VMI board ousts first Black superintendent
Decision sparks political outrage as lawmakers decry move as ‘purely political.’
In a stunning decision that has already sparked political backlash, the Virginia Military Institute’s Board of Visitors voted Friday morning against extending the contract of Ret. Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, the school’s first Black superintendent
African Americans turn to Ghana for peace and belonging
Amid growing social and political unrest in the U.S., Ghana has emerged as a beacon of hope — a sanctuary offering respite from America’s increasing polarization. What began as a call to reconnect with ancestral roots through the 2019 “Year of Return” campaign has transformed into the decade-long “Beyond the Return” initiative, offering not only a spiritual homecoming but also an escape from escalating discord.
Personality: Russell W. Scott
Spotlight on president of Howard University Alumni Club of Richmond
Founded to provide educational opportunities to formerly enslaved persons, HBCUs continue to empower Black Americans in pursuit of racial equity. A study by the Institute for College Access and Success reveals that HBCUs account for only 3% of all colleges and universities in the U.S. Still, they serve 10% of all Black students and award 17% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students.
Lenten Lunch series to highlight women in faith leadership
Fifty years ago, the Episcopal Church ordained its first female clergy, a milestone that reshaped faith leadership. This Lenton season, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will mark the anniversary by hosting a special lunch and speaker series featuring women in ministry.
Golden Fest supports Richmond musician after cancer diagnosis
Local blues singer and guitarist Justin Golden was poised for a breakout year in 2025. After his album “Hard Times and a Woman” gained international attention, February promised to be one of his busiest months yet, with multiple shows lined up and plans for his fourth studio album. Then, just over a month ago, the 34-year-old performer was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, forcing him to cancel upcoming performances. In response, his management team, record label, and local musicians rallied together to launch “Golden Fest,” a series of benefit concerts to help cover his medical expenses.
Richmond names Scott Morris director of public utilities
The City of Richmond has appointed Scott Morris as the permanent director of the Department of Public Utilities, officials announced Friday.
Former City Council member Addison steps into leadership role
As political shifts unfold in Richmond, two prominent leaders are making moves to shape the city’s and state’s Democratic future. Former City Council member Andreas Addison has been appointed first vice chair of the Richmond City Democratic Committee, while state Sen. Lamont Bagby has launched his campaign to become the next chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.
Dozens take oath of citizenship at Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The auditorium at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture was filled to capacity Presidents Day, Feb. 17, as more than 60 people from nearly 40 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony led by Judge David J. Novak.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 22, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates moderate and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time. As of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Feb. 16, no trend in COVID-19 wastewater levels was available for Richmond, while levels in Henrico County had plateaued.
Chesterfield academy to offer government insight for local residents
Chesterfield County, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), is accepting applications for this year’s My Chesterfield Academy. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 17.
Wage bills vetoed last year by Youngkin clear General Assembly again
Democratic lawmakers passed a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage, although the effort might be thwarted again by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who previously said the bump stifles economic competitiveness.
Henrico employee receives $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A CEO
At Chick-fil-A White Oak Village on Feb. 26, Taylor Powell, a Rise Academy student and employee, was surprised with a $25,000 scholarship as part of Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships program. The scholarship will support Powell’s plans to attend the University of Virginia, where she intends to major in psychology and pursue a career as a clinical child psychologist.
As Virginia housing costs rise, General Assembly offers little relief
The median price of a single-family home in Virginia rose almost 40% between 2019 and 2024, pushing home ownership out of reach for many working-class families. This year, Virginia legislators have introduced various measures to make home buying more attainable, both by helping buyers and incentivizing more home building. Progress has been slow.
Apple shareholders reject proposal to scrap company’s diversity programs
Apple shareholders rebuffed an attempt to pressure the technology trendsetter into joining President Donald Trump’s push to scrub corporate programs designed to diversify its workforce.
Staley to release memoir detailing her career, life lessons
Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star, will publish a book titled “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three” on May 20.
Virginia Union’s Maia Charles earns Rookie of the Year honors
Virginia Union University’s Maia Charles was named the CIAA Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, a well- deserved honor announced Sunday, Feb. 23, at the CIAA Tournament Awards Ceremony in Baltimore.
Nutzy’s Block Party set for March 1 at The Diamond
The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host their annual Nutzy’s Block Party on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Diamond.
Vick announces three new additions to Norfolk State football staff
Norfolk State football Coach Michael Vick announced three additions to his coaching staff Wednesday, welcoming Tim Smith, DeCedrick Quinn Sr. and Wilson Appleton for the 2025 season.
Hayes to speak at Richmond Peace Center event
The Richmond Peace Education Center will host Rev. Mark J. Hayes as a guest speaker for its 2025 Peace Center Speaker Series on March 11.
VCU dominates second half to take down George Mason 70-54
VCU used a dominant second half to power past George Mason 70-54 on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 7,637 at the Siegel Center, pulling the Rams into a tie for first place in the Atlantic 10.
