Landmark African American architect’s home to be restored at VSU
Virginia State University has received a $150,000 grant to preserve Azurest South, a historic home designed by one of the first documented female African American architects.
Science Museum lauded for accessibility efforts
The Science Museum of Virginia was recently recognized for its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusiveness during Disability Pride Month.
SAU retains accreditation as football program suspended for 2024-25
Saint Augustine’s University, the nation’s oldest historically Black Episcopal university, will retain its accreditation following a unanimous decision by an arbitration panel to reverse a previous ruling, school officials announced recently.
Juicy fun awaits at Watermelon Festival
The 42nd Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival, presented by Publix, returns to Richmond on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
VUU track stars Hinton, Jones earn VaSID All-State honors
In a testament to their outstanding perfor- mances this season, Virginia Union University’s track and field program has seen two of its athletes named to the 2024 VaSID All-State Indoor Track & Field Team. Junior sprinter and hurdler Jalen Hinton, hailing from Chesapeake, secured a spot on the First Team, showcasing his exceptional speed and technique. Freshman Zachary Jones from Chester, made his mark in the throws category, earning a place on the Second Team. VUU Track & Field Coach Franck Charles expressed his pride in the athletes’ achievements. “I am very proud of both guys for getting rec- ognition,” Charles stated. “They truly deserve it, as they have worked very hard and overcome a lot this past season.” The Virginia Sports Information Directors selects these prestigious teams annually, rec- ognizing top performers across 44 All-State teams in 23 sports. The organization, open to media relations professionals from universi- ties and conferences throughout Virginia, also names an Academic All-State squad and crowns All-Sports champions in both University and College Divisions. Hinton and Jones’ selections not only high- light their individual talents but also underscore the strength of VUU’s track and field program. All eyes will be on these rising stars to see how they build on this recognition in future competitions.
VCU basketball faces tough non-conference slate
Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team faces a challenging 2024-25 non-conference schedule, including potential matchups with five NCAA Tournament teams and two recent Final Four participants.
Library of Virginia names finalists for 2024 Literary Awards
The Library of Virginia recently announced the 12 finalists for its 27th Annual Virginia Literary Awards.. This year’s finalists represent a broad range of genres, highlighting the Commonwealth’s vibrant literary culture.
Florida A&M tops Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll
The Florida A&M Rattlers, the defending HBCU national champions, will enter the 2024 season as the top-ranked team in the Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll, released Thursday by Boxtorow.
CIAA unveils 2024 football broadcast schedule
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its broadcast lineup for the upcoming 2024 football season, featuring games on HBCU GO, a streaming service dedicated to Historically black colleges and universities, and the conference’s own CIAA Sports Network.
Local Lego Master to Lead Workshop for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond
The Lego Group and a local contestant on Fox’’s “Lego Masters” Ben Edlavitch are teaming up to bring a special workshop to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond on Monday, July 29.
Richmond announces finalists for inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation has unveiled the finalists for the first BLK RVA Community Awards, celebrating individuals and businesses that bolster Black tourism in the Richmond area.
Longtime Richmond pastor set to end 45-year ministry
Dr. Arthur M. Jones Sr., pastor of Triumphant Baptist Church in Richmond, recently announced his retirement after 45 years of service. His last day as pastor will be July 28.
City addresses sewer pipe leaks along James River
The City of Richmond is working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to address two separate sewer leak incidents that occurred this month along the Tredegar Pipeline Trail.
Congressional symposium precedes MJBL Baseball Classic
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League will host its 33rd Annual Inner City Classic and Black World Series on July 30 in Washington, D.C. The event starts 6 p.m. at Maury Wills Field, following the 20th Annual Bobby Bonds Memorial Symposium at the Congressional Auditorium on Capitol Hill.
CIAA football preseason poll
Virginia State tops rankings, Virginia Union second
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has released its 2024 football preseason conference poll, with Virginia State University claiming the top spot. This marks a significant improvement for the Trojans, who were picked to finish fifth last season but landed in third place behind Virginia Union and Fayetteville State.
Senators introduce legislation to support lower-income artists
U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2024 on Tuesday, aiming to provide tax relief to lower and middle-income performing artists. This legislation updates the Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction, allowing more artists to deduct work-related expenses.
Chesterfield County unveils inaugural sports hall of fame class
In a landmark moment for local sports history, the Chesterfield County Sports Hall of Fame, presented by Virginia Credit Union, has announced its inaugural class of inductees.
Woodville Elementary joins extended school year program
Woodville Elementary School in Richmond’s East End welcomed students back to class earlier than usual this week, marking its first year as part of the city’s RPS200 initiative. The program, now in its second year, extends the school year by 20 days to boost student achievement.
VCU Medical Center tops Richmond hospital rankings again
VCU Medical Center has been named the top hospital in the Metro Richmond area for the 14th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report.
‘Portraits’ exhibition showcases Style Weekly’s visual chronicle of Richmond
A new exhibition showcasing photographs from Style Weekly’s archive at the Valentine museum, offering a visual journey through Richmond’s cultural landscape from the 1980s to recent years.
Richmond Music Week returns for second year
Richmond Music Week, a celebration of the city’s music scene, will return for its second year Aug. 2 through 11 organizers announced Wednesday.
Popular jazz café secures funding for 3 more years
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced Tuesday that Dominion Energy has renewed its sponsorship of the museum’s free weekly jazz performance series.
Desirée Roots joins leadership team at ATLAS partnership
Desirée Roots, former co-artistic director of community at Virginia Rep, has joined the leadership team of the newly established ATLAS Partnership. Roots’ previous position, was eliminated during a recent restructuring of Virginia Rep.
