Richmond Kickers unveil massive new video board at City Stadium
City Stadium is about to get a serious upgrade. The Richmond Kickers, in partnership with Ivy Soccer Clubs and the RVA Sports Foundation, have announced the installation of a new, cutting-edge video scoreboard that promises to transform the match-day experience.
National Museum of African American History and Culture to release first sports photography book
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will publish its inaugural sports photography book, “Game Changers: Sports Photographs from the National Museum of African American History and Culture,” on Sept. 17.
Norfolk State debuts in MEAC/SWAC Challenge with narrow loss
In a heart-stopping season opener, the Florida A&M Rattlers barely escaped the Norfolk State Spartans’ upset bid, squeaking out a 24-23 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday night.
Killer Mike among panelists for University of Richmond event
The University of Richmond will host a panel discussion on the future of free expression, featuring rapper Killer Mike among the panelists.
Sportable and First Tee Greater Richmond partner for adaptive golf
Adaptive sports in Central Virginia are about to take a swing forward.
Red Cross faces emergency blood shortage as severe weather disrupts donations
The American Red Cross is grappling with a nationwide blood emergency as severe weather, including the remnants of Hurricane Debby, has significantly impacted blood donations across the country. Residents in unaffected areas are urged to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets to help replenish the critical supply.
Indian fashion, entertainment highlighted at AKKA World Kannada Conference
The AKKA World Kannada Confer- ence comes to the Greater Richmond Convention Center Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. The 12th annual event will celebrate Indian culture with fashion, entertainment, and performances from notable Indian artists. The conference will open with a free parade 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. The parade will start at 5th and Leigh streets and proceed through the Jackson Ward neighborhood, cov- ering approximately half a mile. The event is expected to draw over 4,000 attendees. The conference will feature a variety of performances, including dance dramas, ballet, and singing. Vijay Prakash, renowned for his Oscar-winning song from “Slum- dog Millionaire,” will headline the event. Additional activities include sports such as cricket, pickleball, golf and chess, with prizes awarded to partici- pants. The weekend will also offer seven forums on diverse topics ranging from business to medicine. AKKA (Association of Kannada Kootas of America) aims to promote and pre- serve the Kannada language and culture, which has a history spanning over 2,000 years and is predominantly spoken in Southern India. Tickets for the conference are $250, which includes food, entertainment and networking opportunities. For further details, visit akka- online.org.
Walmart introduces testing and treatment services at Richmond pharmacies
Walmart has launched a new testing and treatment service at all of its pharmacy locations in the Richmond area, allowing customers to be tested and treated for flu, strep, and COVID-19 in a single visit. The program, now available statewide across Virginia, is part of Walmart’s broader initiative to expand convenient access to health care.
FAMU, Alabama State lead the charge in HBCU Preseason All-America team
Florida A&M and Alabama State are flexing their muscles early, dominating the 2024 HBCU Preseason All-American football team announced Wednesday.
Community meeting on Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground
The Shockoe Project invites the Richmond community to participate in a engagement session focused on gathering public input for the memorialization of the historic Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground.
MJBL crowns 8 champions at Inner City Classic
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League crowned eight champions at its 33rd Annual Inner City Classic national championships, overcoming weather challenges.
‘Exploring Human Origins’ exhibition comes to Union Seminary
Union Presbyterian Seminary’s William Smith Morton Library will host the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s traveling exhibition, “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” The exhibit will run Sep. 3 through Nov. 15, offering an opportunity to delve into the world of human evolution.
Grammy-winning Arrested Development to headline 2nd Street Festival
The 36th Annual 2nd Street Festival returns on Oct. 5-6 in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.
Events to honor slave rebellions and black cemeteries
The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality, in collaboration with the Shockoe Bottom Community Advisory Group, will hold a series of events to honor Gabriel’s Rebellion, the legacy of Black cemeteries and historic slave revolts in Virginia and elsewhere.
Louisa NAACP to celebrate African American heritage
The Louisa Branch NAACP will celebrate Black History and Culture with Louisa’s 4th Annual African American Heritage Festival on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 pm.
