Born on May 6, 1931, Willie Mays became one of the greatest athletes in American history and a towering symbol…
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The Cultural Current
The Pulse of RVA.
Then and Now The Current — May 3, 1933: James Brown Is Born
Born May 3, 1933, James Brown revolutionized music, pioneered funk, and helped define Black identity during the Civil Rights era.
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Then and Now The Current — April 29, 1899: Duke Ellington Is Born
Born on this day in 1899, Duke Ellington transformed jazz into an enduring American art form rooted in Black cultural…
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Then and Now The Current — April 27, 1927: Birth of Coretta Scott King
Born April 27, 1927, Coretta Scott King became a global voice for justice and a key architect of civil rights…
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Then and Now The Current — April 21, 2003: Death of Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s death on April 21, 2003 marked the passing of an artist who turned music into a force of…
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Then and Now The Current — April 21, 2016: Death of Prince
Prince’s death on April 21, 2016 marked the loss of an artist who redefined musical innovation and artistic control in…
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Then & Now: The Current — April 19, 1967: Kwame Ture Speaks Against the Vietnam War
On April 19, 1967, Kwame Ture, then known as Stokely Carmichael, delivered forceful antiwar speeches linking Vietnam to racial injustice,…
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Then & Now: The Current — April 18, 1862: Elizabeth Keckly’s Virginia Story Reaches Print
When Elizabeth Keckly appeared in print on April 18, 1862, readers saw a story of talent and reinvention. Beneath it…
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A Century of Impact: Honoring Dr. William “Fergie” Reid’s Enduring Influence
Dr. William “Fergie” Reid’s 101st birthday marks more than a personal milestone — it offers a moment to reflect on…
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