From Richmond.com:
A changing of the guard appears to be afoot on Broad Street, and with it may come a new era of VCU basketball under a leader with history in the commonwealth.
Community
Black History Month at the Library of Virginia
February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. The Library of Virginia is hosting a series of events and has resources available for those that want to learn more.
February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. The Library of Virginia is hosting a series of events and has resources available for those that want to learn more.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS:
PANEL DISCUSSION
Research Stories from Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative
This 1930s-era photograph of Petersburg residents (some formerly enslaved and some who were not enslaved) was marked on the back with the following list: 1. Mrs. Liza Barlow – Age 72; 2. Mrs. Eliza Hill – Age 74; 3. Mrs. Mary Edwards – Age 72; 4. Mr. James Boatman – Age 74; 5. Mr. John Brown – Age 75; 6. Mrs. Georgiana Preston – Age 88; 7. Mrs. Harriette Hammond – Age 75; 9. Mrs. Eliza Mays – Age 73; 9. Mrs. Charlotte Taylor – Age 74. Library of Virginia.
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 | 7:00–8:30 pm | Place: Online | Free
Registration required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PdFxjWwWS1WzD4OJ2GIyBw
Join us for a virtual panel discussion on Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative, a digital project that provides access to records of enslaved and free Black people in the Library of Virginia’s collections. Project manager Lydia Neuroth will introduce the project, describe the scope and document types, and moderate a 45-minute discussion between genealogists, researchers, and scholars on how they have used the platform to enhance their work. A Q&A session at the end will allow audience members to ask questions and offer their own feedback. For more information, contact Lydia Neuroth at [email protected] or 804.692.3772.
www.lva.virginia.gov/news/calendar?event=514
BOOK CLUB
Common Ground Virginia History Book Group
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6:00–7:30 pm | Place: Online | Free
Registration required: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckdeCsrD0oHtTZyPh6DEsWtDJ7p_KmAno7
On the third Tuesday evening of each month, join a virtual book group discussion on compelling nonfiction books handpicked by Library staff that explore Virginia history, society, and culture. For Black History Month in February, we’ll discuss The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, a collection of essays, short stories, and poetry that explores the legacy of slavery in present-day America. Our discussion will focus on the nonfiction essays; however, there is no requirement to read all the essays in order to participate. For more information, contact Becky Schneider at [email protected] or 804.692.3550.
www.lva.virginia.gov/news/calendar?event=507
A CONVERSATION WITH ROHULAMIN QUANDER
The Quanders: Since 1684, An Enduring African American Legacy
Thursday, February 17, 2022 | 6:00–7:30 pm | Place: Online | Free
Registration required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d59F3h7eR3KYf5YTBP3gzQ
Join Rohulamin Quander, author of the inspiring new book The Quanders: Since 1684, An Enduring African American Legacy, and Gregg Kimball, the Library of Virginia’s director of Public Services and Outreach, in a virtual discussion about the history of one of America’s oldest African American families. From trials and tribulations, to turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones, the Quander story is one of triumph and sustained accomplishment, despite racially imposed obstacles as inhibitors to success. For more information, contact Ashley Ramey Craig at [email protected] or 804.692.3001.
www.lva.virginia.gov/news/calendar?event=520
RELATED EXHIBITION:
Your Humble Petitioner
Legislative Petitions Gave Voice to Virginians
February 7–November 19, 2022
Place: Library of Virginia Exhibition Gallery & Lobby | Free
Although it’s not specifically a Black history exhibition, Your Humble Petitioner reveals several poignant stories of enslaved and formerly enslaved Black Virginians that can be found in the Library’s Legislative Petitions Collection. The collection contains a gold mine of historical information not available anywhere else.
Imagine having to explain to the House of Delegates why you want to divorce your spouse, change your name, or take other actions that affect your life. Virginians had to do just that for nearly a century. Their stories can be found in the Library’s Legislative Petitions Collection.
