
University of Richmond law professor receives grant to research Black legal issues
Marissa Jackson Sow, a law professor at the University of Richmond, was recently awarded a $27,000 grant from the Institute of International Education to support her research on Black and Indigenous legal issues.

Fiber artist Lauri Jenkins wins Arts Center’s Master Teacher Award
Lauri Jenkins, a fiber artist whose journey with sewing began in her teenage years, was recognized for her contributions to the Visual Arts Center of Richmond with the 2024 Shelly Shepherd Master Teacher Award. Ms. Jenkins received the award May 11 at the center’s 38th Annual Collectors’ Night, a fundraising event presented by Dominion Energy.

Museum appoints curator of Indigenous American art
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently named Siera Hyte (Cherokee Nation) as its first Schiller Family Curator of Indigenous American Art. Hyte starts her role on Aug. 26.

Memorial Day
Unlike the aforementioned monuments, at least one idea from the Civil War era has rightfully endured – Memorial Day.

Poor and low income people need to vote, by Julianne Malveaux
“There were 15 presidential debates in 2020,” thunders the Rev. William Barber, the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival (www.poorpeoplescampaign.org). I’ve heard him make this point many times, and sometimes the exclusion so rankles him that he shifts from conversational mode to preacher mode, with all the thunder that comes with the shift.

VUU nabs All-Sports nod
For the first time, Virginia Union University has won the C.H. Williams All-Sports Award for CIAA men’s athletics. The annual award goes to the school with the highest overall finish among all men’s sports.

Washington draws ‘soft’ schedule
There are advantages to going 4-13, as the Washington Commanders did last NFL season.

University of Richmond Spiders football joins Patriot League
The University of Richmond has accepted an invitation for its football team to join the Patriot League, the institution announced Tuesday. This move comes after the Spiders’ successful stint in the Colonial Athletic Association, with the transition expected to occur ahead of the 2025 season.

The Legendary Ingramettes headline Friday Cheers
The Legendary Ingramettes, a renowned local gospel group founded in the 1960s, will headline the Friday Cheers concert series on Brown’s Island this week. Known for their powerful vocals and inspirational performances, the Ingramettes are part of a special night of music of artists from Richmond.

David Sanborn, jazz saxophonist, dies at 78
David Sanborn, the Grammy-winning saxophonist who played lively solos on such hits as David Bowie’s “Young Americans” and James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and enjoyed his own highly successful recording career as a performer of melodic, contemporary jazz, has died at age 78.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers free admission to military on Memorial Day
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture honors active duty military personnel and veterans by offering free admission on Monday, May 27. This initiative is part of the museum’s Memorial Day observance, aimed at expressing gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces.

EMS & firefighters remembered
For more than 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, firefighters and EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the previous year, are honored at a memorial service.

VSU selects new provost, vice president for academic affairs
Virginia State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Tia A. Minnis as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Minnis brings over 15 years of leadership experience in higher education to her new role.

Henrico to create trust to enhance access to affordable homeownership
Henrico County will establish an affordable housing trust with $60 million in cash and a dedicated revenue stream from new economic development, transforming local efforts to make homeownership possible for more of the area’s workforce, according to a press release from county officials.

Richmond Jazz Festival announces 2024 lineup
Organizers of the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival recently unveiled the lineup for the 2024 event, set for Aug. 9-11 at Maymont. Hip-hop artist Ludacris, R&B singer Fantasia, and jazz pianist Bob James are among the headliners announced for the three-day festival’s two stages.

Commence the protest
Grads walk out on Youngkin at VCU
College commencements across Richmond began in dramatic fashion over the weekend, as graduates drew attention to problems with their schools, their leaders and their treatment of students.

Faith and family inspire local nursing student
With a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing, Erin Norwood is ready to help others — and set an example along the way.

Historic hospital tops endangered sites list
Preservation group deems Richmond Community Hospital at risk
A key part of Richmond’s African-American history. A criticalvresource at a time of medical segregation. A place where many who worked, were born, or said goodbye to loved ones. And now, one of Virginia’s many endangered historical sites.

Biden and Trump agree to 2 presidential debates, leaving VSU date in doubt
President Biden and former President Donald Trump on Wednesday agreed to hold two campaign debates — the first on June 27 hosted by CNN and the second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC — setting the stage for their first presidential face-off to play out in just over a month.

Personality: Antonio Villa Payares
Spotlight on La Casa de la Salud founder and executive director
Dr. Antonio Villa Payares was part of the first generation in his family to pursue a career in medicine. He became interested in becoming a doctor early on.