Virginia lawmakers push for reforms following death of Rolin Hill
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) is demanding urgent reforms after the death of Rolin Hill, a man who died in the custody of three former Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputies. The deputies, now charged with second-degree murder, were granted $5,000 unconditional bonds last week.
Recycling event rescheduled to Jan.18
If your Christmas tree is still taking up space in the corner of your living room or you’ve got other post-holiday items to recycle, the annual Bring One for the Chipper event is here to help — though it’s been rescheduled due to expected inclement weather. The event will now take place Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1710 Robin Hood Road.
Finn honored for community service
The Richmond Association of Realtors has named John S. Finn Jr. the recipient of the 2024 Civic Leader of the Year Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their community and honors those who improve the well-being of those in need.
Colonial Downs reveals details for Virginia Derby weekend
The 2025 Virginia Derby, set for Saturday, March 15, will serve as a qualifying race for the 151st Kentucky Derby, offering the winner a spot at Churchill Downs on May 3. The event, a highlight of Colonial Downs’ March meet, will feature at least 10 races, with the Derby itself scheduled for the afternoon.
Sculptures inspired by Alvin Ailey to be featured at Lewis Ginter
Kristine Mays’ sculptures appear to emerge from the ground, their wire frames evoking delicate yet resilient figures in motion. This striking juxtaposition of fragility and strength will be on display at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden when her acclaimed exhibition, “Rich Soil,” opens Jan. 18 and runs through March 9, 2025.
Norfolk State names new football coaching staff under Vick
Norfolk State University has announced its new football coaching staff, led by Coach Michael Vick. The team of experienced coaches, including several former NFL players, reflects a commitment to building a competitive program on the field and fostering growth off it.
Rams standout Gerardo Castillo heads home to join San Carlos
Former Virginia Commonwealth University men’s soccer standout Gerardo Castillo is set to begin his professional career with Asociación Deportiva San Carlos of Costa Rica’s Primera División, the country’s top professional soccer league.
MJBL East-West All-Star Game returns to Daytona Beach
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League brings its East-West All-Star Game back to Florida this weekend, with events scheduled for Jan. 18 and 19 in Daytona Beach.
The Branch Museum of Design announces rebranding, new leader
The Branch Museum of Design and Architecture is marking its 10th anniversary with a new name and a new leader.
“MathAlive!” exhibition nears final days at Science Museum
The Science Museum of Virginia’s touring exhibition “MathAlive!” closes this Sunday, Jan. 12, providing visitors this weekend the chance to explore the interactive display showcasing the connections between mathematics and music, sports, movies and games.
Hampton honors the ‘Dixie Three’ for defying segregation at hospital
The City of Hampton dedicated a Heritage marker Saturday morning to recognize three Black nurses who, in 1963, risked their careers to challenge segregation at Dixie Hospital in Hampton.
Fifth Street Baptist to host 23rd annual MLK event
A quiet reflection will precede an afternoon of celebration as the 23rd Annual MLK Community Celebration & Drum Major Awards takes center stage Sunday, Jan. 12, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, honoring those who live out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and leadership.
Library of Virginia to host virtual talk on historic mapping project
The Library of Virginia will present a virtual talk Jan. 22 from noon to 1 p.m., focusing on the 19th century mapping project that led to the creation of the first official map of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The talk will delve into the surveying efforts and teams that contributed to the detailed manuscript maps of each county, which ultimately formed the foundation for the engraved Virginia state map, often referred to as “the general map.”
Coach Tierra Terry celebrates 50th career win as Virginia Union dominates
Virginia Union University’s women’s basketball team started the new year with style, delivering an 82-53 thrashing of Virginia University of Lynchburg on Sunday at Barco-Stevens Hall.
Virginia Holocaust Museum completes major renovation, adds new theater
The Virginia Holocaust Museum recently completed a significant renovation, marking its most extensive update since the museum’s inception. The renovated space, located in a 1896 tobacco warehouse in the Shockoe Bottom district, enhances the museum’s ability to educate visitors on the history of the Holocaust.
