Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

Spectrum

Cultivar y Celebrar: La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinos

September 16, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinos (LSA, en Inglés) hace una mezcla de celebraciones culturales y oportunidades sociales por el campus.  Sea estudiantes buscando reconectarse con sus raíces, descubriendo nuevas perspectivas o simplemente buscando donde pertenecen, la organización ofrece una familia en el medio de la ciudad. . Alessandra Caceres Mendoza ha sido miembro de LSA desde su primer año en VCU. Ahora está cumpliendo su último año, trabajando como co-presidenta de relaciones públicas donde supervisa las redes sociales, afiches, y eventos de la organización.  “Es mi casa fuera de casa,” dijo Caceres Mendoza.  Caceres Mendoza dijo que el propósito de LSA es crear una comunidad segura para todos. Aunque la organización fue creada para los estudiantes Latinos, aceptan estudiantes de cualquier etnicidad y raza.  LSA se mantiene ocupado durante el año, dijo Caceres Mendoza. Los miembros están muy involucrados con la organización, compitiendo en deportes juntos, organizando proyectos de servicio comunitario por Richmond, participando en carreras para caridades, viajando juntos, y yendo a eventos formales.  Fuera de sus eventos LSA tiene una programa de “Familias” para ayudar a formar conexiones. Separan a los miembros en grupos pequeños basados en sus intereses y pasatiempos. Los grupos son

Richmonders honor legacies through community

September 16, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor The recent deaths of influential figures, including Tim Curry and Dolly Parton, have been followed by something more lasting than a moment of mourning: people continuing to perform their work, celebrate their influence and find their own place and one another within the culture they helped create. A Parade For Dolly Parton On the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13, Richmonders gathered at Babe’s of Carytown for the city’s first annual Dolly Parton parade. Babe’s also hosted a Dolly Parton brunch and karaoke from 1-7 p.m. Children, grandparents and everyone in-between joined the parade, wearing blonde wigs, cowboy boots and Dolly-inspired outfits. Music played as participants walked the sidewalks while people watched and drivers honked in support. Carrie Craven, a community member, attended to celebrate Parton’s life and her advocacy for kindness, generosity and community.  Craven sported a large foam breastplate beneath a tight, shiny blue dress, paired with a hot pink ruffled slip and a white feathered wig.  Parton’s music provided personal connections for Craven. She said “9 to 5” represented female empowerment, while “Coat of Many Colors” reflected family, hardship and finding value in what others may overlook.  Craven said Parton embraced feminism while playfully

To cultivate and celebrate: Latine Student Association

September 16, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  Virginia Commonwealth University’s Latine Student Association blends cultural celebration, social support and campus advocacy into a welcoming space. Whether students are looking to reconnect with their roots, discover new perspectives or simply find a place to belong, the organization offers a built-in family in the middle of Richmond. Alessandra Caceres Mendoza has been a member of LSA since her freshman year. Now a senior, she serves on LSA’s executive board as co-chair of public relations, overseeing the organization’s social media, event flyers and recording its events throughout the year. For Caceres Mendoza, joining LSA gave her a solid group of people to lean on and connect with. “It’s my home away from home,” Caceres Mendoza said. LSA’s purpose is to build a community and safe environment for all, according to Caceres Mendoza. Although the organization is Latine inclusive, they are not Latine exclusive, students of all backgrounds are welcome. LSA keeps a packed schedule throughout the year, Caceres Mendoza said. Members stay involved beyond regular meetings by competing in intercollegiate sports games, organizing local Richmond community service projects, participating in charity, going on group trips and attending formal galas. Caceres Mendoza explained LSA’s familias program. The

Punk goes pirate for a night of mutual aid

September 16, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Assistant Spectrum Editor On Sept. 11, Odin’s Underground became a place for pirates, punk music and mutual aid. For $10, attendees could walk into the benefit hosted by Punks4Liberation dressed as a pirate, in their strangest outfit or whatever they chose to wear. The event combined a night of live music with an effort to raise money and awareness for people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. For three years, Sudan has faced a devastating humanitarian crisis since fighting broke out amongst the country, leaving millions displaced and facing uncertainty, according to the UNICEF website. The benefit was organized as a way for the local punk community to come together around an issue happening thousands of miles away and to turn a larger conflict into something tangible for the local community. While the cause was serious, the event itself was made to be anything but traditional. The pirate theme further gave attendees a chance to participate in the event, adding their own flair to the night. “This is my first time coming to an event like this, and the idea of a pirate theme is really cool,” said William Levy, an out-of-state college student.  Levy was visiting

