In 2013, a two-day event transformed a neglected stretch of Norfolk, Virginia, into a pop-up arts district. It wasn’t a city plan—it was a vision. Volunteers opened temporary galleries in boarded-up storefronts. Food trucks rolled in. Sidewalks were painted with...
The historic capital of the Monacan Indian Nation, located less than an hour from Richmond, was added to a list of America's Most Endangered Historic Places earlier this year. The Monacan Nation has been fighting to save it for years, and their fight is not over. Located a little over 40 miles outside of Richmond, Rassawek has been home to the...
In Chesterfield County, one couple with strong feelings about the current political climate have begun to express themselves through signs and projections on the front of their house. A Chesterfield man named Tim Barry -- no, not that one -- has turned his home into a giant political projector screen. From a tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg after...
For Richmond City Council candidate Allan-Charles Chipman, preserving local communitites by keeping longtime Richmonders in their homes is at the heart of the issues facing the city in 2020. Allan-Charles Chipman is a candidate running for city council in the 6th district of Richmond against longtime incumbent Ellen Robertson, who has represented...
BLK RVA founder Amy Wentz hopes to challenge Reva Trammell's multi-decade hold on Richmond's 8th District and bring a new energy to Southside Richmond. Richmond City Councilwoman Reva Trammell has been in office for a very long time -- having presided over Richmond’s 8th district since 1998. Though it appears the residents of the 8th district...
The Greening Southside Richmond Project is looking to tackle the issues of extreme heat and socioeconomic disparities caused by racist, discriminatory housing practices in Richmond’s vulnerable neighborhoods -- one tree at a time. On a hot summer afternoon in Richmond, one may find plenty of shade to relax under at the Lombardy & Park Avenue...
In August, Venture Richmond received approval to paint a "Black Lives Matter" street mural on East Grace St. But in September, they chose to withdraw their application. What happened? Since the nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of the Minneapolis police began back in May, cities around the country have taken...
Richmond's mayoral election is more like nine mini-elections, making the path to victory complicated for both incumbent Mayor Levar Stoney and his four challengers. Rich Meagher breaks it down for us. As Richmond’s mayoral race heats up, it’s worth remembering that this is more than just an election. For incumbent Levar Stoney and his four...
People incarcerated at Richmond City Justice Center say a recent tear-gassing by law enforcement endangered their lives. On August 29th, Tobias Hill was sitting in his cell at the Richmond City Justice Center (RCJC) when the gas began to creep beneath the door. He didn't know what was happening outside, but as the tear gas burned his eyes and...
Organized by RVA26, monthly "Creative Protests" at Marcus-David Peters Circle have given creative voice to a community hungry for positive change, even as the space remains the focus for civil disobedience in Richmond. It’s a place where you can play a pick up game of basketball outside. It’s a place where a community garden grows, nurtured by...