Virginia Derby on track for qualifier at Colonial Downs
The Virginia Derby is set to become a major player on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
FXA Sports, Be Social Richmond merge to expand adult sports offerings
FXA Sports, one of the nation’s largest adult sports leagues, has announced a merger with Be Social Richmond to expand and enhance adult sports opportunities in the Richmond area. The merger will combine resources, leagues and sports options for a more comprehensive sports experience.
Richmond Flying Squirrels set to soar in 2025
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have announced their game schedule for the 2025 season, marking their 15th year in the league and the 40th season of baseball at The Diamond.
NASCAR’s Rajah Caruth teams up with Microsoft to turbocharge VUU
Virginia Union University just got a serious upgrade, thanks to NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth and tech giant Microsoft. On Aug. 9 during NASCAR’s Race Weekend, Caruth rolled into the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center with a state-of-the-art driving simulator in tow, ready to shift VUU’s educational resources into high gear.
VCU Men’s Soccer adds 6 newcomers for 2024 season
Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Soccer Coach Dave Giffard has announced the addition of six players ahead of the 2024 season. The new recruits, hailing from both local and international backgrounds, are set to join the Rams as they look to build on their success as defending Atlantic 10 Champions.
Down Home festival celebrates African American culture
The 33rd Annual Down Home Family Reunion, a celebration of African American folklife, is set for Aug. 17 in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward.
VPM marks start of construction on new Downtown headquarters
In June 2023, VPM unveiled plans for a cutting-edge headquarters in the heart of Downtown Richmond’s Historic Monroe Ward. On Thursday, community members and VPM representatives gathered at the future site at 15 E. Broad St. to celebrate the start of construction in a unique way— with a block party.
Businesses and volunteers rally to support students’ back-to-school needs
Last week, the Seventh Annual Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive brought together community leaders, volunteers and business partners to ensure students are prepared for the upcoming academic year.
BHMVA earns national designation, secures $320K in grants
he Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia has been designated as a member of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network, a program that preserves stories of the Civil Rights Movement.
Metro health districts promote vaccination during national awareness month
As August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, the Richmond and Henrico health districts are launching a campaign to emphasize the critical role of vaccinations in public health.
Henrico schools expand student ID program
Henrico County Public Schools will roll out new multifunctional ID cards for all 50,000 students when classes resume Aug. 19, expanding on a transportation pilot program from last year.
Area health districts promote breastfeeding support during national awareness month
Richmond and Henrico health districts are highlighting their breastfeeding support programs as part of National Breastfeeding Month. This year’s theme is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive.”
Finalists for BLK RVA Community Awards
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation on Wednesday announced finalists for the inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards.
Richmond prepares for Tropical Storm Debby’s impact
The City of Richmond is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Debby as it approaches the area, according to a press release from city officials. Although recent forecasts have reduced expected rainfall totals, the heaviest precipitation is anticipated to occur Thursday night into Friday morning.
Paralympic star Jenifer coaches youths at Richmond wheelchair basketball camp
Two-time Paralympic gold medalist Trevon “Trey” Jenifer served as guest coach at Sportable’s Wheelchair Basketball Camp last weekend.
Virginia Union’s Micah Kipruto wins HBCU Sports Runner of the Year Award
Micah Kipruto, a senior from Lessos, Kenya, at Virginia Union University, has been honored as the Men’s Cross-Country Runner of the Year by HBCU Sports. The announcement came July 27, recognizing Kipruto’s outstanding performance throughout the season.
VUU’s Byers makes star-studded HBCU preseason All-American team
Florida A&M and Alabama State are flexing their muscles early, dominating the 2024 HBCU Preseason All-American Football Team announced Wednesday.
Local songwriter contributes to Stellar Award-winning gospel album
A song by local songwriter Anthony “Junebug” Turner Jr. is featured on Ricky Dillard’s “Choirmaster II” album, which won two categories at the 39th Stellar Awards in Las Vegas on July 20.
Steampunk exhibition gears up for final days
The Science Museum of Virginia is counting down the final days of its “Discover Steampunk” exhibition, set to close Sunday, Aug. 18. The interactive showcase, which has been entertaining visitors since February, offers a unique blend of art, science and Victorian-era imagination.
