In the renovated Abner Clay Park in Historic Jackson Ward following the rededication and ribbon-cutting Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, the 3-year- old great-great-grandson of Mr. Clay, Oliver Clay Glasby, takes advantage of the spacious park just as his great-great- grandfather would want him to do.

Numerous lights were installed for the 20th Annual Gabriel Gathering on Monday at the reclaimed Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground. “We Are Gabriel” helps to shine a light on the story of slave rebellion leader Gabriel, presented by Recontextual- izing Richmond & Sacred Ground Project. The commemoration was hosted by Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project of the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality.

“Each year on Oct. 10, the Sacred Ground Project hosts a community gathering at the African Burial Ground to mark the date in 1800 when the great slave rebellion leader Gabriel was executed at the town gallows,” said Ana Edwards, founder and chair of the project. “We gather to honor Gabriel and all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom, to celebrate more than 20 years of learning the history of this sacred ground and to rededicate ourselves to reclaiming and properly memorializing Shockoe Bottom once the epicenter of the U.S. domestic slave trade. This year we also are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality!”

Maggie L. Walker High School’s 59 members of the Class of 1962 attended their final formal reunion on Saturday, Oct. 8, at “The Gathering Place/Around the Table,” an Ashland Soul Food restaurant. Joining the classmates were 47 guests. In this photo, class member Thomasina Haskins Mencer, of Baton Rouge, center, enjoyed conversation with her husband left, Ernest Mencer of Baton Rouge, and a classmate’s husband, Wilbert Talley of Richmond.

Asked why they will no longer host a class reunion, Jane Crittenden Talley promptly replied, “We’re old and many of us — between 78-80 years old — have various ailments.” Planning a reunion is hard work and many on the committee have done it since 1972, beginning with their first reunion and hosting a celebration every five years after. The group’s last formal reunion is a happy and sad occasion, Mrs. Talley said, adding that the group will continue to gather informally for future celebrations.

The 60th Reunion Planning Committee of the Maggie L. Walker High School Class of 1962 are from left, Jane Crittenden Talley, George T. Bennett, Margie Rasberry Booker, Rose Beech Graham, and Stephanie Crittenden Cason.

Cabbage patching at Shalom Farms in North Side

Virginia Union University celebrated homecoming in grand style Oct. 8 at Lanier Field/Hovey Stadium. The Panthers football team continued its winning streak, beating Elizabeth City State 49-0, while the band, cheerleaders and camera-ready alumni kept the crowd of nearly 8,000 moving amid sunny skies and warm smiles.

Blessing Williams is pulled on stage to jam with The Legendary Ingramettes on Oct. 8 during their performance at the Richmond Folk Festival.

Hailing from New Orleans, the 79rs Gang brought its revolutionary sounds and riveting performance to the Richmond Folk Festival. On Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, the city’s Black Masking Carnival gangs enact ritualistic musical battles in the streets, decked out in impossibly colorful, intricate costumery. Rivalries were put aside when Jermaine Bossier, Big Chief of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Romeo Bougere, Big Chief of the 9th Ward Hunters, teamed up to form the musical powerhouse 79rs Gang. Folk Festival attendees enjoyed the 79rs and several other musical acts during this year’s festival. Hurry back!