During the years between the American Revolution and the Civil War, Virginians submitted petitions to the General Assembly to bring local or personal issues to the attention of their legislators. The Library’s collection of nearly 25,000 petitions reveals how Virginians communicated their concerns on a wide range of topics. To obtain legal permission to operate a ferry, maintain a tavern, or carry out many other activities, residents of the commonwealth were required to introduce a petition into the House of Delegates to begin the process of acceptance or rejection. The right to petition was not restricted by class, race, or sex. Your Humble Petitionerhighlights petitions that involved deeply personal issues such as divorce and requests by emancipated Black people to remain in the commonwealth, offering a glimpse into the realities of 18th- and 19th-century life.
The exhibition includes the story of James Lafayette, who was enslaved in New Kent County but became a spy during the American Revolution, serving under the Marquis de Lafayette. In 1786, he successfully petitioned the General Assembly for his freedom. His petition describes his service: “That during the time of his serving the Marquiss he often at the peril of his life found means to frequent the British Camp, by which means he kept open a channel of the most useful communications to the army of the state…”
www.lva.virginia.gov/news/calendar?event=524
DIGITAL BLACK HISTORY RESOURCES:
Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative | www.virginiamemory.com/collections/aan
This digital project provides access to records of enslaved and free Black people in the Library of Virginia’s collections.
Digital Legislative Petitions Collection | www.virginiamemory.com/collections/petitions
Searchable by keyword, locality, and subject, this collection is a rich source of stories about ordinary Virginians and their lives—including many Black Virginians.
Research Guides & Indexes | https://lva-virginia.libguides.com
Find multiple guides at this link under “African American Resources.”
19th-Century Black Legislator Biographies
https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/african-american-legislators-in-virginia-1867-1899
A collaboration between the Library’s Dictionary of Virginia Biography and Virginia Humanities’ Encyclopedia Virginia, this project documents the lives of the Black men who served in the Virginia General Assembly and the Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868.
Headshot photographs of Rufus S. Jones (representing the counties of Elizabeth City and Warwick) and John W. B. Matthews (representing Petersburg). Details from a composite portrait entitled Legislature of Virginia, Session 1871 and ’72. Library of Virginia.
Online Exhibitions | https://virginiamemory.com/exhibitions/online_exhibitions
Our online exhibitions webpage includes Black history–related content such as True Sons of Freedom, To Be Sold: Virginia and the American Slave Trade, and Remaking Virginia: Transformation through Emancipation.
Collie Woodson (March 10, 1888–October 10, 1975), Cumberland County, Virginia.
Woodson was a farmer when he entered the military service in September 1918. Discharged in July 1919, he worked as a farmer and laborer. Library of Virginia.
Document Bank of Virginia | https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/dbva
At this education portal, teachers and students can find fascinating documents on the African American experience for projects and classroom use. Browse by theme: “African American History”
Strong Men & Women in Virginia History | https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw
Early in February, Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia will announce this year’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees, distinguished Black Virginians who are celebrated during Black History Month for their contributions to the commonwealth and the nation. Find inspiring biographies of current and past honorees on the Library’s Virginia Changemakers website.
Sports
VCU Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Rhoades headed to Penn State, Utah State’s Ryan Odom favorite for replacement: reports
A changing of the guard is underway for the VCU Men’s Basketball program, according to multiple verified reports.
Amid widespread reports that Pennsylvania native Mike Rhoades is set to accept an offer in excess of $3 million annually from Penn State, Utah State coach and former Hampden-Sydney captain and Virginia Tech assistant Ryan Odom has emerged as his likely replacement.
College basketball fans around the state may remember Odom well.
The former University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) coach led the Retrievers to their historic, 74-54 upset win over Virginia in the first round of the 2018 NCAA tournament. UMBC became the first No. 16 seed to ever take town a No. 1 seed.
Downtown
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU celebrates ribbon-cutting of new Children’s Tower
When combined with the adjacent outpatient Children’s Pavilion, the Children’s Tower completes a city block – nearly 1 million square feet – dedicated to caring for kids
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) on Tuesday celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its Children’s Tower, Richmond’s new home for pediatric inpatient, emergency and trauma care. Nearly 300 families, elected officials, hospital team members, donors and community partners gathered to celebrate the completely kid-focused, $420 million facility which will officially open on April 30.
