Kennedy Wright, 9, holds a sign protesting Columbus Day during a rally at the Columbus statue in Byrd Park on Monday. The protest, led by members of the Cultural Roots Homeschool Co-op, also urged removal of the statue that is situated at the south end of Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The protest was on Monday, Oct. 14, which had been designated by Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the contributions native people who were displaced and destroyed as a result of European invasion by people such as Christopher Columbus. The home school cooperative has a curriculum that emphasizes the black diaspora including Caribbean, Central and South/ North America’s indigenous peoples.(Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Rocks typically covered by the rushing waters of the James River are now visible because of low water levels. This view of the river, taken Tuesday evening near the Manchester Bridge, is emblematic of the severe drought that has gripped much of Virginia in the past two months. The river has dropped below four feet in height and its flow is below normal, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, which monitors the James River. The rain last Sunday was welcome, but its impact had dissipated within two days, the USGS data show. More rain on Wednesday also provided relief, but experts indicate it will take regular rain to make up the deficit in moisture that has developed. Some areas of the state are reportedly seven inches below normal rainfall levels. Concerned about the river that is a main source of drinking water for the Richmond area, city and county public utility departments are urging area residents to take voluntary conservation efforts, including reducing watering lawns and washing vehicles.

Bateau marker unveiled/Dr. Arvat McLain and Dr. Harry Watkins unveil the state historical marker honoring the James River bateaumen last Saturday at 301 Virginia St. near the Kanawha Canal Turning Basin in Shockoe Slip. Long, flat-bottomed boats known as bateaux transported tobacco, coal and other goods between Richmond and points west from the 1770s through the mid-1800s. The bateaux often were piloted through the canal and along the James River by crews of free or enslaved African-Americans. Dr. McLain and Dr. Watkins, owners of a coffee and wine bar named “Bateau” on the canal walk, sponsored the sign. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Bateau marker unveiled/Attendees salute the occasion, above, which include speakers state Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Delegate Betsy Carr, both of Richmond; Mayor Levar M. Stoney; Richmond City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille; Julie V. Langan, director of the state Department of Historic Resources; and Sandra Norman of the Virginia Department of Transportation. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Sunset over the James River Downtown (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/Festival. Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. The three-day celebration of global music, food and art played out on multiple stages and in pavilions stretching along the James River from 2nd to 7th streets and on Brown’s Island. Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet from Louisiana perform in the photo. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. Richmond’s own James “Plunky” Branch, left, sets an Afro-funk groove on the saxophone with his group, Plunky & the Oneness of Juju, on Saturday night. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music/lots of folk/Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. One audience member shows her appreciation by shining a light. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. A member of Urban Artistry DC showcases hip-hop and house dance during an exhibition performance Saturday evening. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. Balla Kouyaté of Mali and Famoro Dioubaté from Guinea, balafon masters, treat the audience to their modern and inventive sounds on an ancient instrument. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. Audiences of all ages engage and let loose during the performances. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots, of folk/ Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. The festival, produced by Venture Richmond Events, was free. But volunteers and other team members with the festival, including Ricardo walked around with buckets seeking donations to support the annual event that has brought world music to Richmond for the last 15 years. More than 30 entertainers and groups performed this year. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. Emanuel Carona of Third Generation Jewelers in Milwaukee, one of scores of artisans and artists displaying their work during the festival, carefully crafts a bracelet. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Lots of music, lots of folk/ Richmond’s Downtown riverfront came alive with people and music last weekend as thousands of people turned out for the Richmond Folk Festival. The crowd enjoys Cajun sounds. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)