| Conversations That Connect: Parenting in a Different Culture, a meaningful community dialogue will be hosted by Culture Encounters on Friday, April 3, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM at Deep Run Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233 Parenting is a universal experience, but the way we approach it is deeply influenced by culture. This conversation creates space for sharing stories, perspectives, and challenges of raising children across different cultural environments. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious, this event invites you to listen, learn, and connect through honest and meaningful dialogue. Come listen, share, and connect with others navigating parenting across cultures.  Real stories and lived experiences Thoughtful conversations that build understanding A welcoming space for connection and reflection |
| RSVP HERE |
One Step Closer
Latoya Gray-Sparks, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, is AMMD Guest Presenter on APRIL 26
The AMMD Pine Grove Project was born as an extension of the Agee–Miller–Mayo–Dungy (AMMD) Family Association when the family, whose ancestral ties are deeply rooted in this historic school, learned that Pine Grove School was at risk of being sold for delinquent taxes. Within a week, family and close friends raised sufficient funds to rescue this irreplaceable historic school.
In June 2018, another threat emerged: a mega-landfill was proposed adjacent to Pine Grove School. With this information, we added environmental justice to our preservation cause. By late summer, the AMMD Family Association had galvanized the community to work toward preserving our history and protecting our environment.
Since its inception, the AMMD Pine Grove Project has connected with organizations and citizens with similar objectives to raise awareness of the historical significance of the segregated Pine Grove School. The Pine Grove Project has grown into a coalition of former students, concerned citizens, environmental and social justice activists, historic preservation organizations, educational institutions, historians, scientists, authors, educators, attorneys, and — most importantly — lifelong members of the historic Pine Grove community.
The primary objective of the AMMD Pine Grove Project is to protect, restore, and repurpose the historic Rosenwald Pine Grove Elementary School to serve the entire county as a cultural center, with particular emphasis on honoring the contributions of African American and Native American communities to Cumberland’s rich history.
The primary objective of the AMMD Pine Grove Project is to protect, restore, and repurpose the historic Rosenwald Pine Grove Elementary School to serve the entire County as a Cultural Center; with particular emphasis on African and Native Americans to Cumberland’s rich history.
For more information, click here.
Discover Upcoming Events at Library of Virginia This March
Library of Virginia
March news: Weinstein series, new exhibition and more!
Library of Virginia Announces 2026 Carole Weinstein Author Series
The 2026 Carole Weinstein Author Series will feature four acclaimed writers whose books explore themes of fractured community, identity, family and the power of genealogy. Each book talk is free and will be held in the Library’s Lecture Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Schedule of Talks:
April 23: Beth Macy discusses her new book “Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America.”
June 25: Poet and author Latorial Faison presents her recent poetry collection “Nursery Rhymes in Black: Poems.”
Aug. 26: Sadeqa Johnson discusses her new book, “Keeper of Lost Children.”
Oct. 6: Karin Wulf presents her new book “Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America.”
The series is made possible through generous support from the Carole Weinstein Endowment for Virginia Authors. Weinstein Series books can be purchased through the Virginia Shop at the Library of Virginia or online by visiting www.thevirginiashop.org.
Meghan Ryan Guthorn has been appointed deputy state librarian and chief of collections and archives at the Library, bringing more than 15 years of experience in federal archives administration, digital preservation and organizational leadership.
In her new role on the senior leadership team, Guthorn will oversee the Library’s vast collections and archives, including their acquisition, access, preservation, stewardship and exhibition. Guthorn joins the Library from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), where she served as deputy chief operating officer, overseeing daily operations across several of NARA’s service delivery programs nationwide. She starts at the Library on April 10.
Broad Street Circa 1919: A Photographic Exhibition
Step back in time with a unique exhibition in the library’s gallery space from March 16-May 30, 2026. “Broad Street Circa 1919: A Photographic Exhibition” showcases historic photographs of Broad Street, taken in 1919 by G.K. Hall, a local photographer who operated a modest studio on Broad Street itself. These panoramas provide an authentic, ground-level view of the street he knew intimately, capturing the details and character of one of Richmond’s most iconic streets. In addition to the captivating photographs, the history of some of the buildings featured will be explored in more detail through architectural drawings, advertisements and other historical documents, offering deeper insight into their design, function and significance within the community.