Cultivar y Celebrar: La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinos

Spectrum Editor September 16, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinos (LSA, en Inglés) hace una mezcla de celebraciones culturales y oportunidades sociales por el campus.  Sea estudiantes buscando reconectarse con sus raíces, descubriendo nuevas perspectivas o simplemente buscando donde pertenecen, la organización ofrece una familia en el medio de la ciudad. . Alessandra Caceres Mendoza ha sido miembro de LSA desde su primer año en VCU. Ahora está cumpliendo su último año, trabajando como co-presidenta de relaciones públicas donde supervisa las redes sociales, afiches, y eventos de la organización.  “Es mi casa fuera de casa,” dijo Caceres Mendoza.  Caceres Mendoza dijo que el propósito de LSA es crear una comunidad segura para todos. Aunque la organización fue creada para los estudiantes Latinos, aceptan estudiantes de cualquier etnicidad y raza.  LSA se mantiene ocupado durante el año, dijo Caceres Mendoza. Los miembros están muy involucrados con la organización, compitiendo en deportes juntos, organizando proyectos de servicio comunitario por Richmond, participando en carreras para caridades, viajando juntos, y yendo a eventos formales.  Fuera de sus eventos LSA tiene una programa de “Familias” para ayudar a formar conexiones. Separan a los miembros en grupos pequeños basados en sus intereses y pasatiempos. Los grupos son dirigidos por estudiantes mayores, o “padres”, y los estudiantes nuevos se convierten en “hijos”, lo que ayuda a crear una sistema de apoyo.  LSA está reuniendo a la comunidad de VCU para celebrar y representar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Para celebrar, el club está teniendo eventos, incluyendo una noche de Lotería con premios, una noche para hacer pupusas, una celebración del Día de los Muertos, y un potluck que tendrá platos de varios países Latinoamericanos. La organización trabaja con otros grupos como la Sociedad para el avance de Hispanos e Indígenas en las Sciences, Avanzando Latinos con Motivación y Acción, Latinos y Hispanos para la Salud, y muchos más, de acuerdo a Cáceres Mendoza.  La estudiante Janelle Lapid se unió a LSA en la primavera, sin saber qué esperar. Encontró a la organización a través de eventos con FACT, un grupo de estudiantes filipino-estadounidenses.  Aunque Lapid no es hispana, tuvo una experiencia muy positiva con LSA, diciendo que su parte favorita fue la oportunidad de unirse a una familia. Lapid dijo que inicialmente se sintió nerviosa pero la organización la ayudó a sentirse cómoda. Sus compañeros la aceptaron con brazos abiertos, creando un ambiente inclusivo.  “Tu raza, tu

Cultivar y Celebrar: La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinos

September 16, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  La Asociación de Estudiantes Latinos (LSA, en Inglés) hace una mezcla de celebraciones culturales y oportunidades sociales por el campus.  Sea estudiantes buscando reconectarse con sus raíces, descubriendo nuevas perspectivas o simplemente buscando donde pertenecen, la organización ofrece una familia en el medio de la ciudad. . Alessandra Caceres Mendoza ha sido miembro de LSA desde su primer año en VCU. Ahora está cumpliendo su último año, trabajando como co-presidenta de relaciones públicas donde supervisa las redes sociales, afiches, y eventos de la organización.  “Es mi casa fuera de casa,” dijo Caceres Mendoza.  Caceres Mendoza dijo que el propósito de LSA es crear una comunidad segura para todos. Aunque la organización fue creada para los estudiantes Latinos, aceptan estudiantes de cualquier etnicidad y raza.  LSA se mantiene ocupado durante el año, dijo Caceres Mendoza. Los miembros están muy involucrados con la organización, compitiendo en deportes juntos, organizando proyectos de servicio comunitario por Richmond, participando en carreras para caridades, viajando juntos, y yendo a eventos formales.  Fuera de sus eventos LSA tiene una programa de “Familias” para ayudar a formar conexiones. Separan a los miembros en grupos pequeños basados en sus intereses y pasatiempos. Los grupos son dirigidos por estudiantes mayores, o “padres”, y los estudiantes nuevos se convierten en “hijos”, lo que ayuda a crear una sistema de apoyo.  LSA está reuniendo a la comunidad de VCU para celebrar y representar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Para celebrar, el club está teniendo eventos, incluyendo una noche de Lotería con premios, una noche para hacer pupusas, una celebración del Día de los Muertos, y un potluck que tendrá platos de varios países Latinoamericanos. La organización trabaja con otros grupos como la Sociedad para el avance de Hispanos e Indígenas en las Sciences, Avanzando Latinos con Motivación y Acción, Latinos y Hispanos para la Salud, y muchos más, de acuerdo a Cáceres Mendoza.  La estudiante Janelle Lapid se unió a LSA en la primavera, sin saber qué esperar. Encontró a la organización a través de eventos con FACT, un grupo de estudiantes filipino-estadounidenses.  Aunque Lapid no es hispana, tuvo una experiencia muy positiva con LSA, diciendo que su parte favorita fue la oportunidad de unirse a una familia. Lapid dijo que inicialmente se sintió nerviosa pero la organización la ayudó a sentirse cómoda. Sus compañeros la aceptaron con brazos abiertos, creando un ambiente inclusivo.  “Tu raza, tu

