Doug Wilder knows something about historic firsts. In 1985, after serving several terms as a Virginia Senator, Wilder ran for lieutenant governor. It was a position many said he could not win, but Virginians elected him. Four years later, he ran for Governor and became the first elected African American governor in U.S. history. He […]
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 […]
Virginia Opera brings Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” to Richmond Oct. 24 and 26. Virginia Opera has always been an innovator: It is the nation’s only regional opera company that regularly performs in three separate main stage venues. Under the Artistic Direction of Peter Mark, it is widely respected as a place that identifies future stars early […]
by Cesca Janece Waterfield
African American food and wine professionals are increasingly leading trends and impacting the course of American cuisine. Perhaps the most exciting part is that they often maintain their own identity and African American culture, introducing long-held African American traditions, techniques, and flavors to the world.
Sunny Anderson
She was a much-loved reporter for […]
When her hugely successful Washington D.C. restaurant Colorado Kitchen lost its lease this summer and suddenly closed its doors, Chef and Owner Gillian Clark might have been nervous in transition. Then again, that’s one place Gillian Clark thrives.
Before she was being hailed in Food and Wine Magazine, the Washington Post, and on NPR, she was […]
What goes into the making of an American Dream?
There are as many methods as there are makers, of course, but also a few constants: a quest driven by curiosity; opportunity often bestowed by an honored guide who’s already navigated his dream’s terrain. Hopefully, there’s triumph, because obstacles to dreams are inevitable.
For Dr. Lauranett Lee, Curator […]
Van Jones, Green-Collar Leader
Van Jones is one of the nation’s most vital minds today. As the civil rights and environmental activist calls for green economic development in urban America, he merges goals like providing jobs for the working class, with environmental needs, such as developing sources of clean energy. His vision often results in solutions […]
Thomas Ragland Shines Upstage and Downtown
Only 21 years old, Thomas Ragland has already been dancing eighteen years. Currently enjoying his first year as a company member with Richmond Ballet, the young artist believes if he’d not discovered ballet, he’d be an elementary school math teacher. In his young career, he’s wowed audiences for his performances […]
