Meet this week's guest editor, Ricky Parker! An accomplished educator, creative professional, and social impact advocate, Ricky is the Vice President at JPMorgan Chase. He leads community engagement efforts to foster relationships with local leaders and drive positive change. A co-founder of Shockoe Wine, Ricky understands the challenges small business owners face and champions continuous education and innovation. With extensive experience across educational and professional settings, he brings a unique perspective on the value of embracing diverse ideas.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ricky is the Founding Director of the Hip Hop Studies Program at Virginia Union University. An avid collector of fine art and rare Hip Hop memorabilia, he also enjoys hiking in his free time.
Take it away, Ricky ...
Celebratory Bubbles for New Year's Tasting
Raise a glass to the New Year at Echelon Wine Bar’s exclusive sparkling wine and champagne tasting! Enjoy six effervescent selections perfect for your year-end celebration. Take advantage of special pricing to stock up for your party, and toast to 2025 in style.
Celebrate the holidays in style with the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at RVA’s premier holiday party. Kappa Khristmas Kocktails ‘24 will feature great music, festive vibes, and holiday cheer at the iconic Main Street Station. Don’t miss this unforgettable night!
Vitals:
Kappa Khristmas Kocktails / Saturday, December 21, 7:00 - 11:00 pm / $55 per person / Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street
Holiday Toy Drive
Spread joy this holiday season with the Dreamers Academy Foundation! Drop off a toy at Red Hibachi or Pig & Brew to help brighten a child’s Christmas. Together, let’s make the season magical for local families in need.
Vitals:
Holiday Toy Drive / Monday, December 23, 12:00 - 5:00 pm / Toy Donations / Drop off at Red Hibachi (1011 Hull Street) or Pig & Brew (1313 Hull Street)
Last Minute Holiday Shopping?
Shop Local.
MADE HERE.
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something truly special. The True Places RVA fine art print series depicts Richmond’s hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. Shop limited-edition works by Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. Each locally made 14”x18” print is the perfect ready-to-frame size and available for immediate purchase, making it an ideal gift for local art lovers and those who seek to explore Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. On sale now at www.trueplacesrva.com.
Ricky serves as the Advisor for 1223 Potomac Gallery, a cutting-edge contemporary art space located in the heart of Georgetown, DC. Under his guidance, the gallery has become a key player in the local art scene, fostering emerging talent and promoting artistic innovation. Currently, the gallery’s artist-in-residence is Corey Ramon Gibson, a celebrated visual artist who was recently honored during Miami Art Week for his outstanding contributions to the DC art movement. Gibson’s work, which explores the intersection of cultural identity and contemporary expression, continues to captivate audiences and elevate the gallery’s reputation as a hub for transformative art.
Through Ricky's leadership, 1223 Potomac Gallery remains at the forefront of showcasing exceptional talent and supporting the creative community.
Meet this week's guest editor, Dr. Anjali Ferguson! Anjali is a clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and children’s book author dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable communities. As the founder of Parenting Culture and the executive director of the Virginia Association for Infant Mental Health (VAIMH), she is committed to expanding access to mental health care for minoritized communities through culturally responsive care. Recognized by Style Weekly as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree and awarded by the American Psychological Association for distinguished community service, Dr. Ferguson frequently shares her expertise in national publications as a media psychologist. She is also a devoted mom to two young children, a passionate foodie, an arts and culture enthusiast, and an avid traveler who embraces the joy of discovering new places and experiences.
Take it away, Anjali ...
First Fridays at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture!
Every first Friday of the month, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the museum opens its doors for free after-hours admission. It’s a wonderful way to explore Virginia’s rich history with family and friends in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy live music, tasty bites from food trucks, and family-friendly activities perfect for all ages. Adults can take advantage of $2 off wine and beer in the Museum Café, while kids and adults alike can try specialty mocktails. Each month brings different themed activities, so there’s always something new to discover!
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, established in 1831, is the oldest museum in Virginia and among the oldest in the U.S. With over nine million items, the VMHC offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Commonwealth. It’s a place where stories of the past come alive, and the whole family can learn and explore together.