Richmond churches plan faith-based racial healing initiative
St. Philip’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches are collaborating on “Walking with the Enslaved: The Church’s Role in Slavery,” a faith-based program focused on addressing Richmond’s racial history and promoting racial healing.
Virginia State outlasts Johnson C. Smith for 75-68 victory
Virginia State University surged in the second half to defeat Johnson C. Smith University 75-68 in an exciting back-and-forth battle Saturday.
Sharpton to lead King Day events in D.C. to honor Dr. King’s legacy
The Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, will lead a series of events in Washington, D.C., and New York during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday. These events will serve aim to rally support for civil rights issues, including voting rights, diversity, equity and inclusion and criminal justice reform, as a second Trump administration nears.
Azurest South named a national historic landmark
Virginia State University announced this week that Azurest South, also known as the Alumni House, has been designated as one of the nation’s newest National Historic Landmarks. The designation was part of a group of 19 new NHLs revealed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The designation is the highest federal recognition for a property’s historical, architectural or archaeological significance.
Randolph-Macon to host 2027 NCAA DIII Women’s Volleyball Championship
Randolph-Macon College recently snagged the honor of hosting the 2027 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Set for the Henrico Sports & Events Center, just 8 miles from the Ashland campus, the event promises to shine a national spotlight on Central Virginia.
Volunteers needed for free health care clinic in Cumberland
Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit organization providing free dental, vision and medical care through pop-up clinics, is seeking volunteers for its two-day health care clinic in Cumberland. The clinic will be held March 29-30 at Cumberland High School, located at 15 School Road in Cumberland.
Exhibit explores Virginia’s Vietnam War experiences
Medals, letters, protest banners and personal keepsakes tell the stories of Virginians whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War in a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
McEachin announces re-election bid for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Colette McEachin, Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney, officially launched her campaign for re-election this week, seeking the Democratic nomination in the June 17 primary.
Vick lands first quarterback commitment at Norfolk State
Norfolk State University Coach Michael Vick has secured his first quarterback commitment as an HBCU coach in Earl Woods III, a former Alabama high school standout.
Latin Ballet presents ‘Legend of the Poinsettia’ for 24th year
The Latin Ballet of Virginia will celebrate the 24th anniversary of its holiday production, “Legend of the Poinsettia,” with performances scheduled from Jan. 9 through 12 at the Perkinson Center for the Arts in Chester.
Virginia State commits to Henry Frazier III with long-term contract
Virginia State University Head Football Coach Henry Frazier III has signed a five-year contract, extending his tenure as he enters his third season with the Trojans in 2024. Frazier, named the team’s 26th head coach in May 2022, has led the program to 21 total wins and a share of the CIAA regular season championship in 2023.
Applications open for HBCU Scholars Fellowship
Virginia Humanities is now accepting applications for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholars Fellowship, a program designed to support humanities scholars affiliated with HBCUs.
Adinkra Alliance Institute announces honorees from Virginia
The Adinkra Alliance Institute recently announced the 2024 recipients of the Adinkra Distinguished Black Achievers Honors, recognizing Black leaders around the country whose significant contributions have positively impacted their communities.
Jackson State crowned HBCU national champions
Jackson State University has been crowned the 2024 HBCU national football champions, following their dominant 31-16 win over South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl. This marks the Tigers’ first HBCU national title since 1986, when American Urban Radio Networks named them champions.
Drums, dance, and community unity take center stage at Kwanzaa
Drums will echo and vibrant traditions will take center stage as the Richmond Kwanzaa Kollective hosts its 18th Annual Kwanzaa Afrikan Heritage Celebration on Dec. 27 at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St.
VUU to pilot teacher residency program with federal grant support
Virginia Union University has received a $230,000 portion of a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership program to establish a Teacher Residency program. The funding, in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University, will support the development of innovative teacher internships and residency programs over the next three years.
