The historic Leigh Street Armory now sports a new addition as it moves closer to its opening next year as the new home of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. Part of the armory’s $8.5 million overhaul, the new addition is to feature offices and expanded space for exhibits and community events. Dating to 1895, the unique castle-shaped building originally was the headquarters for African- American militia units and served as a recreation center for soldiers during World War II. Location: Leigh and St. Peter streets in Jackson Ward.

A show of love // Ama Aghomo holds a rose during the prayer vigil for Richmond’s “Ambassador of Compassion” Alicia C. Rasin at Jefferson Park in Church Hill. About 100 people gathered Oct. 15 to remember Ms. Rasin, who died Oct. 9. For more than two decades, Ms. Raisin organized prayer vigils for families of homicide victims in the city. She also provided food and clothes to the needy and gave gifts to children.

Daddy's Home// Former Richmond Justice Center inmate Aziz Scott gained celebrity status this week when he was featured on two national television shows. He is pictured above with his 8-year-old daughter, De’Andra, at the 8th Annual Date with Dad Dinner and Dance at the city jail in March. He and his daughter were shown at the dance, organized by Richmond-based CAMP DIVA, on CNN’s “This Is Life With Lisa Ling” Wednesday and on the “Steve Harvey” talk show Tuesday. The shows described Mr. Scott’s participation in the jail’s REAL program, which stands for Recovering from Everyday Addictive Lifestyles. Mr. Scott, 53, credits his participation in the program for helping him turn his life around. He was released from jail in August after serving 17 months for selling drugs. Assisting in efforts to help Mr. Scott succeed, Mr. Harvey presented him with a $5,000 check to relocate his family to a safer neighborhood.

Azaleas in Downtown

One School, One Book // Principal Mary Townes, right rear, Vice Principal Linda York, left, and students from third- and fourth-grade classes at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School in Richmond read aloud from a chapter of “Trouble According to Humphrey,” the first of three books youngsters in the One School, One Book challenge are reading during the school year. At an assembly Oct. 15, each student was presented with a book, which is theirs to keep and take home with the hope that youngsters and their parents will read together a chapter each night. Trivia sessions on the book will be held in classes. The initiative, through the Richmond-based nonprofit Read to Them, is designed to boost students’ reading ability while creating a love of reading.

Flying history // Otis Hooper of the Howard Baugh Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen in Petersburg explains how the renowned African-American airmen escorted bombers like this B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber during important WWII missions. The youngsters participate in the chapter’s Youth in Aviation Program. They met last Saturday at the Chesterfield County Airport, where vintage aircraft from WWII, including the B-17 bomber, were flown in for viewing and aerial tours. The chapter encourages youth education, particularly in STEM areas.