Description

This series of brief virtual events for the VCU Libraries community highlights timely subjects, celebrates achievements, practices creativity and more. Community Zooms offer opportunities for learning and conversation. They are organized and hosted by the VCU Libraries Development Office.

Sessions are held Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and last approximately a half hour to 45 minutes each. Attendees may join via Zoom.

To receive a link to join the sessions, please complete this online form. For questions or accommodations, please contact the VCU Libraries Development Office at libdevelop@vcu.edu.

URL

Please complete this online form to receive the URL.

Upcoming Sessions 

June 13, 2024
The Block is Hot, Southside ReLeaf with Amy Wentz

Southside ReLeaf is a community organization committed to fostering a healthy, equitable, and sustainable environment for all residents in South Richmond. Its mission is to address environmental disparities by creating green spaces, reducing pollution and enhancing infrastructure to effectively adapt to a changing climate. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and wellness for Southside communities.

Amy Wentz, a United States Army veteran, is an active advocate for her community. She works to improve the public education system, promote safe and healthy neighborhoods, and strives for equitable outcomes for all residents in the City of Richmond. Wentz is a co-founder of the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience and serves on the action team for BLK RVA, with the shared objectives of uplifting black faces and spaces throughout the city.

Wentz is involved in numerous boards and commissions in Richmond and has garnered recognition for her sustained community service. She was named to Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2013 and received a Community Service Award from Richmond City Council for her extensive volunteerism in the 8th District. Wentz serves as the Director of Outreach and Engagement at The Commonwealth Institute.

Guidelines

Prior to joining a session, attendees are encouraged to check that Zoom is working properly on their computers or devices by testing it at https://zoom.us/test.

At the start of every session, attendee’s microphones will be muted. This allows everyone to hear the organizers and presenters clearly. Attendees will be invited to unmute their microphones and speak at different times during the session.

If you have questions or comments while others are speaking, you can type them in the chat.

As at physical events, attendees are asked to help make sessions inclusive of all participants by using respectful language and allowing others to speak, even if they disagree with viewpoints being expressed.

VCU Libraries reserves the right to remove attendees from sessions for disruptive behavior.

Be advised that VCU Libraries will record all sessions for its private archives but may make use of the recordings for future projects, including publicity.

Prior Sessions 

Oct. 12, 2023
Rachel Beanland discusses The House Is On Fire 

Rachel Beanland will join us to talk about her new novel, The House Is On Fire, based on the true story of the 1811 Richmond Theater fire, which killed 72 people including Virginia's governor. Learn more about the historic event, Rachel's research, and how she brought this important moment in American history to life.

Beanland is the author of two novels, The House Is On Fire (Simon & Schuster, 2023) and Florence Adler Swims Forever (Simon & Schuster, 2020).

The House Is On Fire, which came out in April, was selected as an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association, a ‘GMA Buzz Pick’ by Good Morning America, a “most anticipated” book by the Washington Post, and one of the best books of 2023 (thus far) by The New Yorker.

Feb. 22, 2023
Bellemeade Park and the Virginia Master Naturalists

Bellemeade Park in Richmond transitioned from a construction waste dump to a beautiful garden and lifelong learning center. Clay Clade, of the Virginia Master Naturalists program, will delve into the  recruitment of dedicated volunteers, the projects vision and the current significance of Bellemeade within the community.

March 14, 2024
From Fan Free Clinic to Health Brigade: Transforming care for the underserved

You’re invited to a Community Zoom with Karen A. Legato, MPS, MSW, Executive Director of Health Brigade, formerly known as Fan Free Clinic.

April 18, 2024
Mobility is Freedom with RVA RapidTransit

Faith Walker, a native of Richmond's East End who still resides in the area, is the Executive Director of RVA Rapid Transit—the sole non-profit organization in Virginia dedicated to public transportation advocacy. Known for her adept use of creative solutions to tackle systemic issues, Faith has a proven track record in community engagement and a steadfast commitment to fostering enduring partnerships.

Collaborating with grassroots community leaders, business professionals, and residents spanning diverse interests, Faith has played a pivotal role in developing events and projects aimed at promoting positive community outcomes.

May 30, 2024
Developing the World Class Vision for the Fall Line

The Fall Line, a 43-mile regional multi-use trail in Central Virginia, has received historic and unprecedented regional support, raising $252 million to date and quickly approaching a significant phase of construction. Learn about how this trail will be more than a ribbon of pavement and how it can be a world-class place for people of all kinds.

Brantley Tyndall leads the advocacy and coordination for the Fall Line trail and expanding the region’s dedicated bike and pedestrian infrastructure. This means working with state and regional elected leaders and administrations to ensure we are planning, funding, and building visionary projects that will make active transportation safer, more convenient, and more comfortable for people in all corners of our region.

For special accommodations, or to register offline, please contact Ryan Pander, event manager, rbpander@vcu.edu or 804-828-0593.