Brooks among finalists for Black College Football Hall of Fame induction
The Black College Football Hall of Fame has announced 27 finalists for induction into its Class of 2025, selecting the group from over 150 nominees. Among the finalists is Larry Brooks, a standout defensive tackle from Virginia State University, who had an illustrious NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams.
Rise Richmond appoints Brittany Lopes as executive director
Rise Richmond has appointed Brittany Lopes as the organization’s new executive director.
New leadership team elected for Richmond Crusade for Voters
The Richmond Crusade for Voters announced its elected officers for the 2025-2026 term during its November meeting.
Chisholm posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) attended the signing of the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act at the U.S. Capitol. This bipartisan legislation posthumously awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to politics, activism and civil rights.
Hildreth ‘Hal’ Walker Jr., laser scientist, dies at 91
Hildreth “Hal” Walker Jr., a pioneering laser scientist and dedicated STEM advocate, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at 91 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Joyner-Kersee to headline RVA Sports Awards
Legendary Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee will headline the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8, bringing star power to the annual celebration of Richmond area athletic achievements.
Kwanzaa festival celebrates African American culture
The Elegba Folklore Society will host its annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Dec. 28, offering a daylong celebration of African American culture and heritage.
GardenFest of Lights tops USA Today’s ranking with holiday display
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has again topped USA Today’s ranking of botanical garden holiday light displays, drawing national recognition for its elaborate nighttime spectacle.
Movieland theater to undergo multimillion-dollar renovation
Movieland at Boulevard Square, Richmond’s only first-run movie theater within the city limits, is undergoing its most significant renovation since opening in 2009. The multimillion-dollar project will enhance the movie-going experience with new features and upgraded amenities.
“Up the Ridge” screening to highlight Red Onion prison issues
The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality will host a public meeting on Saturday, Dec. 7, to examine issues at Red Onion State Prison, a supermax facility in Virginia. The event, titled “Crisis at Red Onion Supermax: How You Can Help!” will take place at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Richmond’s East End.
River City Sportsplex expands with four new fields
The River City Sportsplex just got bigger and better. Last week, the complex unveiled four additional lighted turf fields, pushing its total to an impressive 16 fields.
UR’s Grant named finalist for Buck Buchanan Award
University of Richmond defensive end Jeremiah Grant has been named among the nation’s top defensive players as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this season, the award is presented yearly to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
Virginia Union makes history, advances to NCAA quarterfinals
Virginia Union University’s record-setting football season continued with a decisive 44-12 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne University on Saturday in the NCAA Division II Playoffs second round.
VUU Gospel Choir performs on BET’s ‘HBCU Honors’
Virginia Union University’s Gospel Choir performed with Grammy-winning artist Fantasia and hip-hop legend MC Lyte at the HBCU Honors, a celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The performance, led by VUU Gospel Choir Director Joel T. Lester, and airing on BET on Dec. 1, marked a milestone for the choir.
December leads as peak month for U.S. home fires
The holiday season’s decorations, festive meals, and traditions bring joy, but also heightened fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December consistently sees a spike in home fires, with Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranking as the second- and third-leading days for home cooking fires in 2022.
Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns
Richmond’s annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns Dec. 7, celebrating its 41st year with the theme “Christmas Wishes.”
Virginia War Memorial to Host 83rd Annual Pearl Harbor Day
Virginia War Memorial will host a solemn and reflective gathering to honor the lives lost during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The 83rd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory - 20th Century, located at 621 South Belvidere St.
Leadership Metro Richmond seeks new president
Leadership Metro Richmond has launched a search for its next President and CEO, seeking a dynamic leader to advance its mission of fostering leadership and community connection in the greater Richmond region.
Food Banks partner with local farmers to distribute thousands of pounds of apples
The Federation of Virginia Food Banks, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is distributing thousands of pounds of fresh, locally grown apples to families across the Commonwealth this holiday season. With funding from the Federal Farms to Food Banks initiative, approximately 9,500 bushels of Virginia apples will be delivered to food-insecure households in November and December.
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