Spiders make splash with 2 CSCAA Scholar All-Americans
The University of Richmond’s swimming and diving team is proving they’re as sharp in the classroom as they are in the pool.
5 Panthers earn spots on VaSID All-State football team
The Virginia Union University football program made a strong showing in the recently announced Virginia Sports Information Directors All-State Football Team. Five Panthers have secured spots on the prestigious list, highlighting the team’s talent and depth.
Michael Vick to mentor young athletes at NSU flag football clinic
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is gearing up for its second annual Girls on the Gridiron Flag Football Clinic, with former NFL quarterback Michael Vick slated to make a special appearance. The event, set for Sunday, July 21, aims to introduce more young women to the growing sport of flag football.
From farmland to fun land: Henrico’s Taylor Farm Park now open
A new public park spanning 99 acres opened Tuesday in Sandston, expanding Henrico County’s recreational offerings. Taylor Farm Park, located at 200 Whiteside Road, features a variety of outdoor amenities and represents a $26 million investment in community infrastructure.
Richmond issues water advisory for James River due to sewage leak
The Virginia Department of Health has issued a recreational water advisory for a section of the James River following a sewage leak reported on July 16. The affected area stretches from the Manchester Bridge (9th Street) in Richmond to Osborne Landing in Henrico County.
McClellan delivers $1.6M for domestic violence survivors
U.S. Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Va., presented YWCA Richmond with a $1,666,279 check Tuesday to support the organization’s services for domestic violence survivors.
Local First Tee team cinches Redmond Cup in thrilling playoff
In a nail-biting finish, First Tee Greater Richmond captured the 11th Redmond Cup presented by Troutman Pepper on Thursday at Belmont Golf Course. The local team emerged victorious in a playoff against First Tee – Greater Washington, D.C., after both squads finished the two-day competition tied at 165.
Veterans care centers get new wheelchair-accessible vans
The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services announced Wednesday that the Disabled American Veterans Department of Virginia has donated four specially equipped minivans to transport residents of state veterans care centers to medical appointments.
City proposes solar farm, meadow on former landfill site
Richmond officials are seeking public input on a proposal to convert a former landfill into the city’s first solar farm and pollinator meadow. The project, which could cover up to 30 acres in the 7th District, aims to generate renewable energy while supporting local biodiversity.
Free FAFSA assistance workshops at Capital One Cafes
A local nonprofit is offering free workshops to help students complete their federal financial aid applications for college.
Family activities and hoops highlight Henrico’s back-to-school event
Henrico County Public Schools will host its annual Back-to-School Kickoff at the Henrico Sports & Events Center on Aug. 9, offering a day filled with family activities, educational resources and a basketball tournament to celebrate the up-coming school year.
Dr. JoAnn Thomas Wilson remembered
JoAnn Thomas Wilson, a revered figure in psychology and community service, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ga.
Richmond entrepreneur advances in Black Ambition Prize competition
A Richmond-based food company has been named a semifinalist in the Black Ambition Prize, an entrepreneurial competition founded by Virginia native and music icon Pharrell Williams.
Local playwright’s ‘Hippocrite’ brings church satire back to stage
“Hippocrite the Musical,” a gospel comedy that sold out its one-night performance last year at the Dominion Energy Center, returns for three shows on July 20 and 21 at The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.
Trojans ready to roar: VSU men’s hoops unveils 2024-25 schedule
Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. and his Virginia State University Men’s Basketball squad face a hard-hitting 25-game slate for the 2024-2025 campaign. The Trojans are set to battle through a schedule packed with thrilling matchups, kicking off with the much-anticipated Trojan Tip-Off Classic.
Freedom Reads founder Betts to receive top honor from Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia will award its honorary Patron of Letters degree to poet, lawyer and Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts, the library announced Tuesday.
Alvin Parker named Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year
Alvin Parker, head football coach at Virginia Union University, has been named the Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year.
Flying Squirrels honor local history with upcoming games
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have unveiled an array of promotions for their ongoing home stand against the Harrisburg Senators, running through Sunday, July 14, at The Diamond.
Local First Tee participants to attend Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis
Two teenagers from First Tee — Greater Richmond were recently selected to attend a national leadership academy focused on social justice and community building.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture launches statewide education program
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) has announced the launch of a major statewide civics education program for middle-grade students as part of its 250th Initiative. The program, titled Civics Connects, is designed to provide a comprehensive, classroom-ready resource for Virginia students.
Virginia War Memorial seeks volunteers for flag removal
The Virginia War Memorial is seeking volunteers to help conclude its annual Hill of Heroes celebration, a tribute honoring nearly 12,000 Virginians who died serving their country from World War II to the present.
Henrico completes its first section of the much- anticipated Fall Line Trail
Henrico County officials cut the ribbon Tuesday of the Spring Park section of the 43-mile Fall Line Trail. The 1,400-foot section is the first to be completed in Henrico County.
University of Richmond professor receives fellowship for Black history research
Jillean McCommons, a University of Richmond assistant professor of history and Africana studies, has been awarded the Wilma Dykeman “Faces of Appalachia” Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship by the Appalachian Studies Association.
Roland Martin leads town hall on education reform
Nationally recognized journalist and author Roland Martin will host a town hall meeting on education reform in Richmond on Sunday, July 14.
RIC recognized for excellence in airport management
Richmond International Airport recently won the Change Management Program Award from Airports Council International-North America.
Hanover Tomato Festival returns for 46th year
The Hanover Tomato Festival returns to Pole Green Park on July 12 and 13, marking its 46th year as a community celebration.
Four-day Black Pride RVA celebration returns
The seventh annual Black Pride RVA, a four-day celebration of Richmond’s LGBTQIA+ community of color, is set for July 18-21.
