Rita Dove is among Library of Virginia finalists for the 25th Annual Literary Awards
Nine finalists have been selected for the 25th Annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards, the Commonwealth’s premier celebration honoring Virginia writers and their contributions to literature. Acclaimed poet and former U.S. poet laureate Rita
VUU appoints director of global and online learning
Tunesha Witcher has been appointed director of VUU Global and Online Learning in the Division of Academic Affairs.
Richmond reduces charge for natural gas
The cost that Richmond customers must pay for natural gas is coming down, for now.
Richmond Folk Festival returns in October
The Richmond Folk Festival, an annual free, three-day event celebrating the diversity of American culture through music and dance performances, will take place Oct. 7-9 on Brown’s Island in Richmond. In its 18th year, the festival will include 30 musicians and dance groups performing on six stages. Several new, first-time artists will premiere eight cultural traditions that never have been presented at the festival. The music and dance program this year ranges from bluegrass to hip-hop to zydeco. Other features of the festival include demonstra- tions, an interactive family area produced by the Children’s Museum of Richmond, handmade crafts, merchandise for sale and food vendors. About 200,000 people are expected to attend the event during the weekend. The schedule is: Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Oct. 8 12-9:30 p.m., and Oct. 9, 12-6 p.m. Parking is available near the festival site and, although shuttles will not be provided this year, several GRTC bus routes will offer free rides to the riverfront. Presented by Venture Richmond Events, the festival is presented in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond. For more information, visit https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/.
ACLU challenges amendment blocking inmates’ early release
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a legal challenge to a last-minute amendment to the state budget that blocked the planned early release of hundreds of inmates this summer.
Federal transportation allocates $18M for Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge replacement
Transportation in the Commonwealth is getting a massive investment of federal dollars, as over $64 million in funding is set to be distributed across six different transportation projects and eight localities, with the goal of increased affordability, safety and connectivity for supplies.
NSU’s former president remembered
Dr. Marie McDemmond’s vision boosted university’s technology focus
Marie Valentine McDemmond, the first female president of Norfolk State Univer- sity and the first African-American woman to lead a four-year college in Virginia, is being remembered as a history-maker and educational visionary. Dr. McDemmond, who led NSU from 1997 to 2005 before illness led to her retire- ment, succumbed to cancer on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at her retirement home in Florida. She was 76. Her groundbreaking service to NSU and higher education was celebrated at a memorial service Saturday, Aug. 13, in Fort
Liberation Church’s intent is children’s learning center, not homeless shelter, says pastor
The founding pastor of Liberation Church is pushing back against a report that the city was considering placing a large homeless shelter on the site of the main sanctuary at 5501 Midlothian Turnpike. Founding Pastor Jay Patrick said the church never considered that idea.
Legal weapon
City’s plans for Ashe Center unlikely to win in court, says pro bono lawyer
City Hall would violate state and city laws if it moves to tear down the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center and sell the site without the permission of the Richmond School Board.
Cultural traditions and world music highlight Down Home Family Reunion
African and African-American folklife will be celebrated and explored during the 31st Down Home Family Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 20, in Jackson Ward’s Abner Clay Park.
Roe v. Wade’s impact on professional women athletes, by Donald J. Adams Jr.
June 23 marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX — a federal law passed in 1972 that outlawed discrimination based on sex in educational institutions. For women in sports, the law enabled them to perform in athletics with equal funding and many of the same opportunities given men in collegiate athletics. A day after this landmark anniversary, athletes were no longer celebrating the freedoms they were given 50 years ago.
Dr. Taleshia L. Chandler, educator and first lady of Cedar Street Baptist Church, dies
Cedar Street Baptist Church of God is mourning the loss of its first lady, educator, author and inspiring church singer, Taleshia Lenshell “Lady C” Chandler.
Plunky and Oneness on again this weekend
After last week’s show was wiped out by heavy rains, Plunky and Oneness has been rescheduled to perform 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Dogwood Dell amphitheater.
It’s time for the Down Home Family Reunion
The Elegba Folklore Society will host the 31st Down Home Family Reunion: A Celebration of African American Folklife on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Abner Clay Park, 200 W. Clay St.
Review: Beyoncé escapes to dance world in ‘Renaissance’
Beyoncé has been reborn again; this time it’s on a shimmering dance floor.
Ebony and Jet archives transferred to Smithsonian and Getty Research Institute
More than 4 million photos from Ebony and Jet magazine that captured African-American life, history and culture in the 20th century are now the property of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Jackie Robinson Museum opens in New York
More than 4,000 artifacts trace baseball legend’s life
Tourists have a new “must- see” destination on trips to New York.
