vol. 191 / cultivating community

vol. 191 / Cultivating Community


 


VOL. 191 / CULTIVATING COMMUNITY

Meet this week's guest editor, Erica Shambley, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement for Virginia State University College of Agriculture. With a Master of Arts in Media Management from Virginia State University, Erica's strategic leadership and strength in storytelling have made her an expert at connecting with and inspiring others. In addition to her role at VSU, Erica actively participates in community initiatives in Richmond and the Southern Region, and she's the CEO of a digital media start-up catering to the contemporary needs of women.

Erica, the floor is yours...

VSU Trojan Fall Farmers Market


As the fall season settles in, the VSU campus buzzes with anticipation for the Fall Fest Edition of the VSU Trojan Farmers Market on Thursday, October 19th from noon to 2:00 PM. Hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, visitors can explore a rich assortment of pumpkins, mums, sunflowers, and apple cider. But it's not just about the produce. This market offers a chance to connect directly with local farmers and dive into the heart of the community. Alongside the seasonal treats, anticipate giveaways and networking opportunities, a day at the market is a day well-spent. Join us and experience the essence of community well-being.


Vitals:

VSU Trojan Farmers Market / VSU Douglas Wilder Parking Lot #28, Matthews-Jefferson Drive, Petersburg / Thursday, October 19, 12:00 - 2:00 PM

2nd Street Festival: Celebrating Jackson Ward's Vibrant Legacy


Get ready for the 2nd Street Festival in Downtown Richmond, a nod to community well-being and fall revelry. This free event, hosted by Venture Richmond unfolds in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, paying homage to an area once known as "the Harlem of the South." Year after year, thousands gather to reminisce about the era when 2nd Street shone as a beacon for Richmond's African-American community. Today, Jackson Ward remains a vibrant center of activity. Across two days, the festival boasts three stages of live music, a Kidz Zone, an array of food vendors, a bustling marketplace, Artists Row, and a captivating display by the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. See you there!

Vitals:

2nd Street Festival / Jackson Ward: 124 E. Broad Street / Saturday, October 7, 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM & Sunday, October 8, 1:00 - 6:00 PM
 

Football, Food, Fun: VSU's Homecoming 2023

 
Virginia State University's Homecoming 2023, dubbed "The 1882 Experience," kicks off on Saturday, October 7th and runs through October 14th. Join us for football, fellowship, and the warmth of being back on the Hill with the Trojan family! The VSU College of Agriculture invites alumni to a special Fish and Fry event on Friday, October 13th. While primarily a reunion for Trojans, the celebration is open to everyone in the community. Mark your calendars and get ready to tailgate and revel in the Trojan spirit!

Vitals:

VSU Homecoming / VSU Multipurpose Center Lawn: 20809 2nd Ave. Petersburg / Events: October 7 - 14

More about the VSU College of Agriculture...

At Virginia State University, something magical happens — greatness. And that greatness is growing in the College of Agriculture. Not just any growth, but the kind that nurtures both the land and its people. Here, tradition meets innovation. We're not just tending to crops; we're cultivating the future of agriculture — making it sustainable, integrated, and innovative for the world to benefit.

Our students? They don't just study; they experience. With tools in hand and dirt under their nails, they dive into hands-on learning and internships, preparing them to be the next leaders and problem-solvers of the industry.

But the growth doesn't stop at the fields. The College believes in nurturing families and communities throughout Virginia, too. Through programs focusing on holistic health, nutrition, and family dynamics, we ensure our communities flourish from the inside out.

This journey of growth at the VSU College of Agriculture is threefold — a blend of robust academics, pioneering Agricultural Research, and the enduring Cooperative Extension in partnership with Virginia Tech University. Here, we sow the seeds of progress and cultivate a brighter future.

Learn More
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