belt usage. The national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign is now underway, running until June 2, aiming to enhance road safety across the state.
Department of Veterans Services hosts Memorial Day ceremonies
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services will hold a Memorial Day ceremony 11a.m. Monday, May 27, at the Virginia War Memorial, at 621 S. Belvidere St.
EMS & firefighters remembered
For more than 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, firefighters and EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the previous year, are honored at a memorial service.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers free admission to military on Memorial Day
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture honors active duty military personnel and veterans by offering free admission on Monday, May 27. This initiative is part of the museum’s Memorial Day observance, aimed at expressing gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces.
The Legendary Ingramettes headline Friday Cheers
The Legendary Ingramettes, a renowned local gospel group founded in the 1960s, will headline the Friday Cheers concert series on Brown’s Island this week. Known for their powerful vocals and inspirational performances, the Ingramettes are part of a special night of music of artists from Richmond.
