Nat King Cole’s role in Civil Rights Movement overlooked, by Donna M. Cox
Six decades after Nat King Cole’s death in 1965, his music is still some of the most played in the world, and his celebrity transcends generational and racial divides. His smooth voice, captivating piano skills and enduring charisma earned him international acclaim.
Library of Virginia event explores Jimmie Strother’s music and legacy
On March 7, the Library of Virginia will take visitors back to a time when street musicians roamed the Upper South, sharing the music and stories of their lives. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., the library will host a free music performance and book talk focused on Jimmie Strother, a blind Virginia songster whose recordings from 1936 continue to influence American music today.
New round of funding to preserve Virginia’s diverse historical narratives
History is alive across Virginia, from museums and archives to tribal centers and cultural institutions. A new round of funding from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will support those efforts, awarding more than $500,000 to 11 organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing the Commonwealth’s past.
Legal trailblazer Willard Douglas Jr. remembered
Behind and beyond the judge’s bench, Willard H. Douglas Jr. broke new ground for African Americans in Virginia. The state’s first full-time African American judge died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 at the age of 93, following decades of legal and community service.
Ida Cheatham, beloved Maymont figure, dies at 105
To walk through Richmond’s Maymont neighborhood is to experience the work of its most famous resident, Ida L. Cheatham, who died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at 105.
Chris Jasper, legendary Isley Brothers member, dies at 73
Chris Jasper, the renowned singer, songwriter and producer who helped shape the sound of The Isley Brothers, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 73. His death followed a cancer diagnosis in December 2024.
Sweet celebrations
Honey tasting in honor of Black History Month
This event, hosted by City Bees in honor of Black History Month, featured a free honey tasting at Virginia Union University on Feb. 8.
Mayor, City Council discuss City priorities, water crisis aftermath
City Council and Mayor Danny Avula met Monday to discuss housing, family support and the city’s long-term recovery from January’s water crisis.
VMI board ousts first Black superintendent
Decision sparks political outrage as lawmakers decry move as ‘purely political.’
In a stunning decision that has already sparked political backlash, the Virginia Military Institute’s Board of Visitors voted Friday morning against extending the contract of Ret. Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, the school’s first Black superintendent
African Americans turn to Ghana for peace and belonging
Amid growing social and political unrest in the U.S., Ghana has emerged as a beacon of hope — a sanctuary offering respite from America’s increasing polarization. What began as a call to reconnect with ancestral roots through the 2019 “Year of Return” campaign has transformed into the decade-long “Beyond the Return” initiative, offering not only a spiritual homecoming but also an escape from escalating discord.
Personality: Russell W. Scott
Spotlight on president of Howard University Alumni Club of Richmond
Founded to provide educational opportunities to formerly enslaved persons, HBCUs continue to empower Black Americans in pursuit of racial equity. A study by the Institute for College Access and Success reveals that HBCUs account for only 3% of all colleges and universities in the U.S. Still, they serve 10% of all Black students and award 17% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students.
Lenten Lunch series to highlight women in faith leadership
Fifty years ago, the Episcopal Church ordained its first female clergy, a milestone that reshaped faith leadership. This Lenton season, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will mark the anniversary by hosting a special lunch and speaker series featuring women in ministry.
Golden Fest supports Richmond musician after cancer diagnosis
Local blues singer and guitarist Justin Golden was poised for a breakout year in 2025. After his album “Hard Times and a Woman” gained international attention, February promised to be one of his busiest months yet, with multiple shows lined up and plans for his fourth studio album. Then, just over a month ago, the 34-year-old performer was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, forcing him to cancel upcoming performances. In response, his management team, record label, and local musicians rallied together to launch “Golden Fest,” a series of benefit concerts to help cover his medical expenses.
Richmond names Scott Morris director of public utilities
The City of Richmond has appointed Scott Morris as the permanent director of the Department of Public Utilities, officials announced Friday.
Former City Council member Addison steps into leadership role
As political shifts unfold in Richmond, two prominent leaders are making moves to shape the city’s and state’s Democratic future. Former City Council member Andreas Addison has been appointed first vice chair of the Richmond City Democratic Committee, while state Sen. Lamont Bagby has launched his campaign to become the next chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.
Dozens take oath of citizenship at Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The auditorium at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture was filled to capacity Presidents Day, Feb. 17, as more than 60 people from nearly 40 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony led by Judge David J. Novak.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 22, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates moderate and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time. As of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Feb. 16, no trend in COVID-19 wastewater levels was available for Richmond, while levels in Henrico County had plateaued.
Chesterfield academy to offer government insight for local residents
Chesterfield County, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), is accepting applications for this year’s My Chesterfield Academy. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 17.
Wage bills vetoed last year by Youngkin clear General Assembly again
Democratic lawmakers passed a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage, although the effort might be thwarted again by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who previously said the bump stifles economic competitiveness.
Henrico employee receives $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A CEO
At Chick-fil-A White Oak Village on Feb. 26, Taylor Powell, a Rise Academy student and employee, was surprised with a $25,000 scholarship as part of Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships program. The scholarship will support Powell’s plans to attend the University of Virginia, where she intends to major in psychology and pursue a career as a clinical child psychologist.
