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.
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.
Docuseries spotlights ‘grande dame’ who redefined Southern cooking
The legacy of Edna Lewis, the renowned African American chef celebrated as the “grande dame of Southern cooking,” will be explored in a new docuseries produced by VPM and Field Studio. “Finding Edna Lewis,” set to premiere on July 19, will delve into Lewis’ profound impact on American culinary history through eight monthly episodes hosted by Style Weekly food editor Deb Freeman.
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.
CJ Nickolas overcame many obstacles to reach the Olympics. Now, he’s aiming for taekwondo gold
A malformed vertebra couldn’t stop him. Neither could heart surgery, or a change of weight category that everyone thought was a big mistake. Breaking his arm in the buildup to the Paris Games was just a minor distraction, too. It seems there’s almost nothing that could derail CJ Nickolas’ quest for an Olympic medal.
‘Red, White and Lights’ returns to Meadow Farm
Henrico County hosts its annual Red, White and Lights Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 4, at Meadow Farm Museum in Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road. The free event will begin at 5 p.m. and feature family-friendly entertainment.
Raymond E. Gross, Air Force veteran and community leader, dies at 89
Raymond E. Gross, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and community leader, died Monday, May 20, 2024. He was 89.
Thousands of faith leaders, union members, activists rally in D.C.
Thousands of clergy, union members and activists rallied on behalf of the poor near the U.S. Capitol on Saturday, June 29, with faith leaders calling for lawmakers to embrace a slate of policies and for low-wealth Americans to make their voices heard in November as the nation’s “largest potential swing vote.”
New legislation brings aid to family members caring for relatives’ children
For decades, Virginia has ranked poorly among states for providing financial support for kinship carers — grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members raising children who are their relatives. And a critical state report found many social services departments in Virginia have failed to provide enough oversight and protection for children in the care of their relatives.
Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority names new chief of staff
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) named Kim Cole as the new chief of staff last week. Cole has over 20 years of experience as a housing professional, including executive positions at Inlivian and the District of Columbia Housing Authority.
McClellan proposes bill to standardize time – on the moon
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan introduced a bill last week to create standard time zones for the moon and other celestial bodies. The Celestial Time Standardization Act would direct NASA to submit a report to Congress describing a strategy for a lunar standard time within two years of the bill’s passage.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending on Saturday, June 29, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia rose 40% from the previous week, though new admissions remained low. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported statewide during that time frame. COVID-19 wastewater levels in the Greater Richmond area remain, on average, below detection.
What to the slave is the Fourth of July?
This week, we present a portion of Frederick Douglass’ powerful speech “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” Delivered on July 5, 1852, this address remains a poignant and searing critique of our nation’s founding principles versus its practices.
Fair housing is up to all of us
We all deserve the freedom to choose where we live. But even Virginians who have won a lottery struggle to find a way home.
The shocking discovery that suddenly made reparations deeply personal for one woman
“We don’t plan on the white man for nothing.”
Ruth Wilson squinted through her browline glasses at the image of a smudged, crumpled document on the computer screen. “To all whom it may concern,” she read. “Fergus Wilson having selected 40 acres of land on Sapelo Island, Georgia, pursuant to Special Field Orders, No. 15…has permission to hold and occupy said tract …”
VUU’s Ny Langley to showcase skills at Harlem’s Rucker Park
Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park is about to get a taste of Panther prowess. Virginia Union University’s basketball standout, Ny Langley, has been invited to participate in the HBCU All Star Dream Classic on Aug. 10, when she’ll compete alongside top collegiate talent.
Virginia officials defend ‘free and fair’ elections as primary results are certified
Drawing from bowl sets ballot order for 2024 general elections
Virginia officials on Tuesday certified the results of last month’s congressional primaries and defended the integrity of the state’s voting systems after a contentious election season.
Personality: Jason T. Pritchard
Spotlight on Board President for Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance
Jason Pritchard knows rock bottom — and what it takes to lift oneself from the depths of addiction. As the board president of Richmond-based Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA), he is constantly fighting for the underserved.
Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game sells out for 14th straight year
The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game at The Diamond has sold out, the team announced recently. This marks the 14th consecutive year the franchise has sold out its Independence Day game since its inception in 2010.
Tribute planned for civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker
The National Park Service will honor Maggie Lena Walker’s 160th birthday with a two-week celebration featuring events across Richmond highlighting the Black banking pioneer’s legacy.
