Thursday, May 15
Community open mic to honor mothers, Mother Earth
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light will host an open mic night in Richmond on Thursday, May 15, to honor both motherhood and the planet.
Book talk with Bethel Booth to highlight spiritual reflection
Richmond author Bethel Booth will host a book talk and signing Thursday, May 29, at The Queen’s Library Tea Room to celebrate her debut release, “Her Letters to Him: 50 Prayers by a Woman After God’s Heart.”
‘Phenomenal Women, A Cabaret’ to showcase music and storytelling
Ami Brabson, a television and stage actress, will perform “Phenomenal Women, A Cabaret” in Richmond on Sunday, May 18. The show, which blends music and storytelling, centers on the theme “Your Voice is Your Power.”
Asian American Celebration features music, dance and global cuisine
The annual Asian American Celebration returns Saturday, May 17, with a full day of cultural performances, food and family-friendly activities at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Squirrels drop series finale to senators 4-2
The Richmond Flying Squirrels gave up three runs in the first inning and couldn’t recover, falling 4-2 to the Harrisburg Senators on Sunday afternoon at FNB Field.
VSU on par with golf simulator from PGA
Virginia State University has unveiled a new golf simulator donated by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
Burrows, Blunt ace All-CIAA Women’s Tennis Team
Virginia State University’s Alexcie Burrows and Suffolk native Nakari Blunt of Bowie State were among the standout student-athletes named to the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women’s Tennis All-Conference Team.
Richmond beats VCU, 6-3, for coach’s 600th career win
The University of Richmond baseball team defeated Virginia Commonwealth University, 6-3, on Saturday at The Diamond, marking Coach Mik Aoki’s 600th career victory across 24 seasons coaching five NCAA Division I programs.
From Reconstruction to today, equity efforts meet familiar opposition
The United States’ relationship with diversity, equity and inclusion is not anomalous—it is as American as discrimination itself. Since Donald Trump’s first term in office, DEI has become a central political focus of his administration, matching previous efforts in principle but exceeding them in aggression. But Trump is not the first to attack diversity or inclusion, nor is this the first time America has struggled with reconciliation in the pursuit of equality.
Historic Reservations
Last week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of the most endangered historic places. This year’s list includes the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County.
Denied for dissent?
Several Virginia Commonwealth University students who did everything they needed to do to graduate were denied their degree for sitting on the wrong patch of grass on April 29.
Nominations open for BLK RVA Community Awards
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s BLK RVA initiative is now accepting nominations for the second annual BLK RVA Community Awards, presented by Wells Fargo.
RVA Bikeshare offers free rides for National Bike to Work Week
In celebration of National Bike to Work Week, RVA Bikeshare is encouraging Richmond residents to leave their cars behind and hop on one of the program’s electric bikes.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary election continues through Saturday, June 14.
Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes two new members
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has announced the addition of two new members to its team: Carter T. Whitelow and Sarah Muse. Whitelow has joined as vice president of government relations and Muse is the new director of marketing and brand management.
City Council appoints RJ Warren as chief of staff
Richmond City Council has named RJ Warren as its new chief of staff.
Boone named president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Sentara Health has announced the appointment of Elwood Bernard “Bernie” Boone III as the next president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. Boone will assume the role on June 2.
Pamunkey Reservation named among nation’s most endangered historic places
The Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County, home to one of the nation’s oldest Indigenous communities, has been named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Climbing, kayaking and concerts converge at Riverrock weekend
It’s where gravity, grit and groove collide. Richmond’s Dominion Energy Riverrock returns May 17-19 to turn Brown’s Island into a high-octane playground of trail runs, climbing walls, flying dogs and thumping bass lines. Now in its 16th year, the free, three-day adrenaline fest draws over 100,000 fans annually—blending elite outdoor sport with live music in a setting where kayakers battle in polo scrums and boulderers scale walls to roaring crowds.
Bishop Knestout reflects on election of first American pope
Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond recently offered reflections following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope The election, which took place May 8, brought Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, to the papacy as the 267th pope.
