
Personality: Paula McCapes
Spotlight on board chair of Underground Kitchen-Community First
Philanthropy runs in the family for Paula McCapes.

Debut concert at Henrico Sports & Events Center features bluegrass bands
The Henrico Sports & Events Center introduces its musical program with a bluegrass performance set for Friday, June 21.

TikTok sues to block law that could ban the platform
TikTok and its Chinese parent company are challenging a new American law that would ban the popular video-sharing app in the U.S. unless it’s sold to an approved buyer, saying it unfairly singles out the platform and is an unprecedented attack on free speech.

Like NBA father, like NBA son
‘Brunson Burner’ ignites Knicks
Many fathers and sons have made their way to NBA rosters, including these with area/state ties.

Anti-war protests take to the streets, courts after encampment
For the second Monday in a row, Richmond stirred with activity from anti-war, pro-Palestenian protesters, who marched down the city’s busy streets in what was the latest development since the encampment at Virginia Commonwealth University ended.

Monument at Shafer Court honors Eta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at VCU
Fifty years in the making, the ties of fraternity remain strong within the Eta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Virginia Commonwealth University. But there’s a poignancy, too, that comes with time, and on April 20 — during the African American Alumni Council Reunion Weekend — its significance was set in stone.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week of Saturday, April 27, the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover saw 17 confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19. Two deaths associated with COVID-19 have been reported statewide for the week of Saturday, May 4.

It’s not too early to vote
Early voting has begun across Virginia, with locations open as of Friday, May 3, for Democratic and Republican primary ballots ahead of the primary election Tuesday, June 18.

‘Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design’ opens at Jamestown
he Jamestown Settlement is hosting an exhibition high-lighting the work of Ruth E. Carter, a distinguished figure in costume design and a recipient of two Academy Awards.

St. Catherine’s student awarded almost $2M in scholarships
After applying to over 30 colleges and universities, 17-year-old St. Catherine’s School student Ava Holloway was awarded over $1.98 million in scholarships.

New coaches join Hampton football
The coaching carousel continues at Hampton University. Trent Boykin has been named interim head football coach at HU, succeeding Robert Prunty.

Gilpin empowerment summit to support women
Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert hosts The Women of Gilpin Empowerment Summit on Friday, May 10, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The event, held at the Calhoun Center, aims to provide support and encouragement to women in the community.

New book asks: What if Harry Potter attended an HBCU?
It all began with a post on Twitter. It was 2020 during the height of the pandemic and LaDarrion Williams was thinking about the lack of diversity in the fantasy genre. He proposed: “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU in the South?”

Lonely Mother’s Day, notes a mourning mother
Mother’s Day 2020 marked a significant shift. It was the first time I faced the day knowing with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t receive a call, card, text or visit from my beloved son, my only child, whom I affectionately called my favorite man-child. Not that day or any other day for that matter.

Free concert series returns Main Street Station
Richmond’s Department of Public Works recently announced the return of Music at Main, a series of free music concerts featuring local musicians. The concerts will take place on select Thursdays in May from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station.

Free Press wins 9 awards in Virginia Press Association competition
The Richmond Free Press was recognized with nine awards, including two first place awards, at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.

Richmond Symphony appoints Eboni Boadi as chief development officer
Eboni Boadi has been named the chief development officer for the Richmond Symphony, the organization announced Wednesday.

Community businesses honored by Metropolitan Business League
Winners of 34th Annual MBL Awards announced
Against the backdrop of the Altria Theater Ballroom and a crowd of more than 500 guests, local businesses got their moment in the spotlight for the impactful work they’re doing in the RVA region. The 34th Annual Metropolitan Business League Awards Dinner & Reception was held Friday, March 8. The winners were announced recently by the nonprofit membership-based business association.

VSU’s Darrington ignites lineup with precision hitting
Bringing attitude and energy
Hailey Darrington proves an athlete doesn’t have to be a high school star to become one in college. After skipping varsity softball at Manchester High, she’s blossomed into one of the CIAA’s top performers for Virginia State University.

Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church
Male pastors still predominate, though there’s no comprehensive gender breakdown
No woman had ever preached the keynote sermon at the Joint National Baptist Convention, a gathering of four historically Black Baptist denominations representing millions of people.