Library of Virginia names finalists for 2024 Literary Awards
The Library of Virginia recently announced the 12 finalists for its 27th Annual Virginia Literary Awards.. This year’s finalists represent a broad range of genres, highlighting the Commonwealth’s vibrant literary culture.
Juicy fun awaits at Watermelon Festival
The 42nd Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival, presented by Publix, returns to Richmond on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Florida A&M tops Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll
The Florida A&M Rattlers, the defending HBCU national champions, will enter the 2024 season as the top-ranked team in the Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll, released Thursday by Boxtorow.
VUU track stars Hinton, Jones earn VaSID All-State honors
In a testament to their outstanding perfor- mances this season, Virginia Union University’s track and field program has seen two of its athletes named to the 2024 VaSID All-State Indoor Track & Field Team. Junior sprinter and hurdler Jalen Hinton, hailing from Chesapeake, secured a spot on the First Team, showcasing his exceptional speed and technique. Freshman Zachary Jones from Chester, made his mark in the throws category, earning a place on the Second Team. VUU Track & Field Coach Franck Charles expressed his pride in the athletes’ achievements. “I am very proud of both guys for getting rec- ognition,” Charles stated. “They truly deserve it, as they have worked very hard and overcome a lot this past season.” The Virginia Sports Information Directors selects these prestigious teams annually, rec- ognizing top performers across 44 All-State teams in 23 sports. The organization, open to media relations professionals from universi- ties and conferences throughout Virginia, also names an Academic All-State squad and crowns All-Sports champions in both University and College Divisions. Hinton and Jones’ selections not only high- light their individual talents but also underscore the strength of VUU’s track and field program. All eyes will be on these rising stars to see how they build on this recognition in future competitions.
VCU basketball faces tough non-conference slate
Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team faces a challenging 2024-25 non-conference schedule, including potential matchups with five NCAA Tournament teams and two recent Final Four participants.
Richmond musicians receive $12,500 from Newlin Music Prize
The Newlin Music Prize has awarded $12,500 to 40 Richmond area musicians, recognizing past winners and nominees from its inception in 2022. This distribution follows an increase in prize money for the 2024 award and honor artists from previous years.
Richmond Crusade for Voters organizes forums for mayoral and council candidates
The Richmond Crusade for Voters, the city’s oldest political organization, has announced a series of public forums to be held in August, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates for mayor, City Council and the School Board.
Middlesex church to dedicate state historical marker
Antioch Baptist Church of Saluda will dedicate a state historical highway marker on Saturday, August 3, at noon. The ceremony will take place at the church, 159 Oakes Landing Road in Saluda.
Landmark African American architect’s home to be restored at VSU
Virginia State University has received a $150,000 grant to preserve Azurest South, a historic home designed by one of the first documented female African American architects.
Science Museum lauded for accessibility efforts
The Science Museum of Virginia was recently recognized for its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusiveness during Disability Pride Month.
Union deal boosts pay for Richmond schools staff
Approximately 200 custodial and plant services workers at Richmond Public Schools have ratified their first-ever collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 322, union officials announced Tuesday.
SAU retains accreditation as football program suspended for 2024-25
Saint Augustine’s University, the nation’s oldest historically Black Episcopal university, will retain its accreditation following a unanimous decision by an arbitration panel to reverse a previous ruling, school officials announced recently.
Longtime Richmond pastor set to end 45-year ministry
Dr. Arthur M. Jones Sr., pastor of Triumphant Baptist Church in Richmond, recently announced his retirement after 45 years of service. His last day as pastor will be July 28.
CIAA unveils 2024 football broadcast schedule
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its broadcast lineup for the upcoming 2024 football season, featuring games on HBCU GO, a streaming service dedicated to Historically black colleges and universities, and the conference’s own CIAA Sports Network.
Chesterfield County unveils inaugural sports hall of fame class
In a landmark moment for local sports history, the Chesterfield County Sports Hall of Fame, presented by Virginia Credit Union, has announced its inaugural class of inductees.
CIAA football preseason poll
Virginia State tops rankings, Virginia Union second
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has released its 2024 football preseason conference poll, with Virginia State University claiming the top spot. This marks a significant improvement for the Trojans, who were picked to finish fifth last season but landed in third place behind Virginia Union and Fayetteville State.