City Council approves $3B budget in 6-2 vote
After weeks of discussion, Richmond City Council adopted a $3 billion budget for the City’s 2026 fiscal year in a 6-2 vote during its meeting Monday evening.
Innocence petition for one of ‘Waverly Two’ denied
Efforts to exonerate two men once acquitted of killing a Waverly police officer but still sentenced to life in prison hit a setback Tuesday, as the Virginia Court of Appeals denied an innocence petition filed by Terence Richardson, one of the men known as the “Waverly Two.”
Pope Leo XIV seems well loved — but for how long? by Clarence Page
Once loyal Chicagoans got over the double shock of hearing that a local native, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has been named the 267th pope, some critically important, locally familiar questions came up:
Museum defies Trump’s crusade to rewrite history, by Marc H. Morial
“He can try to rewrite history, but we have the receipts. And as the Smithsonian’s exhibits magnificently illustrate, African Americans have survived — and overcome — much worse than the frothings of a puffed-up president who fancies himself a king.” — Eugene Robinson.
Virginia flood insurance cost ‘dramatically’ rising, as is flood risk
Joshua Carroll owns Valley Auto Spa in Big Stone Gap, one of the many businesses and homes in Southwest Virginia impacted by Hurricane Helene.
VDH faults Richmond over fluoride error at water plant
A notice issued by the Virginia Department of Health Monday to Richmond officials raised further concerns around a brief, accidental increase in fluoride at the City’s wastewater treatment plant last month.
Annual tourism awards highlight achievements in hospitality, events
Richmond Region Tourism recognized key individuals and organizations for their contributions to the area’s hospitality industry during its 2025 Awards and Annual Meeting on May 7 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
‘State of the People Power Tour’ stops in Richmond for education, action
A national movement focused on uplifting and organizing Black communities is making its way to Richmond this weekend, with the “State of the People Power Tour” bringing two days of discussion, education and activism to the city.
Henrico sells homes through affordable housing trust fund
As of April 22, three homes have been purchased through Henrico County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The program, launched in July 2024, aims to reduce the cost of a home for qualifying first-time home buyers.
City Council fires Inspector General James Osuna
It’s unclear why council dismissed Osuna after nearly six years in the role
Richmond’s inspector general, James Osuna, was fired Monday by the City Council after nearly six years on the job. Osuna’s office is overseen by the council and acts as the city’s government watchdog, investigating claims of waste, fraud and abuse.
Buccaneers rookie Shilo Sanders earns early praise at camp
Shilo Sanders walked into his first news conference with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and immediately shook hands with each reporter. Coach Prime’s son knows how to make a first impression on and off the field.
Personality: Joseph S. ‘Joe’ Massie
Spotlight on the honorary chair of the 14th Annual Jazz Inside Out
Youth enrichment and college-prep programs for underserved students helped shape Joe Massie, who was raised in Church Hill by a single mother. As a first-generation college graduate, he knows firsthand the impact such programs can have.
Friday, May 9
Library budget cuts hurt all students
The school library is a place where inquiry begins and a love of learning is born. This has been quietly vanishing in schools.
From South Side to CEO, Taylor returns for VCU graduation speech
When Everette Taylor takes the stage at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on May 10, it will be a homecoming. The Richmond native and CEO of Kickstarter has been named keynote speaker for Virginia Commonwealth University’s spring commencement ceremony.
Thursday, May 8
VMFA to temporarily close select galleries for expansion prep starting May 13
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will temporarily close several galleries beginning May 13 as it prepares for the largest expansion and renovation project in its history, museum officials announced Monday.
Agecroft Hall to host free concert and activities on Mother’s Day
Agecroft Hall and Gardens will host a free concert and family-friendly activities on Mother’s Day, inviting visitors to explore the historic site and its gardens.
Retired Army colonel to share story of Six Triple Eight in lecture at museum
Retired U.S. Army Col. Edna W. Cummings will speak at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Thursday, May 8, at noon. In her lecture, Cummings will discuss her memoir, “A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion,” which chronicles her path from a military childhood to leadership roles in the Army and beyond.
