Down home groove // Cairo Kelly, 2, dances to the music at the Down Home Family Reunion last Saturday at Abner Clay Park in Jackson Ward. This was the 27th year for the annual festival that seeks to demonstrate how African heritage has influenced the American South by sharing experiences and traditions through food, storytelling, music, art and a marketplace. Please see more photos on B2.

A new wave of freshmen has arrived on Richmond’s college campuses, often accompanied by their families. William P. Agble of Fredericksburg, third from right, moves a cartful of belongings Saturday into Johnson Hall at Virginia Commonwealth University, with help from his family and a student volunteer, left. Surrounding him, from left, are brother Josh, sister Jemima holding his guitar, father William K. Agble, mother Susie Agble and sister Kaitlyn. William and other students started classes at VCU this week.

Virginia Union University, seniors Kevonia Jones, left, and Brandi Weaver-Searcy chat this week between classes. VUU students began moving in Aug. 7 for the start of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Fresh look for the new year // Volunteers spruced up the interior of George Mason Elementary School in Church Hill this week in preparation of the first day of school. Conditions at the school, located at 813 N. 28th St., were criticized by parents, teachers and School Board members earlier this summer, leading to a call for the school to be closed. However, the board voted to spend $105,000 to make immediate repairs to the school, including a deep cleaning and painting. At left, School Board member Felicia Cosby, left, and City Councilwoman Ellen Robertson, both of the 6th District, talk with interim Schools Superintendent Thomas Kranz about the improvements.

Silly, a local artist, paints the school’s mascot, a Jaguar, on the landing of a stairwell.

Fresh look for the new year // Volunteers work to brighten the halls in the building that is more than 100 years old.

Tree-lined path at Chimborazo Park

Solar phenomenon // Richmonders by the hundreds took to parks, front yards and rooftops Monday to witness the phenomenal solar eclipse. The rare total eclipse was visible across the entire United States, from Oregon to South Carolina. In the Richmond area, the moon covered about 85 percent of the sun during the 2-minute climax about 2:44 p.m. Left, youngsters with the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, led by Shanna Battle,

Solar phenomenon // use approved eclipse glasses to view the event from the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge in Downtown. Dr. Francis E. Mensah, assistant professor of physics at Virginia Union University, sets up on the university’s lawn as spectators gather to view the eclipse.

A ‘Down Home’ gathering // The Elegba Folklore Society delivered food, entertainment and opportunities to support local vendors at its 27th Annual Down Home Family Reunion on Saturday in Jackson Ward’s Abner Clay Park. Above, a singer with the Washington-based Full Power Blues performs traditional and dance blues music with the group’s signature style.

A ‘Down Home’ gathering // Hundreds of people sit back, enjoying the weather, the music and connecting with friends and relatives at the popular free event.