Compiled by Sarah Gould from interviews with Amos Pierre, Ashmore Hyndman, Christopher Coleman, Idris Robinson, Michael Tucker, Timothy James, Romell Floyd, Angel Lopez, Travis McLeod, Jamaa, Trey, T’Quan, John’Trell, Jalon
 
In 1991, two premier organizations partnered to meet the need of African-American boys across the nation. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APHIA) and Big Brothers Big […]

Named for a Richmond man whose devotion to community health was unmatched, today the flagship location of Capital Area Health Network (CAHN) as well as its three other locations continue the tradition of making quality health care available to all members of the community.
 
The CAHN location at 25th St. is named for Vernon J. Harris, […]

As this issue of Urban Views Weekly goes to press, citizens nationwide are lining up at the polls to claim their right and responsibility in the process of democracy. Meanwhile, on Grove Avenue, more than 130 singers line up to rehearse, so that after the ballots are cast and counted, they can make their own […]

Deborah Pratt has represented the U.S. four times in the Oyster Shucking World Championships in Ireland and in 1997, she was second in the world. As an eight-time State Champion, Deborah promotes shucking as an important Virginia tradition and encourages youth to learn. Her accomplishments and advocacy combined with her easy charisma makes her a […]

Reverend Robert “Bob” Diggs is a well-known figure in Petersburg, where he’s served as Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church for almost thirteen years.
 
But he’s been a champion driver for nearly forty. “I started drag racing as most people who are baby boomers did, on the street,” Rev. Diggs says. He’s taken away his share of […]

Dee Dee Renee is the energetic voice on KISS FM’s number one adult mid-day show. Each day, thousands of listeners look forward to her daily “Word of the Day,” and her outlook and cheerful voice are ideal for mid-day motivation.
 
But three years ago, she was stressed out and exhausted, and her cardiac health was suffering. […]

In the late afternoon studios of Sisterly Grace, one girl takes center stage. As the gospel singer on the recording bears witness to faith and resiliency during hard times, the young dancer moves expressively as her eight classmates watch. The adult mentor nearby announces gently, “Let the Lord use you.” Her words are meant to […]

Chef Tilden Shields will graduate in May of 2009 from J. Sargent Reynolds Community College with an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts. He is Food Service Manager at the James River Juvenile Detention Center, where he’s worked since 2001. Married for 21 years to Yvette, they have two sons, Tyler, 14, and Tyrell, 23, […]

As Virginia’s largest housing authority, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) works with citizens, private developers, neighborhood leaders, and local, state, and federal government agencies to stabilize and renew Richmond’s neighborhoods and commercial districts. Their resources and knowledge are powerful allies of families and individuals who want to buy a home. Whether you’re dreaming of […]

Everything Must Go!
 
Lyric Avenue will host its Finale Showcase, “Everything Must Go,” Friday, Sep. 19 at the Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St.
 

 
The Marquee: Lyric Avenue, Richmond poetry- and performance-based variety show and troupe who entertains with comedy and culture to open up tough topics like race, religion, relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, politics, and […]