UPAL hosts dinner and gala
United Parents Against Lead will host a “Black Excellence Dinner and Gala” at its Peters- burg Community Resiliency Hub on March 4, from 5 to 9 p.m., 464 Byrne St.
Henrico County breaks ground for first large community park since 1982
A ground-breaking ceremony for the 99-acre Taylor Farm Park in Henrico County’s Sandston district took place Feb. 27 at 200 Whiteside Road, off East Williamsburg Road.
DHR to administer preservation easement over Drexel-Morrell Center property
A permanent preservation and open-space easement has been established for the Drexel- Morrell Center, a historic property in Powhatan County that highlights the role of African-Americans in that area, and the life and contributions of American Catholic St. Katharine Drexel, founder of two now defunct African-American academies that were located nearby.
Warner, Kaine announce $9.7M to expand broadband at Va. HBCUs
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $9,685,734 in federal funding to support the expansion of broadband at three Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Encore puts Henrico government retirees back to work
Henrico is launching a program to entice dozens of its retired county government employees to return to temporary, part-time positions to address critical staffing needs in public safety and mental health.
YWCA’s 2023 Outstanding Women Awards
Since 1980, YWCA Richmond has honored more than 300 women leaders for their achievements and contributions in the Greater Richmond area.
VSU hosts HBCU speech and debate championship
Four historically black colleges in Virginia will join HBCUs from throughout the nation for the fifth National HBCU Speech & Debate Championship Feb. 24 through 26 at Virginia State University.
VCU, Oakes family present hazing workshop and video
Two years after Adam Oakes died due to alcohol poisoning following a fraternity event as a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University, his family and VCU will host several workshops and discussions Monday, Feb. 27, to remember his life and educate students and staff about hazing.
Arts funding to support opera about Loving court case
The Virginia Commission for the Arts has announced a special recognition grant of $15,000 per year for three consecutive years that will support Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony’s newly commissioned opera, “Loving v. Virginia.”
CrossOver clinics offer saliva COVID-19 tests
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry is now offering a saliva-based COVID-19 test at its locations in Richmond and Henrico County to low-income, uninsured and underserved residents.
VCU’s Wilder School announces annual awards program
Seven individuals and organizations will be recognized for their work during Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs’ 16th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards. Recipients will be honored at a luncheon Tuesday, April 11, at the Richmond Marriott Hotel, 500 E. Broad St.
Elegba Folklore Society offers film screening and book expo
The Elegba Folklore Society’s 3rd Saturday Documentaries will screen “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket” on Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St.
Black History Museum launches event management arm
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is expanding from curating exhibits to curating and hosting events.
Free tax services available
Need help with filing taxes? United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg once again is offering free tax preparation services in partnership with a variety of organizations and volunteers.
VMHC to spotlight civil rights hero Curtis Harris and Great Dismal Swamp
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will feature the following films at part of its Black History Month programming:
Pioneering Harvard entrepreneur to be honored by Howard University
Lillian L. Lambert is being recognized by Howard University with its Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement.
Virginia Union University announces Founder’s Day Convocation
Dr. Darran T. Brandon Sr., pastor of the historic First Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, will be the keynote speaker during Virginia Union University’s Founder’s Day Convocation at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3.
Celebrating ‘200 Years, 200 stories’ at Library of Virginia
Ethel Bailey Furman, one of the first Black female architects in Virginia; David Martin, founder of the Martin Agency and creator of the famed tagline “Virginia is for Lovers”; and Chinese immigrant Ow Chuck Sam, who became a naturalized citizen and served in the armed forces during World War II.
Webinar previews Petersburg’s future insulin facility
Petersburg’s role in producing more affordable insulin in the United States will be highlighted during RVA757 Connects’ Virtual Innovation Spotlight webinar Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Richmond area will host numerous events for Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans.
UR awards Paragon Medal to Marcus Weinstein
The Paragon Medal, the University of Richmond’s highest honor, has been awarded to University of Richmond alumnus Marcus Weinstein, a, well-known philanthropist, and chairman of Weinstein Properties. Weinstein is only the second person in history to receive the medal. The first was E. Claiborne Robins in 1986.
‘It’s not really over. It’s ongoing’
D.C., Capitol police officers recount horror, tragedy of Jan. 6, 2021
Two years ago, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Danny Hodges was nearly crushed to death after being attacked during a riot by election deniers at the U.S. Capitol building.
Community Leaders Celebration honors memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More than 800 people, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Union President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, members of the Virginia General Assembly, Richmond City Council, educators, corporate and nonprofit leaders and community advocates, joined a joyous 45th Annual Community Leaders Celebration on Jan. 13 at the Richmond Marriott.
Thornton, Nelson to lead Henrico Board of Supervisors in 2023
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors last week voted unanimously to elect Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton chairman and Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson vice chairman for 2023.
