vol. 282 / It's Your MayorExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 282 / It's Your Mayor
We’re proud to welcome this week’s guest editor, your mayor, Danny Avula!
Born in Hyderabad, India, Danny immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1979. A father of five, he and his wife, Mary Kay, have called Richmond’s East End home for more than 20 years. Mary Kay is a teacher with Richmond Public Schools.
Mayor Danny holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Johns Hopkins. He was named one of Richmond’s Top Docs every year from 2013 to 2022, Richmond Times-Dispatch Person of the Year in 2019, and Style Weekly’s Richmonder of the Year in 2020. And in case you didn’t know, he even won Dancing with the Richmond Stars in 2017.
He took office as the 81st Mayor of Richmond on January 1, 2025. Before his election, he served as Virginia’s Commissioner of Social Services, and prior to that, led the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. During that time, he worked to expand access to care for the city’s most vulnerable residents, elevate the voices of those with lived experience, address the root causes of health outcomes, especially poverty and race, and highlight the connection between housing and health.
Today, in addition to serving as mayor, Danny continues his work as a pediatrician and hospitalist at Chippenham Hospital.
Take it away, Mayor Danny ...
Mutuality
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that we’re profoundly shaped by the people we live in community with. When my wife and I moved to Church Hill more than 20 years ago, relationships with our neighbors weren’t just enjoyable; they were transformative. I came to understand poverty, educational barriers, and housing instability not from a policy brief, but from friendship. But I also learned so much about generosity, resilience, and the way a community shows up for each other in the face of adversity. The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” The decades we’ve spent in true community with neighbors who became dear friends have absolutely affirmed that sentiment, and have changed how I show up as a father, neighbor, leader, and human.
This week, I’d encourage you to lean into that same spirit of mutuality. Invite a neighbor you don’t know well to coffee. Volunteer at a local school. Show up for a community meeting not just to share your voice, but to listen to someone else’s story. The more we are willing to step into someone else’s shoes, the more capacity we have to show up for one another, and the stronger we all become.
Richmond’s history is painful and powerful, and one of the most meaningful ways to connect with our city is to experience its stories in the places where they unfolded. Confronting the truth about our past, including slavery, racism, and the struggle for Black empowerment, is essential to understanding who we are today and where we will go in the future. To do this, start your journey along the Richmond Slave Trail, following the route enslaved people were forced to take from the river into Shockoe. Along the way, stop at Lumpkin’s Jail, known as the Devil’s Half Acre, and pause at the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground to pay respects. This walk is at the heart of the future Shockoe Project, which will honor and transform this space through education, art, and storytelling.
One thing I love most about Richmond is that when we see something that’s not working, we roll up our sleeves and do something about it. I’m inspired by the ways I see our community live this out every day: organizing meals for the unhoused, welcoming immigrant families to our city, community efforts to clean up the streets, etc.
This week, I’m asking all of us to bring that spirit to our own neighborhoods. A hallmark of this administration is creating ways for our city to serve together. I passionately believe that serving together teaches us about the critical issues facing our neighbors and helps us see perspectives beyond our own. It’s relationship-building and change-making at its best! Our next Days of Service event is coming up September 18–20, and I’d love to see you out there! We have opportunities to plant trees, build a house, clean up a park, or install a pollinator garden!
Mayor Danny paddles to Sharp’s Island in downtown Richmond for a wide-ranging conversation about listening, leadership, and the future of Richmond.
Hey, Richmond: The Newsletter
Mayor Danny recently launched a new city-wide newsletter, and every issue begins with a friendly welcome: “It’s your Mayor, Danny!” Recent editions have spotlighted the Parks and Recreation Department — did you know Richmond is the only locality in our region that maintains public pools, and that our summer camps were completely full by April 1? He’s also shared an early look at the redesign of City Hall’s first floor, resources for paying utility bills, and his vision for building a culture of service across our city. And as always, the newsletter includes plenty of photos and even a touch of poetry. Make sure to sign up so you don’t miss the latest.
vol. 281 / Unlocking FaithExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 281 / Unlocking Faith
This week’s guest editor, Faith Wilkerson, Ed.D., is a higher education powerhouse and community connector who has spent over two decades crafting inclusive programming and leading institutional traditions at the university level. With her strategic leadership in student affairs and diversity work, she's shaped the experiences of thousands of students while maintaining her commitment to equitable engagement.
Currently juggling roles as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond and Founder of UnlockingRVA (plus its nonprofit arm, Unlocking Richmond), Faith is all about bringing communities together one unforgettable event at a time.
This three-time VCU graduate and former Alumni Council President has racked up some serious accolades, including Style Weekly's Top 40 Under 40 and the Richmond Times-Dispatch Women Who Drive Richmond award. But here's what really makes Faith tick: she's perpetually plotting her next adventure (Jamaica 2026, anyone?), believes wholeheartedly in the restorative power of a good nap, and shares her home office with Axel, her scene-stealing Yorkie who's mastered the art of photobombing Zoom calls and has somehow landed himself on the "unpaid intern" roster.
Between changing lives professionally and keeping Axel from redecorating the furniture with his teeth, Faith proves that impactful leadership and a sense of humor make the perfect combination.
Take it away, Faith …
Happily Natural Festival
Celebrate culture, wellness, and community at the 2025 Happily Natural Festival. Also known as Happily Natural Day, this three-day Richmond tradition uplifts holistic health, African and African-American culture, and social change. Expect an African-centered business expo, cultural arts and crafts, workshops, lectures, live music, and more. The main festival day is Saturday, August 30 — don’t miss it.