Richmonders honor legacies through community

September 16, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor The recent deaths of influential figures, including Tim Curry and Dolly Parton, have been followed by something more lasting than a moment of mourning: people continuing to perform their work, celebrate their influence and find their own place and one another within the culture they helped create. A Parade For Dolly Parton On the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13, Richmonders gathered at Babe’s of Carytown for the city’s first annual Dolly Parton parade. Babe’s also hosted a Dolly Parton brunch and karaoke from 1-7 p.m. Children, grandparents and everyone in-between joined the parade, wearing blonde wigs, cowboy boots and Dolly-inspired outfits. Music played as participants walked the sidewalks while people watched and drivers honked in support. Carrie Craven, a community member, attended to celebrate Parton’s life and her advocacy for kindness, generosity and community.  Craven sported a large foam breastplate beneath a tight, shiny blue dress, paired with a hot pink ruffled slip and a white feathered wig.  Parton’s music provided personal connections for Craven. She said “9 to 5” represented female empowerment, while “Coat of Many Colors” reflected family, hardship and finding value in what others may overlook.  Craven said Parton embraced feminism while playfully

To cultivate and celebrate: Latine Student Association

September 16, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  Virginia Commonwealth University’s Latine Student Association blends cultural celebration, social support and campus advocacy into a welcoming space. Whether students are looking to reconnect with their roots, discover new perspectives or simply find a place to belong, the organization offers a built-in family in the middle of Richmond. Alessandra Caceres Mendoza has been a member of LSA since her freshman year. Now a senior, she serves on LSA’s executive board as co-chair of public relations, overseeing the organization’s social media, event flyers and recording its events throughout the year. For Caceres Mendoza, joining LSA gave her a solid group of people to lean on and connect with. “It’s my home away from home,” Caceres Mendoza said. LSA’s purpose is to build a community and safe environment for all, according to Caceres Mendoza. Although the organization is Latine inclusive, they are not Latine exclusive, students of all backgrounds are welcome. LSA keeps a packed schedule throughout the year, Caceres Mendoza said. Members stay involved beyond regular meetings by competing in intercollegiate sports games, organizing local Richmond community service projects, participating in charity, going on group trips and attending formal galas. Caceres Mendoza explained LSA’s familias program. The

Punk goes pirate for a night of mutual aid

September 16, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Assistant Spectrum Editor On Sept. 11, Odin’s Underground became a place for pirates, punk music and mutual aid. For $10, attendees could walk into the benefit hosted by Punks4Liberation dressed as a pirate, in their strangest outfit or whatever they chose to wear. The event combined a night of live music with an effort to raise money and awareness for people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. For three years, Sudan has faced a devastating humanitarian crisis since fighting broke out amongst the country, leaving millions displaced and facing uncertainty, according to the UNICEF website. The benefit was organized as a way for the local punk community to come together around an issue happening thousands of miles away and to turn a larger conflict into something tangible for the local community. While the cause was serious, the event itself was made to be anything but traditional. The pirate theme further gave attendees a chance to participate in the event, adding their own flair to the night. “This is my first time coming to an event like this, and the idea of a pirate theme is really cool,” said William Levy, an out-of-state college student.  Levy was visiting

Alpha Phi Omega: Strengthening one another through community

September 9, 2026

Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer Alpha Delta Iota, Virginia Commonwealth University’s chapter of the national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, is a Greek Organization committed to improving the world and building a community of like-minded peers since 1994. APO is a service fraternity, meaning they are gender inclusive and centered around community service.  There is a one month long rush period to join APO that teaches the club’s history, including how it was founded and its transition to becoming a gender inclusive organization. The rush helps acquaint pledges with organization expectations. Abby Hollis, a fourth-year who has been a member of APO since her freshman year, has served multiple semesters on the E-board. “I was completely new to Richmond and it helped me figure out what Richmond was,” Hollis said. “The people in Alpha Phi Omega know Richmond very well and are always really nice and were willing to answer questions that I had about Richmond.” Pledges are assigned bigs that guide them through the adjustment to collegiate life, forming friendships as they help them integrate into the community. Grace Smith, APO’s vice president, loves that APO is a collection of diverse students from different majors coming together. APO members are