VUU sweeps in shot put, discus at CIAA championship
Virginia Union University made history at the CIAA Men’s Track & Field Championship by sweeping both the shot put and discus throw for the first time, taking first, second and third place in each event. The landmark achievement capped a season in which the Panthers broke more than 10 school records, signaling major growth for the program.
Chesterfield Schools adds 6 to Education Hall of Fame
Six former educators were inducted into the Chesterfield County Public Schools Hall of Fame during a May 1 ceremony, bringing the total membership to 30 since the program began in 2022.
Warnock to speak at Virginia Union’s 2025 commencement
Virginia Union University recently announced U.S. Sen. Raphael G. Warnock will deliver the keynote address at its 2025 commencement ceremony. The event will take place 9 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Hovey Field on the university’s campus. In addition to his address, Warnock will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree in recognition of his leadership in public service, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to education and equity.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary election continues through Saturday, June 14.
Chesterfield seeks input on Route 10 corridor plan
Chesterfield County planning staff are seeking input from residents and businesses on how best to guide development and land use along a key stretch of Route 10.
Parayo to oversee opening of Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies recently appointed Penny Parayo as senior vice president of operations and general manager for Live! Casino Virginia, the gaming facility scheduled to open in Petersburg by the end of the year.
Union groups call for rehiring of RPS bus drivers
Union leaders, parents, and students are calling for the reinstatement of five longtime Richmond Public Schools bus drivers who were fired after protesting proposed changes to their overtime pay.
Reese has rousing return to Baton Rouge
Former LSU star Angel Reese’s homecoming in the Chicago Sky’s WNBA exhibition opener was a smashing success.
Free concert series returns to Main Street Station
Live music is back at Main Street Station this month with the return of the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series. The free outdoor concert series continues Thursday, May 8, and each Thursday through May 22. Concerts will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St.
City budget forces RPS cuts, community projects find support
With Richmond officials set to finalize the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget next Monday, leaders from Richmond Public Schools and the People’s Budget initiative are adjusting plans in response to funding levels and proposed changes. Richmond School Board meetings Monday and Tuesday featured discussions of a revised 2026 budget proposal for Richmond Public Schools that includes nearly $13.8 million in reductions.
School Board extends Kamras contract
Superintendent’s compensation rises to $275,000 in new four-year deal
The Richmond School Board voted 8-1 on Tuesday night to extend the contract of Superintendent Jason Kamras for an additional four years, through 2029 and the next round of school board elections. Kamras has served in the position since 2018, bringing stability to a position that rotated often in the years prior to his hiring.
Patriots rally late to beat Squirrels 5-4 in series finale
The Richmond Flying Squirrels surrendered four late runs and fell to the Somerset Patriots, 5-4, in Sunday’s series finale at The Diamond.
Consumers will soon see less of costly ‘junk’ fees
Virginia consumers should see less hidden fees on the purchase price of certain items, starting in July.
Long-hitting golf great Jim Dent dies at 85
Jim Dent grew up in the caddie yards of Augusta, Ga., eventually working at the Masters and honing his game at the municipal course known as “The Patch.”He went on to become one of the PGA Tour’s longest hitters and one of the top Black golfers of his generation.
Will Trump have Chicago to kick around anymore? by Clarence Page
Will Donald Trump have Chicago to kick around anymore? That question, an update of Richard Nixon’s memorable farewell to news reporters as he dropped out of the California governor’s race in 1962, came to mind on the heels of some unusually welcome news about violent crime in Chicago.
Is America still a ‘shining city’ on a hill? By R.L. Byrd
On the night of Jan. 11, 1989, near the end of a 21-minute farewell address, President Ronald Reagan asked the television audience, “How stands ‘The City’ on this winter night?” The City—a reimagined America based off highly controversial pioneer John Winthrop’s 1600’s America—refers to the country being a beacon of light.
Mother’s Day tribute
‘The Negro Mother’
This was originally published in the Richmond Free Press on the Editorial Page for the May 10-12, 2007 edition as a special Mother’s Day tribute.
