
Black-owned businesses and The Diamond
Richmond has long been home to thriving Black businesses and it is exciting to know that the future looks bright for several such enterprises that have been tapped to help develop the new Diamond District on the city’s North Side.

VSU prez Tau Beta Pi winner
Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah has been recognized for his work and commitment to his alma mater’s ideals with Tau Beta Pi’s 25th Annual Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Needs assessment survey seeking ways to serve senior adults
The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services has contracted with Polco to seek the public’s input on its Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA).

Jackson Ward tour reflects district’s influential past
By the turn of the century, Jackson Ward was bustling with Black-owned businesses and banks, inspiring the terms, “Black Wall Street” and the “Harlem of the South,” long before some cities even had Black businesses.

Venture Richmond awards 10 grants to Broad Street businesses
When the Department of Housing and Community Development awarded Venture Richmond a $100,000 grant, the agency suggested the grantee focus on resurgence grants, with a focus on neighborhood revitalization.

Long-serving CARITAS CEO announces her retirement
Karen Stanley’s leadership has formed hundreds of partnerships that serve thousands
The leader of CARITAS, the Richmond area’s largest provider of homeless and addiction recovery services, is stepping down. Karen Stanley, president and CEO, has notified her board she would retire Dec. 31 after 22 years.

Legislature will move to new building after 2023 session
Supply chain issues threaten successful move before session
The Virginia General Assembly has announced it will not hold its 2023 Regular Session in the new General Assembly Building (GAB) due to supply chain issues that threaten to prohibit completion of the building in time to prepare for a successful legislative session.

Education advocate files U.S. Department of Education complaint against Richmond Public Schools
Special education advocate Kandise Lucas is taking action after learning that Richmond has been ignoring a federal law that requires public schools to serve physically and mentally disabled children who are home-schooled, enrolled in private school or enrolled in the school system.

The cost of electricity is going up
Surging demand and a jump in the price of natural gas is about to impact electric bills in Virginia.

No November vote voids Urban One’s casino contract
The casino-resort contract that a Maryland-based Black media company had to develop in South Richmond if voters were to approve it is no more.

Local authority’s outreach helps equity fund address health disparities
For the last two months, Jacquetta Gosier has worked to bridge the gap of mental health access for Richmond communities in need.

Tre. Charles brings his gospel, neo-soul sound to RVA East End Festival
Tre. Charles considers music as an emotional outlet — almost a cathartic release. His recently released debut single “Stressin” evokes the isolation many have felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the album he is working on has male vulnerability, especially Black male vulnerability, as one of its themes.

VCU apology fails to heal wounds inflicted by MCV doctors who removed a Black man’s heart
More than 50 years after a deceased Black man became an organ donor without his consent or the knowledge of his family, Virginia Commonwealth University’s role in the treatment of Bruce Tucker continues to be reassessed and scrutinized by leaders inside and outside the university.

‘Fifth Little Girl’ of 1963 Klan bombing reunites with nurse
On Sept. 15, Birmingham commemorated the explosion that proved to be a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement
When an initially blinded, and nearly lifeless, 12-year-old girl found in the rubble of a church bombing was wheeled onto the 10th floor of University Hospital in Birmingham nearly 60 years ago, one of the first people to tend to the child was Rosetta “Rose” Hughes, a nurse.

Jermoine Royster’s ‘flying fists, fancy footwork’ take on pro boxing
In searching for a nickname for Jermoine Royster, “The Bully” fits like a glove. A boxing glove that is.

Personality: Jamal Brooks
Spotlight on the VA Pride’s Scholarship Committee chairman
Jamal Brooks was 17 years old when his education came to a sudden stop.

2022 could be a political watershed for Massachusetts women
Just 20 years ago, Massachusetts voters had yet to elect a woman as governor, attorney general, U.S. senator or mayor of its largest city. This year, Democratic women won five of six statewide primary contests.

Mayor’s revised police review board proposal gains support
Richmond appears to be moving closer to establishing an advisory Civilian Review Board to make recommendations in cases of alleged police misconduct that result in residents being killed, injured or suffering unwarranted physical or verbal abuse.

How Richmond Ballet’s Garret McNally found his footing
Garret McNally has been dancing since age 3 when his mother put him into dance as an outlet for his energy.