What the Black church can teach us about ‘Black on Black care’ and the election
In a recent sermon at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, Pastor William Lamar IV introduced the congregation to the concept of “Black on Black care.” The concept, coined by the Rev. Nick Peterson, assistant director of the African American preaching and sacred rhetoric doctoral program at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, has lessons for all Americans after an election marked by division, misinformation and dog whistles.
Can America’s unity begin at the dinner table? By Ben Jealous
With the holiday season approaching, it seems that our country could not be more divided. That division has been perhaps the main overarching topic of our national conversation in recent years. And it has taken root within many of our own families.
Homeownership dream becomes reality with Richmond Habitat
For Najiyyah Abdullah, a child development services specialist and mother of five, owning a home has always been a dream.
Virginia Union wins CIAA Football Championship, advances to NCAA Playoffs
Virginia Union University clinched its second consecutive CIAA Football Championship with a thrilling 17-13 victory over Virginia State University on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Salem.
Carpenter sworn in as Chesterfield’s first African American police chief
Chesterfield County swore in its first African American police chief Tuesday, as Edward F. “Frank” Carpenter Jr. was sworn in during a ceremony at the Beulah Recreation Center.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Nov. 16, COVID-19 accounted for 0.4% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness levels remaining stable compared to previous data. No deaths related to COVID-19 were reported during that period at the time of publication. Data on COVID-19 wastewater trends were unavailable for Richmond and Henrico counties as of the most recent sample collection week, which ended Sunday, Nov. 10.
National anglers set sights on Richmond in 2025
Anglers across the country will have their sights set on Richmond in April when the James River serves as the third stop of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance.
Salisbury Presbyterian Church hosts ‘Singin’ to the World’ concert
Joyful Voices Chorus, a Richmond area choir for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers, will play its fall concert, “Singin’ to the World,” on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Salisbury Presbyterian Church.
‘Flowism’ spotlights new talent in fashion, art
Despite the cancellation of Richmond Fashion Week’s (RVAFW) fall fashion season, the fashion and arts scene remains vibrant as emerging artists and photographers showcased their work at the “Flowism” art gallery at Deco at CNB on Nov. 16.
A punch to the ego
After a month of promotion, a rescheduling and a lot of hype, former boxing great Mike Tyson finally stepped into the squared circle to face social media influencer Jake Paul last week. Those hoping for a comeuppance for the loudmouth Youtuber, courtesy of Iron Mike, were disappointed.
An act of reparations
White couple donates 80 acres to Black farmers
As you leave Richmond and head an hour southwest into Amelia County, the city fades and the noise dims. Confederate flags snap in the wind, Trump banners hang from homes and watchful eyes follow strangers through small towns. For some, the quiet brings a feeling of calm, but for many Black passersby, it also brings unease — and a nervous hope that they have a full gas tank.
Virginia Housing launches $75M workforce housing program
Virginia Housing has announced a new $75 million Workforce Housing Investment Program to expand housing options for middle income workers in areas experiencing job growth.
VCU alum and restaurateur Chris Tsui named commencement speaker
Founder of Eat Restaurant Partners will address graduates in December
Chris Tsui, founder and president of Eat Restaurant Partners, will be the keynote speaker at Virginia Commonwealth University’s December commencement.
Johnson named interim AD at Va. State
Felicia Johnson has been appointed interim athletic director at Virginia State University, officials announced. Johnson, who has been with the university since 2021, previously served as senior associate athletic director for compliance and senior woman administrator.
CodeVA shifts to remote operations, closes Downtown office
CodeVA, a Richmond-based nonprofit, that provides students across Virginia with computer science education through classes and coding events, closed its Downtown office last Friday. They hosted an “open door clean-out,” selling various educational supplies and craft materials. to host camps and trainings around the city.
Judge deems Youngkin’s actions to withdraw from RGGI ‘unlawful’
Floyd County Circuit Court Judge Randall Lowe determined Wednesday that Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin acted unlawfully by withdrawing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a program to reduce climate changing emissions that has funneled hundreds of millions to the state to deal with the impact of extreme weather events.
City officials seek mediation with VCU Health over scrapped redevelopment
City officials are pushing for mediation with the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System over the fallout from a failed multimillion-dollar redevelopment project at 500 N. 10th Street, with a two-week deadline looming for the two sides to reach a resolution.
Botanical Garden employees hope union blooms
The workers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden filed for union representation last month amid employee-voiced workplace concerns, which range from lack of equipment to safety policies.
Justice reform advocate hosts screening of ‘Kemba’ at VUU
Kemba Smith Pradia’s journey from a college student to a symbol of clemency and justice reform began when she was just 19 at Hampton University.
Texas board advances plan to allow Bible in school lessons
Texas’ education board on Tuesday advanced a new Bible-infused curriculum that would be optional for schools to incorporate in kindergarten through fifth grades, one of the latest Republican-led efforts in the U.S. to incorporate more religious teaching into classrooms.
