A mural in Richmond’s Northside has sparked a complex debate about public art, race, and neighborhood change, with artists, community leaders, and residents weighing in on how public art intersects with neighborhood history. The mural, painted by artist Lauren YS,...
Three-time Grammy-winning rapper and activist Michael Santiago Render, better known as Killer Mike, will be a featured panelist in an upcoming discussion on the future of free expression, hosted by the University of Richmond. Co-moderated by UR liberal arts professor Erik Nielson, Mad Skillz and journalist Bonnie Newman Davis, the panel will...
After a summer-long closure and with a new executive director Jessica Bell Brown at the helm, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University is set to reopen its doors this Friday, September 6th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reopening marks the premiere of three new exhibitions that delve deeply into the private spaces...
Recently, I met with GirlSpit, a band composed of Sera (they/she) on vocals and keytar, Harley (she/her) on bass and lead synth, and Rosa (she/her) on drums, who create slightly gothic, synth-punk music in Richmond. Birthed out of connections from queer bike ride nights and kink clubs, GirlSpit embodies what it means to be musicians who know...
Since March, Viola Baskerville and the dedicated team behind Save Community Hospital, which includes well known community activist and organizer Farid Alan Schintzius, have been tirelessly working to save the historic Richmond Community Hospital. Their efforts have included organizing rallies and engaging the media to highlight the importance of...
The City of Richmond has announced the formation of the Richmond Civilian Review Board and is seeking dedicated residents to serve on this vital body. This is a unique opportunity for community members to play a significant role in fostering transparency, trust, and accountability within the Richmond Police Department. The Richmond Civilian...
“If President Biden wants to truly celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth, he needs to take bolder action instead of well-intended half-measures that don’t come close to solving the problem.” Juneteenth is a day of joy when we celebrate the end of slavery in the United States, but for too many Black Americans, the harms of slavery never fully went...
As Juneteenth has gained Federal recognition as an official National Holiday since 2021, it feels like it has morphed into an unspoken second Black History Month. At least, that’s the feeling amongst Black people as I sense the pulse of this month’s energy of expression in RVA. As we take this time to recognize Black bravery, fortitude, and the...
One of my favorite feelings when leaving a theater is to be so confused about whether or not I liked the thing or not that I obsess over it for the next two days. Well, that’s me right now. I think I’ve finally processed my thoughts. First, let’s set the scene and tell you what I’m on about. The Yes! And Theater Company, with Katrinah Carol...
There’s an armor that comes from having a family history built on love and education. It engenders admiration amongst the very many who’ve had to make do with much less protection. You can gain stature that transcends the narrative of what the Black, or Brown, stereotypical experience is in America. You can escape the undercurrent of...