Learn the History Behind Virginia Union University’s Belgian Friendship Building
On Thursday, March 19, at noon, there will be a free book lecture by art historians Dr. Katherine M. Kuenzli and Dr. Kathleen James-Chakraborty on their latest book, “The Belgian Friendship Building: From the New York World’s Fair to a Virginia HBCU.”
They will be joined in discussion by preservation architect and historian Arthur J. Clement. The book explains how the Belgian Friendship Building, originally constructed for the 1939 New York World’s Fair – and one of only a few surviving buildings from the celebrated exhibition – ended up on the campus of Virginia Union University, a historically Black university in Richmond.
VA250 Book Talk with Dr. Brooke Newman on “The Crown’s Silence”
At noon on Wednesday, March 25, historian Dr. Brooke Newman will present a free talk on her latest book, “The Crown’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery.”
The book uncovers the British monarchy’s deep entanglement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery, which includes King Charles III’s direct ancestor Edward Porteus, an enslaver who owned a tobacco plantation in Virginia.
A book signing will follow the program. This event is part of the Library’s programming commemorating Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence.
CultureScape Highlights Local Black Artists for Black History Month
The Library’s first CultureScape Saturdays event was held in February in celebration of Black History Month. Activities included “The Stories We Tell” art exhibition curated by Black Creatives RVA, a gallery talk with “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History” exhibition designer André Johnson, displays of Library artifacts, and community partners sharing resources.
In addition to the YouTube video linked in the title, more images from the event can be viewed here.
Library of Virginia Joins Association of Southeastern Research Libraries
The Library of Virginia has been approved as the newest member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), a significant opportunity that expands Virginia’s role in one of the nation’s most active regional research library consortia. Founded in 1956, ASERL brings together leading research libraries across the Southeast to advance shared goals in resource sharing, professional development and collaborative innovation.
Collections Highlight:
Mary-Cooke Branch Munford Papers
Mary-Cooke Branch Munford was an advocate of women’s suffrage, interracial cooperation, education, health and labor reforms. The Mary-Cooke Branch Munford Papers Collection here at the Library contains correspondence from Munford and the Co-ordinate College League documenting efforts to persuade the University of Virginia to share its facilities with women by establishing a coordinate college with its own administrative structure, including social, residential and instructional buildings. The collection includes letters from University educators, business leaders, politicians and League members from across the state and the nation.
Upcoming Events
Friday, March 13
Saturday, March 28
Wednesday, April 8
Making History with LVA (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 8
Literary Virginia Book Group | Curvy Girl Summer
Game Changers: Rethinking Leadership in Sports
The University of Richmond’s 2025-26 Jepson Leadership Forum addresses the significance of sports in American life. It explores sports in the contexts of ethical and effective leadership, cultural significance, the impact of analytics and recent changes to the guidelines governing college and professional sports by bringing together speakers to discuss these topics from a variety of perspectives – drawing on their personal experiences, academic research and industry expertise.
On Monday, March 23, the Jepson Leadership Forum’s speaker will be Theresa Runstedtler with “When the NBA Became Black: Race and Labor in Professional Basketball.”
The author of “Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation That Saved the Soul of the NBA,” Theresa Runstedtler is a scholar of African American history and professor and department chair at American University. She researches Black popular culture, with a particular focus on the intersection of race, gender, labor and sport.
The program will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Jepson Alumni Center in Richmond. Advance registration is required to attend this free event. A reception and book sale/signing will follow.
