Rise Richmond appoints Brittany Lopes as executive director
Rise Richmond has appointed Brittany Lopes as the organization’s new executive director.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CIAA announces 2024 Football All-Conference Teams and top honors
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has revealed its 2024 Football All-Conference selections and annual superlative awards, celebrating standout performances from the season. The honors highlight six individual players and one coach whose achievements defined the year.
More than 900 boxers to compete in national championships here
Over 900 boxers from nearly every state will compete in the 2024 USA Boxing National Championships, beginning Monday, Dec. 16, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Lost cemetery of Black veterans of World War restored in Kilmarnock
A once-forgotten cemetery honoring veterans of World Wars was rediscovered and restored by the Kilmarnock Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, culminating in a rededication ceremony Sunday, Nov. 17.
VCU to retire Briante Weber’s No. 2 jersey
Virginia Commonwealth University will retire the No. 2 jersey of former men’s basketball standout Briante Weber on Dec. 22, when the Rams host William & Mary at the Siegel Center.
Touchdown Club of Richmond honors Bernard Rucker with Ray Tate Award
Bernard Rucker, a 54-year veteran of Virginia Union University’s football program, will receive the 2024 Ray Tate Memorial Award from the Touchdown Club of Richmond.
Henrico CASA swears in 11 new advocates to support children
Eleven community members were sworn in Nov. 20 as the newest Court Appointed Special Advocates in Henrico County, joining a critical mission to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
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.
Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy Weekend returns
The 4th Annual Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy Project Weekend celebrates the historic rivalry between Armstrong and Maggie L. Walker high schools with events from Nov. 29 through 30. The weekend honors the football game that drew as many as 40,000 fans annually between 1938 and 1978.
Health officials urge vaccinations
With Thanksgiving approaching, health officials from the Richmond and Henrico health districts are urging residents to take precautions against respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, to ensure a safe holiday season.
Jean Thompson Williams, leader in education and business, dies
Jean Thompson Williams, a former educator and community volunteer, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. She was 88. A native of Richmond, Williams had a distinguished career in both education and entrepreneurship.
Virginia Union wins CIAA Football Championship, advances to NCAA Playoffs
Virginia Union University clinched its second consecutive CIAA Football Championship with a thrilling 17-13 victory over Virginia State University on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Salem.
Homeownership dream becomes reality with Richmond Habitat
For Najiyyah Abdullah, a child development services specialist and mother of five, owning a home has always been a dream.
Virginia Housing launches $75M workforce housing program
Virginia Housing has announced a new $75 million Workforce Housing Investment Program to expand housing options for middle income workers in areas experiencing job growth.
Craft + Design show marks 60 years of celebrating contemporary craft
Craft + Design, a premier contemporary craft show, is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary this weekend at Richmond’s historic Main Street Station. The event, which runs Nov. 22-24, will feature the work of more than 160 artists from across the country, offering shoppers a chance to explore and purchase museum-quality crafts.
Salisbury Presbyterian Church hosts ‘Singin’ to the World’ concert
Joyful Voices Chorus, a Richmond area choir for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers, will play its fall concert, “Singin’ to the World,” on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Salisbury Presbyterian Church.
VCU alum and restaurateur Chris Tsui named commencement speaker
Founder of Eat Restaurant Partners will address graduates in December
Chris Tsui, founder and president of Eat Restaurant Partners, will be the keynote speaker at Virginia Commonwealth University’s December commencement.
Johnson named interim AD at Va. State
Felicia Johnson has been appointed interim athletic director at Virginia State University, officials announced. Johnson, who has been with the university since 2021, previously served as senior associate athletic director for compliance and senior woman administrator.
National anglers set sights on Richmond in 2025
Anglers across the country will have their sights set on Richmond in April when the James River serves as the third stop of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance.
Valentine Museum exhibition wins 4 top design awards
The Valentine museum and Studio Joseph have won four prestigious design awards for their exhibition “Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power and the ‘Lost Cause’ American Myth,” which opened in January.
VCU Women’s Basketball adds Daija Preston
The Rams just got a major boost. VCU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Beth O’Boyle has officially signed Daija Preston, a dynamic 5-foot-9 guard from Douglasville, Ga., who’s set to make an impact.
Visual Arts Center hosts ‘The Shape of Water’ exhibition
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, in partnership with the nonprofit Crafting the Future, hosts “The Shape of Water,” a group exhibition exploring themes of human embodiment, land connection and lasting impressions. The exhibition continues through Jan. 12.
