Local awards recognize Black tourism and culture in Richmond
The inaugural program handed out five awards. | Photo via Richmond Region Tourism/Angel Expressions Photography
Richmond Region Tourism hosted the inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards at the Hippodrome Theater last week. The ceremony recognized several individuals, businesses, and initiatives for their work to contribute to Black tourism and culture in the River City.
Get to know the winners below.
Cultural Enrichment Award | Afrikana Film Festival
The arts and entertainment prize went to this film fest, which is preparing for its ninth annual event this fall. The program also traveled to Dakar in May for an international event combining film and food called Diasporic Fork.
Culinary Heritage Award | Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience was honored for its efforts in supporting Black chefs, restaurateurs, and others in the food scene. This past March, over 35 restaurants participated in the eighth edition of RBRE’s signature event.
The ceremony took place at Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward.
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Photo via Richmond Region Tourism/Angel Expressions Photography
Cultural Preservation Award | Elegba Folklore Society
The African cultural arts center received the history-focused award at the ceremony. For over 30 years, Elegba Folklore Society has celebrated African and African American culture with its programming, which includes special events and guided tours.
Rising Community Impact Award | RVA Explore Tour
This company encourages local adventures by offering private and public tours. It was recognized with the entrepreneurial award for being a fresh and authentic addition for the region.
Rooted Community Impact Award | Randy and Shirley Cooper
This award honored the husband-and-wife team of Randy Cooper, the former former president and CEO of the Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union, and Shirley Cooper, the former president and CEO of the Credit Union of Richmond, for their financial equality advocacy.
Segregated But Educated: A Legacy of Hope | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 12-1 p.m. | Library of Virginia | Poet and author Latorial Faison will explore African American students’ perceptions of the segregated education experience in rural Virginia.
jiji frozen custard Birthday Party | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 4-8 p.m. | Libbie Mill | Cost of purchase | Celebrate five years of jiji with specials like the birthday cup, made with funfetti cake, hot fudge, custard, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
Thursday, Aug. 29
Let’s Hang RVA: Happy Hour | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Veil Brewing Co. | Free entry | Meet new friends and enjoy sweet treats and drinks from The Veil and Buskey Cider.
Kickers vs. Spokane Velocity FC | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. | City Stadium | $17-$37 | Cheer on the Roos during Night at the Museums night at City Stadium.
Friday, Aug. 30
“Speed” | Friday, Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock star in this action flick.
NYC Marathon MDA Fundraiser | Friday, Aug. 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery | $100+ | Dust off your best 90s attire and groove with Be Kind And Rewind 90s while raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Silverada | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $20 | Enjoy an evening of country with this Austin-based band, plus Jason Scott & the High Heat.
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A new school year is a great reminder that learning is a lifelong skill. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
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Learn about Henrico and GRTC’s plan to extend the Pulse to Parham Road at a public meeting on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. at Libbie Mill Library. The extension will include a new station at the Old Parham Road Shopping Center, projected to open in three to five years.
Edu
A fire caused by a lightning strike resulted in damages to Cardinal Elementary School on Monday evening. There were no injuries. Donate to the Cardinal Strong Fund to help with relief and support efforts for students, staff, and community members while the building is repaired.
Open
The pickleball palooza has reached Goochland. A 17,000-sqft indoor facility with both pickleball and tennis courts has opened on Plaza Drive. Yello Club offers membership packages and private lessons. (Richmond BizSense)
Closed
Steam Bell Beer Works has closed. The craft brewery was the first of its kind in Chesterfield. Co-owner Brad Cooper said the business will cease operations, but did not rule out a return in the future. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Plan Ahead
Enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by Richmond’s top chefs at the 2024 Birdhouse Farmers Market Dinner. The event will be Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at ZZQ. Get tickets now. Bonus: You might recognize Santana Hem on the chef lineup from our guide to local supper clubs.
Eat
Redemption Barbecue made Southern Living’s list of the South’s Best New Barbecue Joints. The Henrico spot was highlighted for its smoky pork and fruity, tart, and tangy Southside Virginia sauce. It opened a brick and mortar in 2022. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Try This
Looking for a weekend adventure? You don’t have to go far. From Broadway shows to historic tours, Fredericksburg has plenty of options for a day of family fun.*
Travel
Our favorite travel hack? Flykitt by Fount. It’s trusted by Navy SEALS and pro athletes to conquer jet lag. Try it for yourself — use code NOJETLAG for 10% off.*
Civic
City
How to get involved with the Richmond People’s Budget
Submit your ideas for projects the city should fund. | Photo via Richmond People’s Budget
How would you improve your neighborhood?
That’s how leaders of the Richmond People’s Budget have been starting conversations. $3 million of the city’s budget next year will be determined by Richmonders.
The community-led initiative has hosted town halls and appeared at public events to spread the word. Residents will develop ideas and later vote on projects to be included in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
Each district will get at least $200,000. The other $1.2 million will be allocated to support more projects in more underserved areas.
Proposals will be developed in November, then voted on in April. Richmond residents 14 years and up can vote.
Get involved
The project has entered its idea collection phase. Submit your ideas online or by filling out a comment card at your local library branch or City Hall.
The online survey prompts participants with examples of capital project ideas, including things like building a new park, installing public art, and upgrading sidewalks. The team says it has already collected over 400 ideas.
Want to help the process? Consider signing up to help sort through ideas and create proposals, which will be voted on in the spring.
The Buy
🛍️ Labor Day weekend sales have begun. Check out some of the best markdowns we’ve found on Amazon:
I’m excited to check out all the pop-up exhibits from local museums at tomorrow’s Kickers game. Plus, I can’t wait to get a look at the new scoreboard.
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