 Riverfront Canal Cruises marks its 26th season of historic tours and private charters on Thursday, April 2.The boat tours travel through the historic James River and Kanawha Canal along Downtown Richmond’s Canal Walk. Narrators review centuries of Richmond’s history, from Powhatan’s Chiefdom to the first commercially successful electric streetcar in the world, all while traveling in authentically styled boats. Visitors will see the unique railroad Triple Crossing, historic 19th century architecture, the Virginia Capital Trail, the Low Line Gardens, and James River wildlife.For more detailed information about Riverfront Canal Cruises and to purchase tickets for historic tours or to book private charters, please visit our website. |
Hosting An Event Downtown?Add it to the Downtown Calendar! Make sure your event is on our radar and on everyone else’s.Venture Richmond’s online event calendar is a go-to resource for residents, visitors, and employees looking for what’s happening in RVA. From live music and festivals to workshops, pop-ups, and community gatherings, we want to help you spread the word.Submitting your event is quick and easy through our online form.Add your event to the calendar here: venturerichmond.com/our-events/submit-your-event |
| GalaxyCon RichmondHappening this WeekendGalaxyCon Richmond This Weekend at the Convention CenterGalaxyCon Richmond returns to the Greater Richmond Convention Center March 19–22 for a weekend celebrating comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and cosplay. The fan convention features celebrity guests, panels, cosplay competitions, gaming, and a large exhibitor hall.Learn more and get tickets: galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-richmond |
| 60+ Women-Owned Businessesto Support this Women’s History MonthCelebrate Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown RVAWomen entrepreneurs play a powerful role in shaping the energy, creativity, and culture of Downtown Richmond. Our latest blog highlights more than 60 women-owned restaurants, shops, salons, galleries, and small businesses!Discover new favorites, support local leadership, and explore the full guide. |
| You’re Invited Creative Inquiries with Zach Blas Wednesday, March 25, 2026 2 – 3:15 p.m. James Branch Cabell Library Lecture Hall Room 303 901 Park Ave. Richmond, VA 23284 About the speaker Zach Blas is an artist, filmmaker and writer whose practice contends with computational technologies, their industries and the powers that constitute and animate them. Combining technical experimentation, concept engineering and artistry, Blas creates installations that feature moving image and sculpture, films and videos, lecture-performances, publications and web-based media. About this event This presentation — both in-person and on Zoom at 2 p.m. March 25 — is part of the annual Creative Inquiries series presented by The Workshop at VCU Libraries. The series showcases experts whose work intersects research methodologies and the creative process and technology. Additional support for 2026 is from the Humanities Research Center, the Media + AI Initiative at VCU and the AI Futures Lab. Read more. Register Now. |
Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center begins June 18
Bonnie,
On Saturday, President Obama announced that the Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center begins June 18, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!Learn moreEleven years ago this month, President Obama honored the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches with his “You are America” address—an excerpt of which is memorialized on the side of the Museum Building, welcoming visitors and reminding us of the power of collective action. This is the spirit we’re bringing to the Center, starting with our Grand Opening.
Join a livestream of the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony. Tune in for legendary performances by global icons and powerful remarks from today’s most prominent voices.June 19ama Presidential Center Museum opens to the public! Timed tickets are required and will go on sale this May.June 20-2n-house style weekend celebration with live performances, family-friendly activities, food, art, and storytelling across campus.Learn moreStay tuned for more information about Museum ticket sales and our plans for Grand Opening Weekend. We can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!
–The Obama FoundationEmpower the next generation of changemakers.
VCU researchers developed Lyme vaccine for dogs — and now are working on one for humans
Apr 1
The Speaker:
Dr. Richard T. Marconi is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and a nationally recognized leader in Lyme disease research.
For more than three decades, he has studied the biology of tick-borne infections, focusing on how these pathogens evade the immune system and how that knowledge can be translated into better prevention and treatment.
Marconi played a central role in developing the first widely used canine Lyme disease vaccine. His laboratory now is working to advance a safe and effective human Lyme disease vaccine.
He has lectured worldwide, published research articles, holds numerous national and international patents, and has been continuously funded since 1990. He has served on more than 120 national and international advisory panels and was a charter member of the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccines for Microbial Diseases study section.
He also is the co-founder of the startup Chimeritope DX.
He earned his doctorate at the University of Montana, where he studied microbiology and biochemistry. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors.
Have a dog? Dr. Richard Marconi’s invention might be inside your canine.
And it might be coming soon to you, too.
Join us on Wednesday April 1 at noon for a free webinar to learn more about Marconi, a researcher at Virginia Commonwealth University who is one of the nation’s leading experts in Lyme disease. He is the inventor behind the leading canine Lyme disease vaccine, which has helped protect millions of dogs across North America.