Henrico comes alive with jazz at Deep Run Park

September 9, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Richmond-based jazz musician Chan Hall brought his music to Deep Run Park on Sept. 6 for Jazz in the Park, a free community event hosted by Henrico County. The event, held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., gave attendees an opportunity to experience live jazz in an outdoor setting while learning more about Hall’s work as a musician. The performance provided Hall with an opportunity to share his approach to jazz while connecting with a local audience. Hall said his pursuit to become a jazz musician was inspired by listening to Chick Corea during his time in high school band. “I took a trip to Washington D.C at the Kennedy Center,” Hall said. “I saw a jazz trio in the lobby and ever since I saw that jazz trio that made me want to play jazz and everything.” The jazz scene in Richmond is booming, according to Hall. “The musicianship is incredible,” Hall said. “It’s a lot of music, a lot of jazz. You can walk down the street and hear jazz in Carytown, outside, or in Relever. It mixes with the culture here.” Hall described his experience in Richmond as great and he has a

Park Raiser brings back joy of creativity, building community engagement through art

September 9, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer Set in The Galley, courtesy of Black Iris, an art gallery and social space club, had live murals and art pieces for auction. Park Raiser, an event held on Sept. 4, at 321 Broad St., offered a glimpse into a world full of color, friendships and community built through art. Despite the unpredictable weather, with intense heat and downpouring rain, the event was abuzz with art enthusiasts across all ages, watching and supporting artists as they painted murals live.  The free fundraiser to support the art park was unique because the organizers blended live music and art from noon to midnight.  The live painters included Jesse Smith, Jason Ford, Anna Perdue, Tedi Kuma and Barry O’ Keefe.  The Little Giant Society, a nonprofit whose mission is bringing Richmond’s first public art park to life underneath the Manchester Bridge, was created alongside vice president Kathleen Cortez and marketing director Ben White, according to Ian C. Hess, director and president of the Little Giant Society. Hess gained inspiration while visiting FlevoPark in Amsterdam, where he discovered pylons stacked one after another with graffiti work.  The nonprofit was unintentional, and instead put together in the spur of the moment

Planting a new future; Scott’s Addition raises funds for park

September 9, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Families gathered around tables, dogs moved through the crowd and live music played at Brambly Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 6 for the Plant a Park Fest, an event to raise money and awareness for the first permanent public park in Scott’s Addition. Plant a Park Fest was a collaboration between the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Brambly Park and the Greater Scott’s Addition Association. Performances included Afro-Zen Allstars, Jared Stout Band, Painted World, Prabir, Tiara & Andrew, Sun V Set and Brian Caperton. Proceeds from ticket sales and a portion of food and beverage sales went toward the permanent public green space effort. Matt Szucs, Capital Region Land Conservancy donor relations manager, said the festival grew out of a broader fundraising effort for the proposed park. Kevin and Christy Berry purchased the Norfolk Street property in 2012 for a little more than $200,000. After retiring and moving to Colorado, the couple sought to preserve the green space that they had created on the property. The property was appraised at about $2 million. The Berry’s agreed to donate $1.4 million in land value, while the CRLC and its partners worked to raise $600,000

Tag, you’re it! Ultimate game of tag held in Monroe Park

September 9, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor For one hour on Sept. 3, Monroe Park looked less like a downtown Richmond park and a little more like a playground. More than 100 people gathered from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Infection Tag, a free event organized by Ruckus, a community-based organization focused on providing resources and spaces bringing love. The group was led by Odist Powell alongside his longtime friend, Joe Armstrong.  The event featured four rounds of tag, each lasting around 12 minutes. The organizers sectioned off portions of the park near S. Belvidere St. and W. Main St. so participants could run without disrupting others using the space.  At the beginning of the event, Powell asked participants to stretch physically and mentally by talking to someone new. At the beginning of each round, organizers selected one person to be “it.” After giving the other players 10 seconds to scatter, the runner in a pink pinnie jersey chased them down. Each person tagged grabbed a pink pinnie jersey or sweatband before rejoining the game as another tagger. Powell drew inspiration from an event he attended in New York City in February called Wrestling Speed Dating, hosted by the organization Grown Kid,