The Children’s Tower was designed for and with the help of families and providers in the community, based on extensive research into best practices in pediatric health care. When combined with the adjacent outpatient Children’s Pavilion, the Children’s Tower completes a city block – nearly 1 million square feet – dedicated to caring for kids. The 16-story building houses the region’s only Level 1 pediatric trauma center and emergency department with 24/7 access to any pediatric specialist a child may need, along with family amenities and 72 all-private acute and intensive care rooms that are among the most spacious in the country.
“This is a great day for Virginia and our capital city of Richmond. Not only do we have the best and brightest medical providers – many of whom have graduated from our outstanding Virginia medical schools – but patients can get care from them in state-of-the-art facilities while remaining close to home,” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said. “This Children’s Tower will help ensure that our youngest Virginians can grow into our future leaders, care providers and difference makers.”
CHoR broke ground on the Children’s Tower in June 2019 as part of a comprehensive plan to address the needs of the community and state.
“I had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking for the Children’s Tower and what a difference a few years has made,” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said. “As I watched this building rise from City Hall next door, I thought about the kids and families from our city and beyond who will benefit from the beautiful space and dedicated teams inside. Children are our future, and the future of Richmond is bright.”
The Children’s Tower project was completed on time, despite obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The VCU Children’s Tower represents a commitment to our children and communities that we’re putting their needs first,” said VCU and VCU Health System President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “After many years of our team’s focus on addressing the needs of children in a comprehensive way, I’m so grateful that we’re able to bring together comprehensive children’s health services and research into the early, formative aspects of human development, including the causes and cures of disease and development. CHoR will serve children and families in Richmond and across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, and I’m grateful to every team member and donor who helped make this a reality.”
Providers at CHoR care for both the most common and complex injuries and illnesses, last year serving more than 70,000 families from across the commonwealth, nearly all 50 states and outside the U.S. The Children’s Tower is expanding inpatient bed capacity and emergency room access by 40 percent on opening day. Access to imaging and services from the Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center will also increase. The building includes space for growth to meet future needs.
In addition to pediatric-specific operating rooms, imaging suites and trauma bays equipped with the latest advancements for optimal medical care, the Children’s Tower creates a kid-friendly patient experience with added convenience. It is located one turn off Interstate-95 and offers free onsite parking, including valet for families visiting the emergency room.
Playrooms, teen lounges, a family gym, interactive installations, performance space and family lounges are among the amenities that will be available on opening day to make the environment more comfortable for kids and families. The cafeteria offers kid-friendly dining options, including brick oven pizza, while the James River theme includes colors and animal mascots to differentiate each floor and help with navigating the building. Additional amenities will open later this summer, including a RMHC In-Hospital-House, multifaith chapel and indoor children’s garden.
Take a virtual tour of the Children’s Tower and meet the James River themed animal mascots at chrichmond.org/childrenstower.
The stuff dangling off the osprey’s talon is trash that some human left. The bird is getting around fine now and hopefully the string will break off before the bird becomes entangled. Don’t litter, pickup what you can and for god’s sake don’t release balloons.
This article is 5 years old and the situation hasn’t improved.
More Plastic in the World Means More Plastic in Osprey Nests – National Audubon Society
Human waste routinely finds its way into birds’ nests, and it is especially common with Ospreys. The birds use a huge variety of materials to build their nests, including sticks, bark, sod, grass, vines and algae. Plastic items mimic the appearance of many of these natural building supplies, and Osprey find plastic trash mixed in with their natural nesting materials in beach wrack lines, making it hard for them to distinguish what’s what, Wurst says. “While Osprey see plastic as a useful resource for them to build their nests from, they don’t see the potential danger.”
By 2012, Wurst realized the problem was worsening, so he began removing the trash and collecting it to raise awareness of the issue. Wurst’s Osprey nest-trash collection includes all kinds of plastic items, including unusual finds such as plastic shovels, flags, and polyester hats. But he believes the most dangerous and deadly items are the most common ones he finds in nests: plastic ribbon from balloons and monofilament fishing line. “Trash like monofilament, ribbon, and string can easily entangle a foot, leg, or wing of an adult or young Osprey,” he says. In addition, “single use plastic bags or other plastic sheeting can choke or smother them.”
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