Library of Virginia celebrates 200 years
The Library of Virginia will celebrate its bicentennial in 2023 with “200 Years, 200 Stories: An Exhibition,” running free for all from Tuesday, Jan. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 28.
Desirée Roots, Weldon Hill to perform at VMHC
Desirée Roots and the Weldon Hill Ensemble will headline the 7th Annual National Day of Racial Healing on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture at 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
VCU presents ‘Memories of Jan. 6’
Two years after the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, two Capitol police officers will reflect on their part in a discussion at Virginia Commonwealth University on Thursday, Jan. 19.
Henrico Ministers’ Conference to host MLK celebration
Judge Roderick C. Young, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Virginia, is the guest speaker for the 37th Annual Henrico County Commemoration Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Moving on
Two significant Richmond institutions, Senior Connections and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, are in the process of moving to new addresses.
Virginia Union’s MLK Breakfast on Jan. 13
“All Things, Excellence,” is the theme for this year’s 45th Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Celebration. The annual event hosted by Virginia Union University will take place 7:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at the Downtown Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St.
YWCA’s advancement officer becomes CEO
Rupa Murthy has been named the next CEO of YWCA Richmond. She will succeed Linda Tissiere, who is retiring after leading the nonprofit for the last decade.
AKA Upsilon Omega Chapter presents 26 debutantes
The Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror- ity recently presented 26 debutantes from area high schools, colleges and universities at the organization’s 2022 Debutante Presentation and Ball.
Hanover County announces water assistance program
Hanover residents who have customer accounts with the county’s Department of Public Utilities can now apply for water and wastewater bill assistance through Virginia’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.
‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’
Virginia’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DUI enforcement and public education campaign is back on Virginia’s roads this holiday season. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, formerly known as Checkpoint Strikeforce, combines law enforcement efforts with research-based outreach to remind Virginians to plan for a safe ride home after drinking.
Street honoring Kirby Carmichael unveiled in Highland Park
Family, friends and admirers of radio personality Kirby Carmichael came out Tuesday for the unveiling of Kirby Carmichael Sr. Street at 1100 Front Street in Highland Park. The site is where the former WANT-AM radio station was housed when Mr. Carmichael, a pioneer of Black radio, was for decades known as the “tall man of soul” as he spun platters first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM.
A.P. Hill’s statue removal on hold
City Hall remains stymied on removing the last of Richmond’s city-owned Confederate statues, despite securing an Oct. 25 court ruling from Richmond Circuit Court Judge D. Eugene Cheek authorizing the city to proceed. .
‘Treat everybody like family,’ advises Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church
Last Saturday marked months of planning for the ordination and consecration of The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson as the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia on Dec. 3 at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
Let the fun shine
A blast from the past ignited Richmond’s East End last weekend during theArmstrong-Walker Football Classic Legacy Project festivities.
Blessing of the Animals’ is Dec. 9
The traditional Richmond Blessing of the Animals is scheduled for noon Friday, Dec. 9, at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip in Downtown.
VSU announces new center for biotechnology and other sciences
Virginia State University has announced the establishment of the VSU Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, which is believed to be unique among HBCUs nationwide.
The holidays are here
Highlights include RVA Illuminates, Christmas Parade, Soul Santa
Richmond will officially kick off the holiday season this weekend with several popular events.
UR receives $625K grant to study barriers to student inclusivity
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded the University of Richmond a $625K grant to support efforts to create an inclusive experience for students and enhance student belonging, according to a UR news release.
Curriculum revision sessions scheduled
After several delays, Virginia citizens may now share their thoughts about the future of the state’s standards for teaching history and social sciences.
‘Clash of the Cones’ Kamara is VCU’s graduation speaker
Virginia Commonwealth University graduate Rabia Kamara will deliver the fall commencement speech at her alma mater 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec.10, at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.
Metropolitan Business League finds new home
The Metropolitan Business League has a new home in the Capital One 1717 Innovation Center at 1717 E. Cary St., it has been announced.
John Charles Thomas’ ‘Poetic Justice’
Former Virginia Supreme Court Justice John Charles Thomas, the first Black justice appointed to the Virginia Supreme Court and the youngest appointee in history, will discuss his new book “The Poetic Justice: A Memoir,” on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
The Richmond Night Market celebrates the holidays
The Richmond Night Market will produce three “Holiday Villages” to celebrate the Richmond community and support of the small business community Dec. 8–11 at the 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St.
Calls grow to save site of oldest U.S. Black women’s benevolent society
Social justice and community advocates are calling for no taxes to be levied on a mansion that has served as the headquarters for the oldest Black women’s benevolent society in America for decades.
Fifth Street Baptist, Richmond Convention Center free Thanksgiving meal sites
Two free Thanksgiving dinners are being prepared for the Richmond community.
VCU receives $4M to address lack of diversity and equity in health sciences
Virginia Commonwealth University’s five health science schools are committing $4 million to enroll and train more minority students in an effort to increase the diversity, equity and inclusivity of health care in Virginia and beyond.