NSU offers 1st course on gaming management at university this fall
Norfolk State University will offer Virginia’s first college course on gaming management this fall. The course, Introduction to Gaming Management, will be available entirely online through the Business School’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program.
Personality: Janine Y. Bell
Spotlight on president of Downtown Neighborhood Association
Janine Y. Bell’s embrace of Afrocentricity began during her college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Though Howard University was her first choice, she ultimately found herself at Chapel Hill, where a growing community of African American students provided a formative environment that would shape her passion and define her life’s work.
Faith leaders arrested during Capitol Rotunda prayer protest
Five faith leaders were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday, May 5, the second time in as many weeks clergy and others have been handcuffed as they speak out against the Republican-led budget bill.
Hundreds rally in Richmond for workers’ rights on May Day
Chants echoed through downtown Richmond on Thursday, May 1 as more than a thousand demonstrators marched down Franklin Street in support of workers’ rights and in protest of policies tied to the Trump administration.
Harbor School could become Richmond’s first new charter in nearly a decade
Virginia could soon see its first new charter school in nearly nine years. On Thursday, May 8, the state Board of Education’s Charter School Standing Committee will review an application for the Harbor School, a proposed middle school in Richmond.
Friday, May 2
Hundreds rally in Richmond for workers' rights on May Day
Chants echoed through downtown Richmond on May Day as more than a thousand demonstrators marched down Franklin Street in support of workers’ rights and in protest of policies tied to the Trump administration.
Thursday, May 1
Council keeps raises in place in proposed Richmond budget
After weeks of discussion, Richmond’s proposed $3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 is moving toward approval with only modest changes from City Council, including keeping salary increases for the city’s highest-paid employees.
Republican candidate calls out anti-gay bias
John Reid defies calls to exit race, accuses Youngkin of smear tactics
Amid a political firestorm, John Reid’s continued campaign for lieutenant governor — the first time an openly gay candidate of any party has run for statewide election in Virginia — represents a litmus test at the intersection of politics, sexuality, gender and privacy in the digital age.
Rev. Barber arrested in Capitol Rotunda after praying against Republican-led budget
Prominent pastor and anti-poverty activist the Rev. William Barber and two others were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday, April 28, an action he said would be part of a recurring series of demonstrations aimed at challenging the Republican-led budget bill.
Personality: Jaeda Perry
Spotlight on Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond’s 2025 Youth of the Year
When Jaeda Perry’s mother faced limited daycare options, she turned to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
T.D. Jakes’ Dallas megachurch to be led by daughter, son-in-law
Bishop T.D. Jakes is turning leadership of his Dallas mega-church, The Potter’s House, over to his daughter and son-in-law — a move they said occurred after preparations “over the last several years,” but also five months after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack.
‘Loving v. Virginia’ opera tells story of landmark case
Richard and Mildred Loving were a brave and tenacious couple who made the existence of many American families possible.
Money, branding redefine college sports for student-athletes
Kris Trinidad plays defensive end for Old Dominion University’s Division I football team, where he tallied 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. He’s also building his brand thanks to new laws that allow student-athletes to ink endorsement deals and get paid by the university.
Henrico, Hanover test water, fault Richmond over fluoride mishap
Elevated fluoride levels at Richmond’s water treatment plant last week prompted Henrico and Hanover counties to test their water systems and publicly criticize the City for what they called a delayed and insufficient response.
Federal government restores Virginia student visa records
Record reversals affect at least 40 Virginia students, graduates
President Donald Trump’s administration is reinstating international student visa records that it previously revoked. The announcement was made Friday, amid a slew of court cases filed by impacted students in recent weeks.
City cuts back on p-cards, overhauls purchasing program
The City of Richmond is making major changes to its purchasing card (p-card) program, reducing the number of cards in circulation by more than 80% and tightening restrictions on what they can be used to buy.
Henrico awards grants to support environmental projects
Henrico County has awarded grants to eight local organizations for environmental initiatives as part of the first round of its new Community Impact Grants program.
Trump, Youngkin policies reshape Virginia’s college campuses
Joe Feagin had to swear an oath he was not a communist to land his first university teaching job in 1966.