City prepares for 47th annual Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon
The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon is set to celebrate its 47th edition Nov. 16. Known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” the event will feature over 20,000 participants across the marathon, half marathon and 8K races.
Richmond Kickers’ Sawatzky nominated for Coach of the Year
USL League One recently announced that Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky was nominated for the league’s Coach of the Year award.
CIAA announces 2024-25 All-CIAA preseason women’s bowling team
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced the 2024-25 All-CIAA Preseason Women’s Bowling Team and Predicted Order of Finish, as voted on by the Sports Information Directors Association. This year’s preseason team is composed entirely of returners from the 2023-2024 All-CIAA team, showcasing the depth of talent in the conference.
Virginia State defeats Virginia Union, setting up championship rematch
In a battle of two of the top teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Virginia State University defeated Virginia Union University 35-28 on Nov. 9 in Ettrick. The win sets up a rematch between the two teams in the CIAA Championship Game on Nov. 16 in Salem, Va.
Hanover County to host free Caregiver Expo
Hanover County will host its third annual Caregiver Expo on Thursday, Nov. 14, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month. The free event to provide resources and support for caregivers of older adults will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Montpelier Recreation Center and Library, 15302 Clazemont Road.
Papa Johns awards $15,000 to city organizations
Three local Richmond organizations have been awarded $15,000 in grants to support their efforts in youth leadership and entrepreneurship. The funding, provided by the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community, will help advance programs that aim to strengthen the community.
Henrico teachers receive REB grants to pursue global learning, innovation
Six Henrico County Public Schools educators have received the 2024 REB Award for Teaching Excellence, earning grants of $10,000 to $15,000 to pursue transfor- mative learning experiences. The Community Foundation, which recognizes Richmond area teachers who stand out for their inspiring classroom work, awarded these grants to support hands-on study across a range of fields. A seventh HCPS teacher was honored as a finalist. This year’s awards celebrated 18 teachers regionally, with 14 finalists chosen from a pool of 85 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues. The HCPS recipients were surprised at their schools with announce- ments attended by division leaders, administrators, fellow educators and students. Among the winners, Glen Allen High School’s Ryan Conway will use his $14,900 grant to study teacher train- ing programs and advanced instructional methods in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, focusing on strategies tailored for Generation Alpha, the population born since 2010. Highland
Va. museums partner for major exhibition on America’s 250th anniversary
Two of Virginia museums, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, are teaming up to present “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation,” a landmark exhibition marking America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibition will debut at the VMHC on March 22, 2025, in line with the anniversary of Patrick Henry’s historic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech. Sponsored by VA250, Virginia’s official semiquincenten- nial planning commission, the exhibition will be displayed in Richmond before embarking on a statewide tour. “Virginia’s history is essential to understanding the American founding,” said Jamie O. Bosket, CEO of the VMHC. “This exhibition presents a full narrative of our national story, covering its victories and struggles and amplifying the many voices that together built our Commonwealth and our nation.” “Give Me Liberty” will be one of the first major exhibits in the nation commemorating the anniversary, with a focus on Virginia’s role in the American Revolution and the global influences that inspired democratic government. Important items, including a por- trait of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale and Patrick Henry’s spectacles, will showcase Virginia’s enduring legacy. The exhibition also will include voices from lesser-known groups, such as enslaved and free Black people, Indigenous communities, women and youths. These perspectives, according to Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy S. Coleman, will provide visitors with an opportunity to view the Revolution’s legacy in a fresh light. In addition to notable artifacts like Dunmore’s Proclamation Broadside from 1775 and Thomas Jefferson’s 1774 “Summary
Faith Forum bridges faith, environmental action
A two-day Faith Forum took place Oct. 16-17 in Richmond, bringing together spiritual leaders and environmental experts to equip religious communities with tools to address climate change.
River Road Church welcomes Amanda Tyler for discussion on religious liberty
Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), will present “How to End Christian Nationalism” on Sunday, Nov. 24, as part of River Road Church’s Distinguished Lecture Series. The event, scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 8000 River Road, will address the rising tide of Christian nationalism and offer an essential guide for Christians seeking ways to counter this ideology.
Virginia State dominates Lincoln University in 55-0 shutout
The Virginia State University football team scored over 30 points for the fourth straight game, shutting out Lincoln University 55-0 on Nov. 2.
