Local artist Ed Trask wants his mural in the 1100 block of North 25th Street in Church Hill to say, “Hey, look at this area. These lovely people are not getting the same chances the rest of us are receiving.” Mr. Trask said he painted the mural, on his own time, to splash some color into the bleak landscape of the impoverished neighborhood. He wanted kids in the city’s East End to know that the city loves them and to give the residents in “sometimes forgotten certain areas ... a new sense of optimism through color and light.” The mural was completed with help from local businesses and organizations, such as the Better Block initiative, a community effort to improve the safety and appeal of local neighborhoods. Mr. Trask said he hopes the mural will get people to see the area in a different light.

Richmond’s new Police Chief Alfred Durham proudly stands with his family following his formal public swearing-in Feb. 27 at Coburn Hall on the campus of Virginia Union University. From left, they are his grandson, Aidan, 6; daughter, Alexis; and son, Alfred Jr.

Cheerleaders from Richmond’s John B. Cary Elementary School leap in mid-cheer during a routine performed Feb. 28 at Generation Dream 2015. Monty Jones also shows off his skills dancing to the rhythms of Drums No Guns. The music, spoken word, dance and arts event was hosted by the Richmond Peace Education Center to promote the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Location: Henrico Theater in Highland Springs.

Virginia State University’s interim President Pamela V. Hammond and her husband, Gary John Hammond, celebrate VSU’s win over Lincoln University for the women’s title

Virginia Union University’s Rah Rahs put on a show.

Abraham “Mr. CIAA” Mitchell struts in one of his signature outfits.

R&B singer Tank sports a VSU T-shirt.

National radio host Tom Joyner takes in a game with CIAA Commissioner Jacquie McWilliams and her daughter, Semone Carpenter, after broadcasting his “Tom Joyner Morning Show” from the CIAA Fan Fest at the nearby Charlotte Convention Center

Virginia Commonwealth University students Frankie James and Victoria Edwards ebulliently accept crowns during their coronation as 2015 VCU Homecoming King and Queen at the Siegel Center.

Virginia Commonwealth University students Frankie James and Victoria Edwards ebulliently accept crowns during their coronation as 2015 VCU Homecoming King and Queen at the Siegel Center.