From Virginia Mercury: The National Assessment of Educational Progress, the nation’s leading assessment tool, will expand in 2028, giving states, including Virginia, the opportunity to use the tests to address student achievement and inform learning practices.

Virginia State University is proud to announce that its Clinical Health Psychology Ph.D. program has earned a 10-year accreditation in clinical psychology from the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA), the highest level of recognition awarded by the Commission. VSU joins a small number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide with APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cultural preservation, Solange Knowles has emerged as a talented archivist and curator. Her multidisciplinary platform, Saint Heron, recently reached a new milestone with the expansion of its Community Library, a visionary project that bridges the gap between rare historical records and tangible public access. Central to this latest chapter is Solange’s deep immersion into the life of Amaza Lee Meredith, a pioneering Black queer architect

The 2026 Virginia Juneteenth Parade will take us to Cape Charles, Virginia where the narrative of the Washington-Rosenwald schools will be amplified, as well: Education is Liberation! We are excited to collaborate with The Impact Center to bring this year's Juneteenth commemoration and jubilee to the community. Participation, as always, will be free of charge.

Go vote! Early voting is taking place in the Commonwealth of Virginia, for a very important Statewide Special Election. This Special Election is centered on a proposed constitutional amendment that could change the state's congressional map for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Here is the ballot question: " Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elec

The Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine has a new feature where we will spotlight Virginia's Black elected officials! This is a great opportunity for citizens to learn about their representatives, their roles, how to be engaged and be an active participant in the democratic process! The spotlight is also an opportunity for our electeds to share their initiatives and goals.

The Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine is currently accepting nominations to serve on our Advisory Board! Please visit the application form to learn more and submit your application should there be an alignment. Please note our priority deadline of February 28th.

Dr. Woodson founded "Negro History Week" in 1926 which later grew into the month-long commemoration, "Black History Month," to celebrate Black American culture, heritage, history and life!

She famously carried around a handwritten note, now legendary, detailing her future success. It wasn't a wish; it was a command. "I will be a bestselling writer," it declared. "I will sell a million copies of my books. I will be rich. I will be a millionaire." This wasn't mere fantasy; it was a deeply ingrained belief, a constant visualization of her desired outcome that fueled her tireless work ethic. Butler wrote daily, honing her craft, facing rejection after rejection wit

I understand the importance of making sure Virginia’s students are set up for success and the invaluable foundation that the Commonwealth’s schools provide for our next generation of leaders,” said Spanberger. “Dr. Smith’s decades of experience leading districts in Virginia gives the Commonwealth’s students a champion who I know will work tirelessly on their behalf — and I’m excited to work alongside him to strengthen our schools.”

For many, New Year’s Eve is a night of fireworks and champagne. But in the Black Church and African American communities, December 31st carries a weightier name: Watch Night. It is a tradition born from the intersection of faith and the feverish hope for freedom. The Origins: From Methodism to "Freedom’s Eve" While the practice of "watching" the old year out began with 18th-century Moravians and Methodists as a time of spiritual self-examination, it took on a revolutionary me

“When every Virginian has the opportunity to reach their full potential, it benefits all of us. Virginia deserves leaders who will make sure our work to grow our Commonwealth’s economy keeps the needs of all Virginians in mind,” said Spanberger. “Today, I’m excited to announce that Dr. Moon is joining our administration. Her experience across government, education, and the nonprofit sectors gives her firsthand insight into the ways in which we can build a stronger, safer, and

Capturing oral histories is a radical act of preservation. In a world that has often tried to rewrite or erase Black narratives, our stories are our resistance! By intentionally recording these conversations during the holidays, we ensure that the wisdom of the past becomes the blueprint for the future and that those familial narratives are passed down for generations to come.

“The Secretary of Administration is entrusted with overseeing critical functions in our Commonwealth — from making sure Virginians can exercise their right to vote to supporting the Virginians who have chosen to serve their neighbors across state government. Virginians deserve a knowledgeable leader who understands these operations,” said Spanberger. “Throughout her career, Ms. Deshazor has been focused on making Virginia’s government work better for the people at both the st

"Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger today announced the appointment of Delegate Candi Mundon King to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of the Commonwealth."

Do you know your status? "Marking World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”, WHO is urging a dual track approach – solidarity and investment in innovations to protect and empower communities most at risk."

Richmond, Virginia artist Ms. Amuri Morris is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest earning her a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and her illustration will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42.

After weeks of whiplash and food insecurity for about 850,000 Virginians during the nation’s longest federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients appear on track to keep receiving a fraction of their benefits — at least for now.

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) proudly announced the historic acquisition of the former Black Entertainment Television (BET) Campus, a 7.88-acre landmark once home to Robert L. Johnson’s groundbreaking media empire. With an investment of more than $38 million, USBC will transform this iconic site into the USBC Innovation Campus — The Epicenter of Business and Commerce.

Ms. Mackenzie Scott's steadfast commitment to HBCUs serve as a critical model for philanthropy, acknowledging the impact of HBCUs by providing them with the resources necessary to continue their deeply rooted mission of educational attainment for Black scholars, economic empowerment, thriving communities and much more for generations to come!