Personality: Sherod Davis
Spotlight on the owner of Misfit Tattoo Society
When Richmond’s predominantly white tattoo industry didn’t provide an opportunity for Sherod Davis to learn the craft, he taught himself. Now, as the owner of one of Rich- mond’s Black-owned tattoo shops, Misfit Tattoo Society, he offers a safe space for apprentices to learn and his customers to feel at home. His shop opened in February 2024.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after mixed verdict clears in sex crimes case
Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s celebrated figures behind bars for life. The rapper was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses and denied bail as he awaits sentencing.
‘RPS Five’ reinstated in wake of pay dispute
“Reinstated! Twenty-nine years! Twenty-nine years! Reinstated!” The voice of Richmond Public Schools bus driver Cynthia Cole echoed through City Hall’s entryway Monday as she, four other drivers, and their supporters celebrated their rehiring following a tentative contract agreement between RPS and the drivers’ union.
Withers’ message still resonates in song, service and support for others
How refreshing it was to read your article, “Celebrating Bill Withers’ music, message through song and service,” about the legendary singer-songwriter’s daughter, Kori Withers, performing her father’s music at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen.
‘Ayida’ at VCU’s ICA celebrates Caribbean culture and diaspora
The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University recently opened “Ayida,” a group art exhibition celebrating the Caribbean and its diaspora, that will be on display through early 2026.
Virginia Union to induct 8 and 1992 basketball team into Hall of Fame
Virginia Union University will induct eight individuals and the 1992 men’s basketball team into its Thomas “Tricky Tom” Harris Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 19.
New York’s mayoral race a testing ground for a Democratic comeback?, by Clarence Page
A seasoned veteran of Chicago politics once told me that it often takes Democrats a couple of four-year cycles out of office before they can pull their fractious factions together into a winning coalition.
Between freedom and the fireworks
Juneteenth and the Fourth of July sit days apart on the calendar, yet for many of us, they couldn’t feel further apart. Both are marked by celebrations, but one party doesn’t feel like the other.
Richmond utility rates increase as new billing cycle begins
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities customers will see higher bills this month, as new utility rates approved by City Council have taken effect.
State Democrats celebrate new maternal health care laws
“Moms, babies and families across the commonwealth will begin to feel the benefit of maternal health policies that fundamentally transform how Virginia supports mothers, babies, and families,” said LeVere Bolling. The crowd fanned their faces with handouts on the package legislation, which Democrats called “the momnibus.”
In the loop
Richmond Triangle Players and Firehouse Theatre stage “A Strange Loop,” a Pulitzer and Tony-winning show about Black queerhood, family and finding your “inner white girl.”
Maxine Jenkins remembered for a life of service, education and compassion
For years, Maxine Turner Jenkins was a major part in the beginnings and endings of Richmond residents’ lives. Through her career in education and decades working in the funeral business, Maxine Turner Jenkins occupied a unique place in Richmond, touching many lives before her death on June 26 at age of 85.
After outages, city and county officials seek common ground on water
Richmond and Henrico County officials agreed Monday on their commitment to ensure reliable water service for the region, but they have not yet settled on the best way to make that happen.
National Muslim convention to focus on faith, service and dialogue
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will host its annual U.S. convention, Jalsa Salana USA, on Saturday, July 4-6 , at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, drawing attendees from across the country for a day of religious discussion, exhibitions and community building.
Union Presbyterian Seminary names new VP
Union Presbyterian Seminary announced a key leadership change this month, welcoming a new leader and honoring longtime staff. Tamica Goode began her role as vice president for finance and administration on June 23.
Library of Virginia staff win award for book on Black freedom
Library of Virginia editors John G. Deal and Marianne E. Julienne and historian Brent Tarter have received this year’s Richard Slatten Award for Excellence in Virginia Biography from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for their book “Justice for Ourselves: Black Virginians Claim Their Freedom After Slavery.”
Richmond closes first half with first series win of 2025
John Michael Bertrand pitched six scoreless innings and Turner Hill tied a franchise record for triples as the Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Altoona Curve 2-1 on Sunday at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Branzelle earns VaSID All-State second team honors
Preston Branzelle of the Virginia State University baseball team has been named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) All-State second team.
Virginia Union’s Alvin Parker participates in NFL leadership events
Virginia Union University Associate Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Alvin Parker attended two National Football League-sponsored leadership programs June 17-18 in Atlanta: the Eighth Annual Quarterback Summit and the Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum.
The uncertain future faced by youth and young adults, by David W. Marshall
As a Black man and as a baby boomer, I have become very concerned for young people of color in our nation.
