Eryn Byrd, Lauryn Taylor help VCU secure second at A-10
VCU placed second at the 2025 Atlantic 10 Conference Championships, earning eight medals across all events on the second day of competition. The Rams were led by Lauryn Taylor, who won three gold medals, and Eryn Byrd, who earned her fourth career gold in the shot put.
Byers named Black College Football Player of the Year
Jada Byers, a record-setting rusher at Virginia Union University, was recently named Black College Football Player of the Year by the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Orchard House Middle School to host screening of ‘Daughters’
Orchard House Middle School will host a public screening of “Daughters” on March 20 in partnership with Girls For a Change. The documentary follows four young girls as they prepare for a Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, examining the impact of separation on their relationships.
Calendar-Ray honored for a lifetime of community service
Cassandra Calendar-Ray was honored Feb. 22 for her dedication to improving the lives of Virginia families at a ceremony held at The Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center in Louisa. The NAACP Branch #7085 recognized her with the NAACP Phenomenal Woman Plaque and the Harry Leroy Nuckols Memorial Certificate of Recognition for her exceptional community service.
Sigma Gamma Rho to host youth symposium focused on girls’ empowerment
In response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of young girls, the Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority will host its annual Youth Symposium on March 8 at Fairfield Middle School.
Tributes pour in for R&B singer Angie Stone after her death
Fans are remembering the voice and songs of trailblazer Angie Stone after her death at 63 in a weekend crash on an Alabama highway as she traveled from a performance.
Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning ‘Killing Me Softly’ singer, dies at 88
Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recording artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. She was 88.
Richmond Ballet prepares for first performance at VMFA in decades
As renovations to the Leslie Cheek Theater at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts near completion, the museum and Richmond Ballet have announced that beginning March 20, the ballet company will move its repertory series, now known as “Moving Art,” to the theater.
Kamala Harris receives prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award
Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards stage Saturday night with a sobering message, calling the civil rights organization a pillar of the Black community and urging people to stay resilient and hold onto their faith during the tenure of President Trump.
You can’t steal our Joy
This week, we witnessed what appeared to be a purge of diverse voices at MSNBC, a television channel owned by NBCUniversal.
Lawsuit challenges big lie of anti-equity movement, by Marc H. Morial
An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others.” — Thomas Jefferson
Voter’s remorse? Not much, but give it time, by Clarence Page
Colorful billionaire and presidential adviser Elon Musk sparked quite a reaction at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington last week when he leaped around the stage waving a chainsaw. “This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy. CHAINSAAAW!” he exclaimed. “Uwaaauwaargh!”
Nat King Cole’s role in Civil Rights Movement overlooked, by Donna M. Cox
Six decades after Nat King Cole’s death in 1965, his music is still some of the most played in the world, and his celebrity transcends generational and racial divides. His smooth voice, captivating piano skills and enduring charisma earned him international acclaim.
Library of Virginia event explores Jimmie Strother’s music and legacy
On March 7, the Library of Virginia will take visitors back to a time when street musicians roamed the Upper South, sharing the music and stories of their lives. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., the library will host a free music performance and book talk focused on Jimmie Strother, a blind Virginia songster whose recordings from 1936 continue to influence American music today.
New round of funding to preserve Virginia’s diverse historical narratives
History is alive across Virginia, from museums and archives to tribal centers and cultural institutions. A new round of funding from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will support those efforts, awarding more than $500,000 to 11 organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing the Commonwealth’s past.
Legal trailblazer Willard Douglas Jr. remembered
Behind and beyond the judge’s bench, Willard H. Douglas Jr. broke new ground for African Americans in Virginia. The state’s first full-time African American judge died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 at the age of 93, following decades of legal and community service.
Ida Cheatham, beloved Maymont figure, dies at 105
To walk through Richmond’s Maymont neighborhood is to experience the work of its most famous resident, Ida L. Cheatham, who died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at 105.
Chris Jasper, legendary Isley Brothers member, dies at 73
Chris Jasper, the renowned singer, songwriter and producer who helped shape the sound of The Isley Brothers, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 73. His death followed a cancer diagnosis in December 2024.
Sweet celebrations
Honey tasting in honor of Black History Month
This event, hosted by City Bees in honor of Black History Month, featured a free honey tasting at Virginia Union University on Feb. 8.
Mayor, City Council discuss City priorities, water crisis aftermath
City Council and Mayor Danny Avula met Monday to discuss housing, family support and the city’s long-term recovery from January’s water crisis.
