I sat down with Salaam Bhatti to talk about redistricting, campaign finance, and a government operating outside the interests of its donor class. What stood out to me most was his sincerity and the kindness in his politics. He presented a connection between empathy...
Sixty-five years ago, a group of brave young Black Richmonders walked into a department store, sat down at a lunch counter, and refused to leave. That’s what they did. That’s what got them arrested. They just sat in a segregated space where their presence alone was considered a crime. https://vimeo.com/9827740?share=copy That moment—the...
In December, we wrote an article for the Richmonder with five issues we would be talking about in 2025, and one of those issues was that community outreach would be critical with a new Mayor in office. We were hopeful that Mayor Avula would establish “real and regular outreach to the community and its neighborhoods. It could come in the...
Several hundred demonstrators gathered at Capitol Square Park on Saturday for the International Women’s Day - Unite & Resist march, voicing opposition to policies that threaten civil rights and marginalized communities. The rally, which began at noon, drew advocates from across the region calling for gender equity, reproductive rights, free...
In a rare public statement of solidarity from a city government, the City of Richmond has aligned itself with a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations, vowing to push back against policies that threaten the rights, health, and safety of queer and transgender individuals. The statement, shared on the city’s official Instagram account,...
A social media post circulating online, allegedly from Donald Trump, declares that all federal funding will be cut for any college or university that “allows illegal protests.” The statement also warns that “agitators” will be imprisoned or deported, while American students could be permanently expelled or arrested. The message ends with a blunt...
By now, everyone has seen the clips of the infamous press conference between President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Awkward,” might be an understatement. But alas, here we are, only 43 days into the next four years. The news these days feels like an exercise in capitulatory self-harm—or as...
On March 4, 2025, the Virginia chapter of the 50501 Movement will march from Monroe Park to Capitol Square as part of a nationwide day of action opposing the erosion of democracy, the rollback of women’s rights, and the influence of corporate elites in government. Branded as "50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement," the...
Starting tonight at midnight, Americans are being asked to do something that might feel unnatural in a culture built on convenience and consumption: stop spending. For one day, The People’s Union USA is calling for a nationwide economic blackout—a pause on shopping at major retailers, skipping fast food, and holding off...
One of the best things about being a Film and Digital Media teacher is seeing alumni continue to create and grow in this art form. In today’s digital landscape, where competitive algorithms impact the arts and audience engagement across constantly shifting platforms, filmmakers must innovate to connect with collaborators and viewers. The...