Building on that success, his downtown Richmond laboratory is developing a safe and effective human vaccine, applying decades of research to prevent tick-borne disease before it starts.
Marconi is one of VCU’s leading innovators, and his work illustrates how VCU and Central Virginia play an increasingly critical role in translating research from the lab into the real world.
His research also contributes to improved diagnostic tools and a deeper understanding of persistent symptoms associated with tick-borne illness.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, and, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term health problems, including nervous system issues, heart problems, and joint pain.
Lyme disease cases are increasing as ticks expand into new regions. The disease affects public health, healthcare costs, and workforce productivity — making prevention, research, and early detection especially important.
Marconi will share his story and how he has attracted federal funding, built his team, and formed partnerships locally and beyond to bring his vision to life. You’ll also get a basic science lesson in how his vaccines work — including learning the definition of “Chimeritope.”
Attendees will gain insight into how universities like VCU function as engines of growth, talent development, and problem-solving — and how civic and business leaders play a critical role in sustaining that ecosystem.NextDigital Transformation: ODU’s AI ecosystem is powered by Google
Artist in Residence: GALLIM @ the Jepson Theater, Modlin Center, University of Richmond
Founded in 2007, GALLIM is a Brooklyn–based contemporary dance company performing original work by Andrea Miller. Miller’s work is known for its use of Gaga, a style characterized by its central use of somatic sensations to guide dancers’ movements. The result is visceral, distinctive choreography that invites exploration of one’s own physicality.
GALLIM, Bodies of Matter
Friday, March 20 | 7:30 PM
Alice Jepson Theatre
On March 20, GALLIM performs Bodies of Matter, a mixed program celebrating Andrea Miller’s daring and visionary choreography. Renowned for blending movement with visual art, film, fashion, and sound, GALLIM creates fully immersive emotional landscapes that put the body at the center of the experience.
Bodies of Matter presents six distinct works, each exploring the body as a vessel for memory, emotion, and transcendence. From classical to pop to electronic, the eclectic soundtrack underscores a performance that is both visceral and deeply human.
Free Movement Workshop with GALLIM
Wednesday, March 18 | 6-7:30 PM
Frederick Rehearsal Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts
In this free workshop led by company dancer Donterreo Culp, movers of all levels and abilities are invited to experience GALLIM’s signature contemporary movement approach and engage in the company’s artistic process. Participants are led through guided improvisation that engages the body and the imagination through dynamic and nuanced movement. Come prepared to move, express your unique self, and have fun dancing with others.
No dance training or experience is necessary, and all levels (ages 12 and up) are welcome! Register in advance due to space limitations. Walk-ups will be accommodated as space allows.
You’re Invited! March 26 All Henrico Reads with Walter Mosley
Join us Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. for an evening of community and conversation. This year’s All Henrico Reads is a rare chance to meet one of our nation’s top mystery writers, Walter Mosley. Learn about his latest best-selling book, Gray Dawn, and how he crafts thrilling stories that keep readers wanting more. The event is FREE and open to the public; no registration required. The evening includes prize drawings and a book-signing after the event. Sponsored by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library. Henrico Sports & Events Center, 1 All Star Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23059. henricolibrary.org/ahr
This event is supported by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.https://www.waltermosley.com/
The 2026 Williamsburg Black Film Festival presents ‘Black Excellence; Past, Present, & Future’
The Virginia Black Film Festival celebrates its third year as a partnership with Visit Williamsburg. The theme of the event, Feb. 19-22, is “Black Excellence; Past, Present, & Future” part of the city’s celebration of Black History Month and VA250. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and Virginia is the center of it all! Exceptional films will be showcased and awarded in multiple categories, including special subcategories for international films, student films, and historically significant films! VBFF is a star-studded event with multiple educational and networking opportunities for independent filmmakers, cinephiles, students, and industry professionals. Previous celebrity guests include Clifton Powell, Tim Reid, BK Fulton, Jesse Vaughan, and Kemba Smith. Panel discussions and masterclasses will cover distribution, filming in Virginia, entertainment law, and acting for film.
2026 Lifetime Achievement Awardee is Daphne Maxwell Reid!
For more details, visit: https://virginiablackfilmfestival.com/
BND Institute of Media & Culture 