Gov. Youngkin is VCU commencement speaker
Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be Virginia Commonwealth University’s spring commencement speaker on May 11.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
SPCA’s 2024 Rock the Block Party
The Richmond SPCA’s signature Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party drew dog lovers from near and far on Saturday, March 23, at the nonprofit’s humane center on Hermitage Road.
Meet the new kids at Maymont
Maymont welcomed three baby Tennessee domestic goats to Maymont Farm just in time for spring.
The humanities and HBCUs, by Yahusef Medina
Last month, as we commemorated another year of Black history, I found myself reflecting on two prominent themes in the life and legacy of Carter Godwin Woodson, pioneer of Black History Month, who was born in Buckingham County, Va.
The ridiculous retiring Republicans, by Julianne Malveaux
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson needed Democrats to narrowly avert the government shutdown that loomed if Congressional budget legislation was not passed by Saturday, March 23. Many Republicans did not vote for the budget legislation; Democrats saved the day.
A tone-deaf attack on diversity at a university first built by the enslaved, by Bob Lewis
Posts began popping up in my social media feeds a couple of weeks ago from friends in my demographic: white, male and old enough to know better.
Panthers prepare for an encore
Virginia Union University’s winding road back to the football playoffs will start with a trip to Frankfort, Ky.
Barksdale’s star is rising
Some of history’s most prominent big men have made their mark in the Virginia High School League basketball tournament.
Pac-12’s final chapter not over yet; conference has 5 teams in women’s Sweet 16
In a women’s NCAA Tournament where Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, LSU Coach Kim Mulkey and undefeated South Carolina have dominated the headlines, the Pac-12 Conference is making sure it doesn’t go away quietly in its final season.
Crump impresses in loss to UConn
Miya Crump earned her big March Madness moment even in defeat for Jackson State’s women’s basketball team.
Black History Museum receives $300,000 grant
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia has received a two-year, $300,000 grant from The Anne Mullen Orrell Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. The award is to support the BHMCC’s general operating expenses, enabling the museum to continue its mission to preserve and promote the rich history and cultural heritage of African-Americans in Virginia, according to a museum news release. “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious grant from the Anne Mullen Orrell Charitable Trust, facilitated by Bank of America. This grant underscores the importance of the museum’s mission to collect, interpret, and celebrate the inspirational stories of Vir- ginia’s Black history & culture,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, BHMCC executive director. “Through education and storytelling, we demonstrate that Black history is part of our collective American story,” she added. “By providing support for the museum’s overall op- erations, the Trust allows us to continue our work through our exhibitions, educational and community programs, events, and other initiatives.” To learn more about the BHMCC, please visit https://blackh- istorymuseum.org/.
Branch Museum to host free open house
The Branch Museum will host a free open house Easter Sunday, March 31, from noon to 5 p.m. for the Monument Avenue Easter on Parade.
Authorities search Diddy’s properties as part of a sex trafficking probe
In the first nine months of 2023, Sean “Diddy” Combs triumphantly performed at the MTV VMAs, released an R&B album that garnered a Grammy nomination and was a suitor to buy the BET network. But several lawsuits filed late last year raised allegations of sexual assault and rape against Mr. Combs — one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as a performer and producer.
Remembering an icon
The esteemed civil rights leader, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, a native of Richmond, would have celebrated her 112th birthday on Sunday, March 24. Although she died April 20, 2010, at age 98 in Washington, D.C., her legacy remains strong, especially in Richmond’s Blackwell neighborhood where she was born.
Rise up
RISC continues mission for housing, safety, well-being
The city of Richmond’s current and potential political leaders committed themselves to more action on affordable housing, mobile home repair and replacement, and discussions on gun violence prevention Tuesday evening, during RISC’s 2024 Nehemiah Action Assembly.
New safety nets
Richmond School Board discusses homebound learning, protocols for upcoming graduations
Improvements are underway to clarify Richmond Public Schools’ homebound and home-based instruction protocols, along with revised procedures for certifying graduating seniors. In its March 18 meeting, RPS School Board members discussed the changes made some nine months after the June 6 shooting death of Shawn Jackson, a homebound student attending Huguenot High School.
Judge clears way for Trump to appeal ruling keeping Fani Willis on Georgia 2020 election case
The judge overseeing the Georgia 2020 election interference case cleared the way Wednesday for Donald Trump and other defendants to appeal a ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the prosecution.
Richmond native Willie Williams III passes away at 93
‘He was always involved with trying to move things forward for us as a community and as a people.’ – L. Douglas Wilder
Willie Williams III’s life reflected unlimited service and leadership in the Richmond community. Born July 31, 1930, Mr. Williams left this life on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 93.
Personality: Stephanie Spencer
Meet the founder, executive director of Urban Baby Beginnings
For years, Stephanie Spencer has worked to build a better future for mothers. A lifetime of experiences – from working in the medical system as a nurse to becoming a mother herself – has contributed to her growing knowledge of maternal issues, particularly for Black women.
