archive for January, 2010
January 5, 2010
Lawsuit filed to study VCU parking lot, slave burial ground
Former Richmond City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin filed a lawsuit this morning against Virginia Department of Historic Resources Director Kathleen Kilpatrick.
From the RTD:
The suit seeks to order the department to conduct an archaeological dig of a Virginia Commonwealth University parking lot at 1541 E. Broad St. to determine the true boundaries of a cemetery for African-American slaves.
The suit challenges an historic resources report that found that boundaries of the burial grounds extend 50 feet into the parking lot. [via]
January 6, 2010
Slave Trail Commission to hold public news conference
UPDATE: This has been cancelled.
The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission will hold a public news conference to discuss current Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission developments, including plans for a National Slavery Museum, genealogy center and the historic Negro burial ground. The news conference will take place at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Wednesday at 11:30 am. All citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.
January 17, 2010
LaDiff pledges to help Haiti
LaDifference president and founder Andy Thornton has pledged to support the relief efforts in Haiti. Thornton explained LaDiff’s connection with Haiti on the store’s blog. [via]
Our very name, LaDifférence, comes from Haiti’s national slogan – Haiti, Vive La Différence.From 1978 – 1980 I lived in Port au Prince and created an export business handling handicrafts, artwork, rugs, and the like…If one were Haitian it would seem fair to wonder why so much travail and hardship is ‘dumped’ on this island and its people.
January 25, 2010
Guided walks on the Slave Trail in February
The Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will offer guided walks on Richmond’s Slave Trail each Saturday during February, Black History Month. This emotional walk, led by James River Park Manager Ralph White, will take you from the stone docks at Ancarrow’s Landing on the river through the forest to the site of the slave jails.
The walks will be scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. based on demand. There is a $5 per person fee. Please register in advance by calling the James River Park at 804-646-8911.
January 26, 2010
Streets closed due to anticipated flooding
From the City:
The city of Richmond will close several city streets on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, due to anticipated flooding, as the James River crests from heavy rains in the western portions of Virginia.
If motorist encounter standing water on any street, they should not try to drive through it as hidden obstacles may exist.
The following streets will close at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, and are expected to reopen at noon on Thursday, January 28:
North of the River:
Dock Street between 19th Street and Water Street
Read more >
January 26, 2010
Chad Andrews art exhibition at Frame Nation
CHAD ANDREWS A Quick Visit to Anytowne, U.S.A.
February 5 – March 20, 2010
Opening reception to be held Friday, February 5, 5 – 9 PM at Frame Nation.
January 26, 2010
Martin Agency named National Agency of the Year
Congratulations to the Martin Agency for being named National Agency of the Year by Adweek!
The Shockoe Slip advertising firm was named the top U.S. ad agency of 2009 by industry publication Adweek. The designation is one of the top honors in the industry — and the first time Martin has received the honor… Adweek cited Martin’s aggressive growth last year, particularly in a difficult economy. [via]
January 28, 2010
One step closer to high speed rail in Richmond
President Obama announced today that USDOT is awarding $8 billion to states to invest in high speed rail. Of that, Virginia will share $620,000,000 with North Carolina to develop high speed rail between Charlotte-Raleigh-Richmond-Washington, D.C.. In the current plan Richmond is listed as having “projects laying foundation for high-speed passenger rail.”
View the plan here.
January 29, 2010
Tricycle Gardens announces first Urban Mini Farm in Manchester
We are breaking ground on our first Urban Mini Farm (yet to be named) at the corner of 9th St. & Bainbridge St., in old Manchester. We are setting up a vermiculture operation, hoop houses for cold weather growing, a living fence of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries (YUM!), and gardens for intensive growing. Thanks to the generosity of Robin Miller and Dan Gecker of Monroe Properties, we are ready to get the first model of high yield urban farming up and running on 1/2 an acre of under utilized urban land. The ultimate goal is job creation, as we implement urban farms throughout Richmond. Jobs, healthy food access, bio-diversity, ecological restoration, and more….Stay tuned for volunteer work days!
January 31, 2010
Cafe Gutenberg serves up new schedule
Cafe Gutenberg just announced that they will be open 7 days a week for lunch. [via]