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Sojourner Truth and Why Her Story Still Matters

Editor's Note: This is a companion piece to our preview of Songs of Truth, the new musical inspired by the life of Sojourner Truth. This essay from Christian Detres takes a closer look at the woman behind the legend and the enduring relevance of her story. Sojourner...

Replanting His Life in America, Leaving Behind Everything He Knew

Following is an updated excerpt from the book, Portraits of Immigrant Voices, in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, which is celebrated during the month of June throughout the United States to honor the contributions and resilience of the newcomers who have shaped our...

Review | Get In My Boca! What’s Happening at the Triangle?

Every time I go to the Aldi on Arthur Ashe at Broad St., En Su Boca tries to seduce me with its tequila and tacos perfume. It doesn’t work all the time, but I feel the pull when I’m browsing the nonsense in Aldi’s middle aisle. I once bought sweatpants there. I’m not...

What a Chilean Traveler Found in Richmond

Editor’s Note: We occasionally make space for outside voices whose perspectives help us see Richmond differently. This piece was submitted by Chilean journalist and multimedia storyteller Natalia Freire. Hidden gems. I like that expression. It’s the first thing that...

Richmond’s Shop Local Culture Shines in New Study

Richmond is ranked the number one city in America for supporting local businesses, according to a new national study from OnDeck. The report analyzed Instagram activity tied to hashtags like #shoplocal and #shopsmall across nearly 500 U.S. cities and found Richmond...

RVA 5×5 | Is Targeted Tax Relief Just The First Step?

While running for Mayor in 2024, candidate Avula’s top priority in the “Thriving neighborhoods and affordable housing” section of his platform stated:  As Mayor, he will: Fight displacement of long-term residents and expand the supply of deeply affordable housing for...

Richmond Kept Flock Cameras in the 2027 Budget

Around 8 pm on Tuesday, May 11th, the Richmond City Council voted unanimously to approve the 2026-2027 budget, which included at least $1.2 million to be invested into maintaining RPD contracts. One such contract is for the ninety-nine Flock cameras installed...

It’s Still Our City Ep. 18 | Lauren Healy Flora of Blue Bones Vintage

Editor's Note: This came out a few months ago. We are late on posting. Apologies. "Local small business owner, Lauren Healy Flora, owner of Blue Bones Vintage for the past eleven years has a degree in fashion design and a background in art/wardrobe/props for production. She's an established staple in our Richmond community and a badass mother and...

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It’s Still Our City | Ep. 17 Justin Torone of Rest In Pieces

"Established in 2014 by Justin Torone & Alaina Gearhart, what started as a personal interest and collection, quickly evolved into the shop we have today in the historic neighborhood of Oregon Hill. Conveniently located just a few blocks away from the famous Hollywood Cemetery. Rest in Pieces is filled with meticulously hand-selected and one...

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How Richmond College Students Fit Into the Growing Thrift Economy

Editor’s Note: This piece was written by a student at Randolph-Macon College as part of a feature writing course. RVA Magazine is committed to giving space to young writers across Virginia and will be publishing several student works from this class over the coming weeks. Thanks to the students and to Professor Seth Clabough, Ph.D., for...

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They Self Deported. What Was the Point Again?

The American Dream is about coming here to build a better life. You work hard, follow the rules, take care of your family, and contribute to your community. In return, you are meant to belong as a citizen, live with stability, and be treated with respect. That is the deal. Or at least, it was supposed to be. A few weeks ago, the story broke about...

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