Talk to explore lives of slaves and free persons in 1860
On Nov. 9, an online audience will explore the everyday lives of enslaved and free African Americans on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, guided by a historical lens on housing and community resilience. Historian Douglas W. Sanford will present “Interpreting the Evidence for African American History: Virginia’s Slave Quarters and Free Blacks on the Middle Peninsula in 1860,” hosted by the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society at 11 a.m.
Va. museums partner for major exhibition on America’s 250th anniversary
Two of Virginia museums, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, are teaming up to present “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation,” a landmark exhibition marking America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibition will debut at the VMHC on March 22, 2025, in line with the anniversary of Patrick Henry’s historic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech. Sponsored by VA250, Virginia’s official semiquincenten- nial planning commission, the exhibition will be displayed in Richmond before embarking on a statewide tour. “Virginia’s history is essential to understanding the American founding,” said Jamie O. Bosket, CEO of the VMHC. “This exhibition presents a full narrative of our national story, covering its victories and struggles and amplifying the many voices that together built our Commonwealth and our nation.” “Give Me Liberty” will be one of the first major exhibits in the nation commemorating the anniversary, with a focus on Virginia’s role in the American Revolution and the global influences that inspired democratic government. Important items, including a por- trait of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale and Patrick Henry’s spectacles, will showcase Virginia’s enduring legacy. The exhibition also will include voices from lesser-known groups, such as enslaved and free Black people, Indigenous communities, women and youths. These perspectives, according to Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy S. Coleman, will provide visitors with an opportunity to view the Revolution’s legacy in a fresh light. In addition to notable artifacts like Dunmore’s Proclamation Broadside from 1775 and Thomas Jefferson’s 1774 “Summary
Faith Forum bridges faith, environmental action
A two-day Faith Forum took place Oct. 16-17 in Richmond, bringing together spiritual leaders and environmental experts to equip religious communities with tools to address climate change.
Grant earns CAA Defensive Player of the Week honors
University of Richmond redshirt senior defensive end Jeremiah Grant was named the Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week after playing a pivotal role in Richmond’s 35-24 win over Towson on Nov. 2.
Virginia State dominates Lincoln University in 55-0 shutout
The Virginia State University football team scored over 30 points for the fourth straight game, shutting out Lincoln University 55-0 on Nov. 2.
Henrico teachers receive REB grants to pursue global learning, innovation
Six Henrico County Public Schools educators have received the 2024 REB Award for Teaching Excellence, earning grants of $10,000 to $15,000 to pursue transfor- mative learning experiences. The Community Foundation, which recognizes Richmond area teachers who stand out for their inspiring classroom work, awarded these grants to support hands-on study across a range of fields. A seventh HCPS teacher was honored as a finalist. This year’s awards celebrated 18 teachers regionally, with 14 finalists chosen from a pool of 85 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues. The HCPS recipients were surprised at their schools with announce- ments attended by division leaders, administrators, fellow educators and students. Among the winners, Glen Allen High School’s Ryan Conway will use his $14,900 grant to study teacher train- ing programs and advanced instructional methods in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, focusing on strategies tailored for Generation Alpha, the population born since 2010. Highland
Batiste, Jaouad help VCU Massey celebrate 50 years of care
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center celebrated its 50th anniversary last Thursday night, raising $6 million and announcing a new endowment to help minority cancer patients access treatment.
Veterans Day Ceremony set for Nov. 11 at Virginia War Memorial
The 68th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. The public, veterans and their families are invited to attend the ceremony.
VUU’s Jada Byers sets multiple records in 56-28 win over Bowie State
Virginia Union University’s Jada Byers had a record-setting day as VUU defeated Bowie State 56-28 on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Bowie, Md.
Virginia Holocaust Museum unveils interactive exhibit
The Virginia Holocaust Museum recently announced the opening of “Dimensions in Testimony,” a permanent exhibition featuring interactive Holocaust survivor biographies developed by the USC Shoah Foundation.
Flying Squirrels announce home game times for 2025
As the baseball world turns its attention to the World Series, the Richmond Flying Squirrels are already looking ahead to their 2025 season, announcing game times for their home contests on Wednesday.
Virginia State sweeps Lincoln, edges Shaw to break Bears’ streak
Virginia State University’s Volleyball Team clinched a 3-0 sweep over Lincoln University (Pa.) and followed up with a 3-2 victory over Shaw University on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, handing the Bears their first regular season conference loss since 2022.
Richmond, Henrico health districts encourage women to focus on breast health
As October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approaches its conclusion, the Richmond and Henrico health districts (RHHD) are urging women 25 and older to discuss their breast cancer risks with health care providers. Women age 40 and older are particularly encouraged to undergo regular breast screenings.