The "Two Up, Wine Down" event on November 2, 2024, at the Jefferson School City Center in Charlottesville, VA, is a short drive from Richmond, making it a great outing for wine enthusiasts. Featuring curated tastings, music, and a vibrant community atmosphere, this family-friendly festival is ideal for exploring the diversity of Virginia wines. VIP tickets offer exclusive early access and additional tastings, with more events on Friday, November 1, to make a full weekend of it.
Día de los Muertos celebration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a fantastic cultural experience and family-friendly event, taking place in the beautiful garden setting. This festival is a meaningful way to celebrate Mexican heritage and tradition by honoring loved ones who have passed.
Families can bring their own personal offerings to add to the community altar, a central part of Día de los Muertos that symbolizes remembrance. Kids and adults alike will enjoy hands-on activities, including traditional “papel picado” (colorful paper cuttings) demonstrations by artist David Amoroso and sugar skull face-painting by artist Vanessa Hoggins. The event also offers an array of crafts and activities to explore this beautiful celebration of life.
And for those who get hungry while enjoying the festivities, there’s a taco bar offering delicious food options. This vibrant event is a chance for everyone, especially children, to learn more about Día de los Muertos and its deep cultural significance in a joyful, welcoming environment.
Dr. Anjali Ferguson is making significant strides in promoting equity and addressing racial bias through her acclaimed children’s book, An Ordinary Day. Recognized nationally as a must-read, the book highlights microaggressions while providing families with a guide on how to have meaningful discussions about these topics with their children. Parenting Culture plans to host "Parents' Night Out" events where families can gather, enjoy time together, and obtain free resources. Additionally, Dr. Ferguson is in the process of writing a second children's book inspired by the birth of her daughter, so stay tuned for more information on its content!
Meet this week's guest editor, Elaine Digges! Elaine is a small business hype woman and the creator behind @miss_elaine_neous, who has called Richmond home for nearly a decade. Believing that "making friends shouldn't be that hard," she founded a new weekly social group called Let's Hang (@letshangrva).
After experiencing firsthand the benefits of community connection, Elaine decided to pivot and help others find that same sense of belonging in Richmond. Following two years of exploring the city, she realized it was time to create a social group for like-minded Richmond enthusiasts and those looking to make new friends. Elaine believes there's a real synergy in wanting to explore Richmond and build friendships simultaneously. That’s why she’s excited to introduce Let's Hang, a new weekly social group designed to bring people together and foster connections.
Take it away, Elaine ...
Community Walk at Maymont
Join us for a community walk at Maymont! Please arrive 10 minutes early—look for the green signs held by the Let's Hang team at the 1700 Hampton Street entrance. Give yourself extra time to find parking. We'll walk together along the paved path around the park, and hydration will be provided.
Vitals:
Community Walk at Maymont / Wednesday, August 14th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm / Free / 1700 Hampton Street.
Wine Tasting at Barrel Thief
Who doesn’t love a local, educational wine tasting? Join us at Barrel Thief for a private wine tasting featuring four 2oz pours and light snacks—all for just $10! Don’t miss the chance to make new friends and savor some great wine. RSVP information will be released Aug 10th.
Vitals:
Wine Tasting at Barrel Thief / Wednesday, August 21st, 6:00 - 7:00 pm / $10 / 5805 Patterson Avenue.
Richmond Social Hour at The Workshop by T&D
To celebrate our first full month of connecting Richmonders and supporting local businesses, we're hosting a BIG (21+) social hour at The Workshop by T&D in Scott's Addition! Enjoy local drinks and desserts from The Veil, Buskey, and Jiji's Frozen Custard. Everyone is welcome to join and meet new people in the city. Please note that parking is limited, so we recommend ridesharing, walking, or carpooling.
Vitals:
Richmond Social Hour at The Workshop by T&D/ Thursday, August 29th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm / Not ticketed / 1400 Mactavish Avenue.
More from Elaine.
Richmond’s interest groups, niche communities, and events can sometimes be hard to find. Explore the city and make new friends with Let's Hang! This group is open to everyone and will evolve as it grows.
The best way to get involved is through Discord or by following @letshangrva on Instagram. Enjoy a variety of events, from happy hours to specialty gatherings, all while keeping costs low. Need a +1 for an event? Looking for a buddy for the farmers market? Discord offers a public chat with sub-channels where you can create your own meetups and build community at your own pace. Whether you prefer organized weekly events or connecting through activities that interest you, Let’s Hang is your opportunity to meet fellow Richmonders.
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