VSU alumni, faculty and students have much to celebrate this ‘homecoming’
Virginia State University’s first homecoming since 2019 likely will be a landmark in many ways, returning to the campus this year amid a surge in interest and enrollments in historically black colleges and universities locally and nationally.
New dating apps — and ‘in person’ mixers — target religious and political niches
Dating today can be a bit like ordering at Chipotle. The universe of dating apps makes it easier than ever to custom-order a partner of your choosing — their height, their food preferences, their religion.
AL’s MVP award: Judge or Ohtani?
Don’t be surprised if both take the prize
Aaron Judge is enjoying one of the greatest and most celebrated seasons in baseball history. But will the New York Yankees slugger be the American League MVP?
Project Yoga Richmond closes its doors
After 12 years, Project Yoga Richmond is closing its doors. The nonprofit hosted its last classes in September, including the final Saturday Salutations at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Sep. 24.
Personality: Janis Allen
Spotlight on the board president of Historic Jackson Ward Association
In a time of increased attention, discussion and potential change for Jackson Ward, Janis Allen is doing her part to make sure its history and legacy are preserved. As the newest board president of the Historic Jackson Ward Association, she is tasked with a mission that is both culturally important and deeply personal.
Hurricane Ian closes some Florida schools indefinitely
The devastation from Hurricane Ian has left schools shuttered indefinitely in parts of Florida, leaving storm-weary families anxious for word on when and how children can get back to classrooms.
Training grounds
Former tobacco factory may become teaching site for construction workers
Along with a huge investment to transform the 67-acre Diamond District, the private development team that has been awarded the project also is proposing to invest in a construction training center and in other projects that could benefit the Black community.
2nd Street Festival canceled
The Richmond Free Press has been informed that the 34th 2nd Street Festival scheduled Oct. 1-2 is canceled. The popular annual event celebrates the history of Jackson Ward and its heyday as the heart and soul of the Black community.
Sex abuse allegations spread against cheerleading coaches
Sprawling allegations of abuse against cheerleaders reached Tennessee on Monday in a case that escalates the accusations facing some of the sport’s top institutions.
Highland Springs High School’s induction ceremony to honor athletes
Highland Springs High School will honor its Class of 2022 Wall of Fame inductees Oct. 6-7. The event is tied around a home football game against Patrick Henry High School.
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago’s first Black female bishop takes office
Everyone would have understood if Bishop Paula E. Clark had stepped away from her call to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, said her fellow bishop, Mariann Edgar Budde of Washington, D.C.
Fourth Baptist Church minister says he will resign
Dr. William E. Jackson Sr. plans to step down as pastor of historic Fourth Baptist Church in Church Hill.
Bands across the Commonwealth will show their skills
Midlothian High School will be the center of Virginia’s marching band community this Saturday, Oct. 1, during the 15th Annual Showcase of Bands.
Gov. Youngkin recognizes October as Virginia Wine Month
Gov. Glenn Youngkin invites Virginia wine lovers from across the Commonwealth and the U.S. to celebrate Virginia Wine Month. October signals the peak of harvest for more than 300 wineries and vineyards as the next vintage of Virginia wine is underway.
UR hopes to eliminate campus stigmas about mental health
The University of Rich- mond is joining the fight to improve mental health outreach and eliminate its stigma on college campuses, through a new partnership with Hilinski’s Hope Foundation ahead of its third annual College Football Mental Health Week. The partnership was an- nounced Monday, with UR’s involvement starting Oct. 1 and ending Oct. 8. UR joins over 115 colleges in the United States that have partnered with Hilinski’s Hope, a foundation started by Kym and Mark Hilinski in honor of their son, Tyler, a former Washington State University quarterback, who died by suicide. “We are incredibly honored that over 115 schools nation- wide will be participating in this year’s mental health week to fight stigma and increase resources on campuses,” said Kym Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope, in a statement. “While conversations around mental illness can be tough and at times uncomfortable, it is absolutely critical for the well-being of our student athletes.” As part of College Football Mental Health Week, UR plans to use at least one of Hilinski’s Hope’s programming options, from adding lime green ribbons to all their players’ helmets to honor those lost or suffering in silence. UR also will encourage solidarity among students, alumni, parents and fans or take an internal assessment to see how well the college is ad- dressing mental health in honor of those lost to or suffering from mental health issues as part of this partnership. “College Football Mental Health Week is an incredible way to destigmatize and sup- port student-athlete mental health,” said Rachel Turk, UR’s psychologist for athletics. “Every student-athlete should know that they are important and they are not alone.” More information is avail- able at www.hilinskishope.org/ cfb-mental-health-week.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture hosts wine festival
Wine lovers can celebrate Virginia Wine Month at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s second annual Virginia Vines wine festival Saturday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Rihanna to headline next Super Bowl halftime show
Rihanna will take center stage at February’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Miss VSU adds title of Miss HBCU
Joy Watson, Miss Virginia State University, is now the queen of the historically Black colleges and universities.
VUU, VSU early favorites for CIAA men’s basketball
If preseason predictions prove true, the men’s basketball teams at Virginia Union and Virginia State universities can expect banner seasons.
Despite spirited offense, NSU suffers 45-26 loss to St. Francis
Yes, there is good news. Norfolk State University football is still undefeated ... in the MEAC, that is.
