When you talk to the workers on strike outside the Starbucks in the Fan, you don’t hear anything abstract about “labor movements” or “corporate negotiations.” You hear frustration, exhaustion, and a pretty simple question: why won’t Starbucks come to the table? Last...
Few songs have captured the public imagination like “Y.M.C.A.,” the 1978 disco hit by Village People. Over four decades later, it continues to spark dance floors, wedding receptions, and even political rallies. However, its role as a “gay anthem” is now a hot topic of debate. Recently, Victor Willis, the lead singer and lyricist for Village...
For over half a century, Health Brigade—formerly the Fan Free Clinic—has been Richmond’s quiet, unshakable healthcare safety net. No glitz, no glamour, no trophies on the wall. Just care for anyone who walks through their doors, no questions asked. But now, they’re reaching out. An email landed in our inbox the other day—direct, urgent, and...
Richmond has achieved a perfect score of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a comprehensive assessment of LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal policies, services, and laws. Released annually by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), this year’s MEI evaluated 11 cities and towns in Virginia, with Richmond standing proudly alongside nine...
I recently met with Sare Harvell, a local florist and owner of Warm Flowers, following their floral feature via the Hirschler Flower Fund at the VMFA. We had a long conversation that stemmed from our mutual appreciation of flowers and their language. I have known Sare for quite some time, but I was hesitant to write this article, given the power...
Halloween seemed to fly by this year—I barely made it to any haunted houses or ghost tours before Thanksgiving’s brown-and-orange gloom settled in. My antidote? Heading to the Byrd on Tuesday, November 19th for the premiere of WIGGLERS by Seyla Hossaini, alongside The Dirt Eater by Jim Stramel, Traders by Olivia Gropp, and Doctor Drain Brain by...
We Will Remain How RVA’s Chicest Burger Joint, and the non-profit Oakwood Arts, explored Richmond racial dynamics and history while documenting the new-age inclusivity of RVA with local design talent. An Albert Camus quote that has resonated with me in the aftermath of the elections is this: “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to...
On October 31, 2024, the Richmond community and fashion world lost a cherished member, Elisabeth Mary Rumford, known to many as Elissa. As the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ap0cene, Elissa was tragically taken in a car accident on her way to take her niece and nephew trick-or-treating. Beloved in Richmond’s fashion scene, Elissa...
Hey, have you heard about InLight this weekend? It’s happening at Pine Camp out in Northside, and it’s going to be an immersive community / art experience. Every year, 1708 Gallery puts on this big nighttime art show where they take over a different spot in Richmond with a bunch of light installations, sculptures, and interactive pieces. This...
In January, Dr. Danny Avula will make history as the first immigrant to serve as mayor of Virginia's capital. Avula clinched the Richmond mayoral race by winning six of the city's nine districts, showcasing strong, widespread support. His decisive lead across key areas placed him far ahead of former city councilor Michelle Mosby, who maintained a...