Henrico affordable housing program to offer first 30 units for first-time buyers
Henrico County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is set to launch with 30 townhomes becoming available for first-time homebuyers who meet income and eligibility requirements. The initial offerings include 25 units in the Parkside Townes community in Sandston and five units in Discovery Ridge in Western Henrico, officials announced this week.
University of Richmond welcomes community partner-in-residence fellows
The University of Richmond’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement recently named Duane Brown and Faith Walker as community partner-in-residence fellows for the fall semester.
CarMax Park job fair to connect employers with local job seekers
J&G Workforce Development, in collaboration with the City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building and Gilbane, hosts the CarMax Park Job and Resource Exhibition on Nov. 1. This event offers a chance to engage with the historic CarMax Park development, which will become the future home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Nominations open for 4th Annual RVA Sports Awards
Nominations are open for the fourth annual RVA Sports Awards — an event that celebrates Richmond’s top athletes and sports leaders. The online nomination portal is up and running, and it’s open until Dec. 1.
Southside ReLeaf receives $25,000 grant from Robins Foundation
Southside ReLeaf has received a $25,000 grant from the Robins Foundation to strengthen its work in creating green spaces and advancing environmental justice in South Richmond. The funding will help the organization expand its outreach, grow its staff, and enhance its ability to engage with the community.
Black History Museum of Virginia joins network for historical sites
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia has achieved international recognition as one of the inaugural sites in UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church to host memorial service for homeless persons
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in partnership with Homeward and Commonwealth Catholic Charities, will hold a memorial service on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, to honor those who lost their lives this year while facing homelessness. This marks the third annual service coordinated by the three organizations, providing the community an opportunity to remember and honor these individuals.
North Carolina Central University tops poll; top four remain unchanged in Week 9
In the latest HBCU FCS Coaches Poll, North Carolina Central University maintains its position at the top, with the top four teams remaining unchanged from last week. The poll, administered by Boxtorow, a nationally syndicated sports talk show now in its 16th year, is voted on by coaches from the HBCU Football Championship Subdivision.
Baldwin symposium returns to Virginia State with Nikki Giovanni
Virginia State University is set to welcome an extraordinary lineup of scholars, artists, and literary giants for the Second Triennial James Arthur Baldwin International Symposium, headlined by the legendary poet Nikki Giovanni as artist-in-residence.
Reform Alliance and Roc Nation connect job seekers with open positions at job fair
Reform Alliance and Roc Nation organized a job fair in Richmond that connected job seekers with over 1,500 open positions from various employers last week.
Richmond hands Delaware first loss of the season, 28-9
In a fitting conclusion to a long-standing rivalry, the University of Richmond Spiders handed No. 6 Delaware its first loss of the season on Saturday, using four first-half touchdowns to secure a 28-9 victory.
Wellness expo offers free health resources, workshops
Radio One Richmond and Anthem HealthKeepers Plus have joined forces to present their first Community Health and Wellness Expo, a free event designed to promote comprehensive wellness approaches for area residents.
Virginia State defeats Elizabeth City State 36-7
Virginia State University (4-3, 3-1 CIAA) secured a commanding 36-7 victory over Elizabeth City State University (2-5, 0-4 CIAA) in a revenge match after last season’s loss. The Trojans’ defense delivered a stellar performance, holding the Vikings to minus-47 rushing yards.
Squirrel-O-Ween returns to The Diamond
The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host their annual Squirrel-O-Ween event Friday, Oct. 25, at The Diamond from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Panthers’ defense shines in second straight shutout win
Jada Byers rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns, leading Virginia Union University to a 35-0 victory over Elizabeth City State University on Saturday at Hovey Stadium.
Allianz to sponsor new riverfront amphitheater
Allianz Partners, a Germany-based financial services company, has been announced as the title sponsor of Richmond’s new riverfront amphitheater, set to open next summer. The venue, named Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, will span 4 acres in Downtown Richmond and is expected to host 30 shows each season, establishing itself as a prime East Coast destination for top touring artists.
Peggy Davis, VSU athletics VP, dies
Peggy Davis, Virginia State University’s associate vice president for athletics who led the institution’s sports programs to numerous championships and accolades over nearly three decades, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. She was a longtime fixture in NCAA Division II athletics.
Rev. Adkins-Jones returns to preach at Second Baptist Church revival
The Rev. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones, a Richmond native and accomplished theologian, returns to his hometown for a special revival at Second Baptist Church (West End) on Oct. 28-29.
VMFA unveils preliminary designs for major expansion and renovation
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts revealed preliminary architectural designs for its planned expansion and renovation, showcasing what the museum may look like after its transformative project.
