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The 2024 Virginia General Assembly begins and ends with record number of Black legislators
History was made last November with the election of a record number of Black candidates to the Virginia General Assembly.

VCU Libraries lecture will focus on racism in health care
Journalist, author and educator Linda Villarosa will be the inaugural speaker in a new Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries lecture series on social justice. Scheduled for Oct. 27, the talk will be based on Ms. Villarosa’s 2022 book, “Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation.”

Summit to address Black women, birthing and reproductive health
In Virginia, Black women are three times more likely to die than white women during childbirth or due to pregnancy-related causes, according to Birth in Color RVA, a birth, policy and advocacy nonprofit focused on raising awareness surrounding maternal health and reproductive justice.

Richmond fireman Rodney Jermaine Coles, 49, dies
The Richmond Fire Department has announced the death of a 15-year veteran, Rodney Jermaine “Cup” Coles.

Secure health info profiles can help first responders in emergencies
Richmond residents can create a digital health profile that paramedics and other emergency personnel can access after a health emergency strikes, the city Department of Emergency Communications has announced.

Capital City Kwanzaa festival to go virtual beginning Dec. 26
Like many other holiday events, the Richmond area’s largest Kwanzaa festival is going virtual and also will provide evening shows online during the full seven days of the holiday that begins Saturday, Dec. 26, it has been announced.

Youngkins’ announce high school essay contest
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and the Virginia Council on Women have announced the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare (STEAM-H) essay contest. The contest is open to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online or through certificated STEAM-H courses.

U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion dissolved
Nearly two years ago, Sesha Joi Moon, a Richmond native and co-founder of a Richmond-based nonprofit, was named the U.S. House of Representatives director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Group hosts free pre-law conference for high school students
Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization will sponsor the iLead Law & Leadership Conference, a free pre-law workshop for high school students on Wednesday, April 10 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Moot Court Room at the University of Richmond School of Law.

Henrico DMV office moves to Ashland
A new, larger DMV office is about to open in Ashland, replacing the service center at 9015 Brook Road in Henrico County, which will shut down on Saturday, April 22, it has been announced.

2nd Street Festival returns to Jackson Ward
Marking its 35th year, the 2nd Street Festival returns Saturday and Sunday in historic Jackson Ward.

Henrico bans firearms, ammunition from its buildings, effective immediately
Henrico County officials have announced a ban on the possession of firearms and ammunition in its government buildings, including libraries and recreation centers, effective immediately.

JMI, VSU summit dips into global issues
Best-selling author Bakari Sellers, former Google exec Jewel Burks-Solomon among speakers
Bakari Sellers’ 2020 memoir “My Vanishing Country,” is filled with delicious morsels that stay with readers long after they’ve been digested.

Former FBI director James Comey at Howard University
James Comey, the FBI director fired by President Trump in May, has a new job. He will lead and conduct a series of lectures at Howard University and be the keynote speaker at the university’s opening convocation Friday, Sept. 22.

UR announces commencement speaker
University of Richmond alumnus Greg Morrisett will speak at the school’s commencement ceremonies on May 7. He is currently the Jack and Rilla Neafsey Dean and Vice Provost of Cornell Tech and a faculty member in the computer science department at Cornell University.

Rep. McClellan named to Biden-Harris Campaign National Advisory Board
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan is among the team of Democratic leaders who will help deliver President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ message and engage voters across the country, the Biden-Harris 2024 re-election campaign said yesterday in announcing its National Advisory Board.

Grey Garrett is Virginia Rep’s Carole King
The Virginia Repertory Theatre has found its Carole King. Richmond theater actress Grey Garrett has been selected to play the award-winning musician in the regional premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the November Theatre beginning Friday, June 23.

Bishop Gerald O. Glenn and wife hospitalized with the coronavirus
A prominent Chesterfield County minister and his wife are both being treated at the hospital for the coronavirus.

32nd Annual 2nd Street Festival goes virtual Oct. 3 and 4
The 32nd Annual 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward will have a twist this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of thousands of people flocking to the Downtown neighborhood to enjoy the history, music, food and art, events will take place virtually.

Maymont’s annual Garden Glow promises to shine brighter than before
Dramatic and colorful lighting will once again transform portions of Maymont’s gardens and historic architecture after sunset beginning next Thursday, Oct. 13, and continuing through Saturday, Nov. 6, it has been announced.