Durbin’s departure stirs a scramble, by Clarence Page
As President Trump’s polling takes a tumble 100 days into his second term — and Dick Durbin, the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat, announces his retirement, a very old hit tune by Ethel Waters comes to mind: “There’ll be some changes made.”
Flying Squirrels split doubleheader but fall in series finale
The Richmond Flying Squirrels snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-1 win in the first game of a doubleheader against the Akron RubberDucks on Saturday night at Canal Park, before falling, 2-1, in extra innings in the second game.
VUU honors Greene, Rosales with top athletic awards
Virginia Union University recognized two standout student-athletes with its highest athletic honor during the 2025 VUU Athletic Banquet, held Thursday, April 24, at Hovey Field.
Stories, culture and community take center stage at Black Book Expo
Books will line the tables, rhythms will fill the air and stories — both written and spoken — will take center stage as the Elegba Folklore Society presents the 2025 Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival, May 10 and 11 at the Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center.
Women’s conference offers spiritual growth, networking
A two-day women’s conference focused on worship, personal growth and spiritual empowerment will be held May 2 and 3 at New Life Outreach Church, 1005 Turner Road.
Judge orders extended hearing in whistleblower case against Richmond
A Richmond judge has set a May 27 hearing to resolve ongoing discovery disputes in a $250,000 whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former public information manager who says she was fired for refusing to violate state transparency laws.
VUU reaches settlement with plaintiffs in 2023 data breach case
A lawsuit over Virginia Union University’s handling of a 2023 data breach appears to have ended two weeks ago after both sides filed a joint notice of settlement and a motion to pause further proceedings. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17, primary election starts Friday, May 2, and continues through Saturday, June 14.
English appointed to National PAL Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council
Henrico County Police Department Col. Eric D. English has been selected as a founding member of the National Police Activities/Athletic League’s (PAL) Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council. English took his place on the council during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., last month.
Hanover County appoints new director of information technology
Hanover County appointed Steve Rodriguez as its new director of information technology, effective July 1.
City revenue director resigns after more problems with tax rebate checks
Richmond’s director of revenue resigned last week after City officials learned of more errors that have hampered the City’s efforts to give Richmond property owners back some tax money they’ve already paid.
Diversity on the ticket, division in the ranks
This year, Virginia Republicans are running an immigrant from Jamaica, an openly gay former talk show host and a Cuban American for statewide offices. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Didn’t they get the memo from the Oval Office that diversity, equity and inclusion are out of style? Has anyone told the president? He might be surprised that our candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general are as diverse as the buffet line at the U.N. cafeteria.
Pope Francis: Instrument of peace, antithesis of MAGA, by J. Basil Dannebohm
As a record number of pilgrims representing all walks of life filled the streets of Rome to mourn the death of “The People’s Pope,” history will indicate the fiercest critics of the Francis Pontificate were American Catholics. This should come as no surprise. Since the 1970’s, the American Catholic Church has been little more than a lobbying arm of the Republican Party, having dived deep into secular politics while drifting away from the authentic gospel.
Pope Francis: an advocate for Black America, by Julianne Malveaux
His Holiness Pope Francis made his transition on the morning of after Easter Sunday, after he delivered an Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and after he toured St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile. His doctors had advised him to take two months of convalescence, but this pope, this man of the people, wanted to be with them until the very end. He was of the people, and he wanted to reach them, touch them. Now he is gone.
Golf classic in Petersburg to benefit hunger relief, youth programs
The green at Dogwood Trace Golf Course in Petersburg will be more than just a place to tee off May 15 — it will be a space to honor the legacy of retired Col. Porcher L. Taylor Jr. and support several critical community initiatives. The Colonel Porcher L. Taylor Jr. Legacy Golf Classic, hosted by the Petersburg Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, is an annual event that brings together golfers, sponsors and community leaders for a day of charity and camaraderie.
Concert to feature young musicians and VCU Health Orchestra
Music Orchard Richmond (MOR) will host its first Side-by-Side Concert in collaboration with the VCU Health Orchestra on Friday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m.