Valentine Museum showcases painter Edmund Archer’s works
The Valentine Museum is presenting “Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity,” featuring 10 works by the late artist Edmund Archer (1904-1986). Archer’s art is distinguished by its commitment to faithfully capturing the physical details of his subjects, challenging the prevailing stereotypes of the late Jim Crow era and offering a dignified representation of their humanity.
Richmond National Battlefield Park to honor Black soldiers’ voting in 1864
Richmond National Battlefield Park will mark the anniversary of the 5th United States Colored Troops (USCT) voting in the 1864 presidential election with a special event on Saturday, Nov. 2. Titled Election Day 1864: Black Soldiers Vote on the Front Lines, the program will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Harrison Visitor Center, located at 8761 Battlefield Park Road. The event will feature ranger-led tours, living history demonstrations and hands-on educational activities.
First municipal African burial ground in city gets state recognition
Virginia officials will unveil a state historical marker next week honoring Richmond’s first municipal African cemetery, a site that dates back to 1799.
Florida A&M Rattlers hold top spot in Week 6 HBCU football media poll
The Florida A&M Rattlers continue to dominate the HBCU football landscape, maintaining their No. 1 ranking in the Week 6 BOXTOROW HBCU Media Poll. With a 3-2 record, the Rattlers received 13 first place votes and 193 points overall, solidifying their position at the top of the rankings.
Virginia NAACP names Melanie Campbell as speaker for annual convention
The Virginia NAACP announced that Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, will be the keynote speaker for the Freedom Fund Gala at its 89th Annual Convention in Williamsburg.
Wright leads Virginia Union past Winston-Salem State 31-13
Mark Wright led Virginia Union University to a 31-13 victory over Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Hovey Stadium.
Richmond Tree Week focuses on urban forest restoration
Richmond is set to embrace nature during its fifth annual Richmond Tree Week, Oct. 11 through 20. With over 20 local organizations joining forces, the city will host 40 events dedicated to enhancing the urban forest. Attendees can expect a variety of activities, including volunteer tree plantings, free tree giveaways, workshops, and guided walking and biking tours.
Best-selling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez headlines ‘Read Up Richmond’
The Richmond Public Library hosts its “Read Up Richmond” event 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Main Library. The program features best-selling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez in conversation with historian Linda Janet Holmes.
VCU women’s soccer extends unbeaten streak
The Virgnia Commonwealth University Women’s Soccer team extended their unbeaten streak to five games after a 1-1 draw against St. Bonaventure in Atlantic 10 play on Sunday at Sports Backers Stadium. VCU remains undefeated in conference action with a 1-0-3 record.
Virginia State bounces back with 35-18 win over Fayetteville State
After two consecutive losses, Virginia State University (2-2, 1-0 CIAA) returned to the win column with a 35-18 victory over Fayetteville State (2-2, 1-1 CIAA) on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Trojans used a strong offensive performance led by quarterback Romelo Williams and wide receiver Kevin Gayles to secure the conference win.
William “Bill” Lucy, pioneering labor leader, dies at 90
William “Bill” Lucy, a towering figure in the American labor movement and a champion for civil and human rights, died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at his home in Washington, D.C., at 90 years old.
‘A Long Arc’ brings 175 Years of Southern photography to VMFA
From sepia-toned Civil War battlefields to vibrant snapshots of modern Southern life, a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers a sweeping look at nearly two centuries of photography in the American South.
Leaders gather for veterans and military affairs discussion
On Oct. 3, leaders from across Virginia’s business, military and government sectors will come together at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the 2024 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Executive Forum and V3 Awards Luncheon. Hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the event will highlight efforts to strengthen veteran employment and recognize organizations committed to supporting military families.
VUU Panthers dominate Shaw University in Willard Bailey Classic
The Virginia Union University Panthers showcased a commanding performance in the Willard Bailey Classic, overwhelming Shaw University 42-7 on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Willie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium.
Virginia Union Panthers host Shaw University Bears in home opener
The Virginia Union University Panthers are preparing to kick off their 2024 home football season against the Shaw University Bears.
Sports Backers Executive Director Jon Lugbill retires
Jon Lugbill, the founding executive director of Sports Backers, will retire June 30, 2025, after 31 years leading the nonprofit organization. Since its inception in 1993, Lugbill has overseen the growth of Sports Backers into a leading promoter of active living in the Richmond region.
Native tree distribution event held at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light and Mosby Memorial Baptist Church gave away 200 native trees and shrubs to Richmond residents last Saturday.
State Fair of Virginia returns with concerts, agriculture, family fun
The scent of fried dough and fresh-cut hay will fill the air once again as families stroll through rows of food vendors, games and agricultural exhibits. The State Fair of Virginia, a tradition dating back more than 165 years, is back at The Meadow Event Park from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6 with the theme, “Where Home Grown Happens.”