Happily Natural Festival / Friday, August 29 - Sunday, August 31 / Richmond, VA / times + locations vary, updates and details here
RuPaul's Drag Race Werk the World Tour
Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race icons Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall, Kim Chi, and more, this larger-than-life show brings dazzling performances, fierce fashion, and unforgettable energy to the stage.
This two-day celebration brings together tabletop gaming, arcade classics, esports championships, cosplay photoshoots, and more. Whether you’re a casual fan or a competitive gamer, ImmerseCon is the place to play, connect, and explore.
Vitals:
ImmerseCon 2025 / Saturday & Sunday, August 30 – 31, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, prices vary / Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Short Pump, 12042 W Broad Street
THE WELL Fest
Curated by The Well Collective, THE WELL Fest is a full-day gathering of people, art and creative connection in the heartbeat of our city. This celebration will highlight Richmond's arts, culture, and music scene, along with welcoming Charlotte-based Sainted Trap Choir to the stage. Taking place at Main Street Station on September 6th from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM; 10:00 AM if you plan to attend the morning wellness class led by local instructors.
You can expect a high-energy Wellness Bar featuring kombucha, cold-pressed juices, coffee, and teas from local favorites like The Beet Box and Urban Hang Suite. There will be an Art Walk curated by The Art Seen, where you can enjoy artist showcases and be a part of the creation of a public mural. The Market will feature a selection of hand-picked vendors, artisans, and creators. There will be giveaways, a mind-body lounge, and activations that inspire connection with Richmond’s city center, yourself and each other.
vol. 280 / Moments of JoyExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 280 / Moments of Joy
This week’s guest editor, Paige Wilson, is inspired by Joy. And it's her mission to encourage all of Richmond to become “Nabors.”
Based in the River City, Paige is the Founder and CEO of fast-growing Naborforce, a purpose-driven company that has sparked hundreds of thousands of joyful moments since its launch in 2018. Naborforce connects older adults to a trusted network of “Nabors,” thoroughly vetted and compassionate individuals who are available to lend a helping hand and provide peace of mind for families. This expanding network of Nabors promotes independent, joy-filled aging across Greater Richmond and beyond.
Paige was moved to create Naborforce after caring for her own mother, Joy, while navigating a demanding career in senior leadership roles in the investment banking industry. After her mother passed away, Paige set out to build a company that blended her professional expertise with her personal passion. She did so with the same warmth, optimism, and humor her mother embodied.
Built from love, Naborforce continues to attract a talented and deeply caring group of Nabors, all united by one mission: to support older adults and bring light into their daily lives.
This week, we are thrilled to welcome Paige as guest editor. She is sharing three tips for creating joyful moments for yourself, for others, and for the city we all love to call home.
Take it away, Paige …
Befriend Movement
Befriend believes in the limitless power of human connection to build a more compassionate and joyful world, and it all begins in our own communities. As an answer to the loneliness epidemic, Befriend creates opportunities for people to connect across generations and differences — especially with seniors who are often overlooked. At Befriend, everyone belongs. The organization hosts experiences that foster curiosity, understanding, and friendships that strengthen both individuals and communities. The ripple effects are lasting.
"When people show up with open hearts and curious minds, something magical happens – real connections form and lasting change begins," says Mollie Reinhart, the founder of Befriend.
Check out one of the nonprofit’s upcoming events, like the Befriend Sunset Walk happening on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the University of Richmond Eco-Corridor and Lake. Participants will meet at 6201 River Road, behind Starbucks. And don’t miss the Befriend Sunset Clean-up scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Jefferson Park, 1921 Princess Anne Ave.
One song at a time, Joyful Voices works to stimulate the mind, energize the body, and elevate the spirit. This community chorus was created for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers. Rehearsals take place every Thursday morning from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at Salisbury Presbyterian Church. The ensemble offers a meaningful and joyful musical experience, performing two public concerts each year. Volunteers are always welcome to sing along, bring refreshments for social time and concerts, help with weekly setup and cleanup, or assist in preparing printed music for the chorus. Music is powerful, and there’s no better way to experience that power than with Joyful Voices.
Vitals:
Joyful Voices / The next Summer Sing Along is August 14, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. / 13621 Salisbury Road, Midlothian / Volunteer here
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, it's a chance to bring joy into someone's home. This vital program helps seniors and homebound neighbors in Richmond stay independent, safe, and happy at home. Each weekday, fresh, diet-specific meals are prepared with care in the Bayard Community Kitchen and delivered by friendly volunteers between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Flexible delivery options ensure every neighbor is supported in a way that fits their needs.
Meals on Wheels offers more than nourishment. Every visit includes a smile and a safety check, providing connection, reassurance, and peace of mind. Feed More prepares and delivers meals to nearly 1,000 individuals across 14 Central Virginia localities and is a proud member of Meals on Wheels America.
It only takes 60 seconds to find out if this program is right for you or a loved one. If you are in a position to lend a hand, there are many ways to get involved. Be part of Central Virginia’s hunger-fighting community and make a difference through one meal, one visit, and one neighbor at a time.
Naborforce offers flexible, neighborly support for older adults — whether it's help around the house, running errands, or simply providing companionship. Friendly, vetted Nabors are available to lend a hand, offering a reliable backup solution for busy families and bringing peace of mind to loved ones. Whether you need occasional help or consistent support, this Richmond-based business makes it easy to connect with someone right in our community. Nabors are often empty nesters, retirees, or others who enjoy spending time with seniors and want to give back while earning flexible income. If you need a Nabor or are interested in creating moments of joy by becoming a Nabor, reach out to learn more.
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