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ENCUESTA DE VCU: Muchos residentes de Virginia votaron con preocupaciones sobre la democracia en mente

March 1, 2026

Sal Orlando, Editor Adjunto de Noticias La Escuela de Gobierno y Asuntos Públicos L. Douglas Wilder publicó una ‘Encuesta de la Mancomunidad’ (Commonwealth Poll en inglés) el 10 de febrero. Los resultados demuestran que los residentes de Virginia tienen preocupaciones sobre la democracia y las costumbres cívicas. Los residentes de Virginia se vieron motivados a votar en la elección pasada para mantener la democracia y la civilidad, según la encuesta. Un 32% de los encuestados respondieron que el asunto primario frente a los legisladores durante la sesión de la Asamblea General debe ser las amenazas a la democracia. “Ahora mismo, la mayor salvaguardia a nuestra democracia está en cómo está reaccionando a ella la gente en encuestas de opinión pública, no en cómo está reaccionando el congreso, no en cómo están reaccionando nuestros aliados — pero el presidente parece estar indiferente a esas cosas, no parecen importarle,” dijo Christopher Saladino, un profesor auxiliar de ciencias políticas. Saladino dijo que el presidente Donald Trump cambia sus políticas y órdenes cuando cambia la opinión pública. Los demócratas en Virginia recientemente publicaron su mapa propuesto de distritos congresionales que probablemente les daría a los representantes democráticos una mayoría de 10-1 en el estado,

Five years after Adam Oakes’ hazing death, VCU community weighs-in on prevention

February 25, 2026

Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor Molly Manning, Managing Editor “The medical examiner said if anybody would have called and got Adam help, he would be alive today.” These are the words of Eric Oakes, the father of Adam Oakes, a VCU student who died before the end of his first year from hazing in the Delta Chi fraternity house in 2021. Feb. 27 marks the five-year anniversary of his death as the university and its students continue hazing prevention efforts. Adam was pledging the Delta Chi fraternity when he died by alcohol poisoning at an event Feb. 27, 2021. Both the national Delta Chi organization and VCU suspended the fraternity from campus the day after his death, per a previous report by The CT. After a seven-month-long police investigation, 11 people, including a VCU graduate and non-student, were indicted. His family then released a statement listing things to be learned from the death of their 19-year-old son and the ensuing arrests. VCU and the Oakes family issued a joint statement in September 2022 following their agreement and settlement payment of $995,000 to the family from VCU and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The agreement included strengthening the requirements for students’ Greek

Campus unions fight to be included in collective bargaining bill after halftime snub

February 25, 2026

VCU POLL: Many Virginians voted with democracy concerns in mind

February 25, 2026

You shouldn’t have to be exceptional to be seen

February 25, 2026

Aliyah Pitt, Contributing Writer Growing up in Maryland, Black history wasn’t something confined to one month out of the year. It was woven into my everyday life — from the names of buildings to the murals painted across brick walls. Living just outside of Washington D.C., I was surrounded by reminders of progress — reminders that people who looked like me had shaped this country in undeniable ways. Every February, the spotlight returns to the same kind of story: “the first to do this, the first to become that, the first to break through a space that had long been closed off.” Each story shares a consistent message: “look how far we’ve come and look at what’s possible.” Black excellence is real and deserves recognition. The milestones we highlight each year reflect resilience and determination in the face of adversity. However, I began to recognize a pattern in how those stories were told. Recognition only seemed to follow record-breaking moments. Visibility was really only followed by history-making achievements. Slowly, the lessons became less and less about pride and more about expectation. The stories we celebrate shape how we see ourselves. When Black history is framed mostly around extraordinary achievement, it

Beyond historical wrongs, health care must confront present-day inequities

February 25, 2026

Naba Khan, Contributing Writer The United States likes to call itself an egalitarian society — but that is a far cry from the truth, especially when it comes to health care. As a third-year medical student, I can personally attest to this. When my clinical rotations began, it was a flurry of non-stop action from day one. In those first few weeks, I gleaned a great deal of wisdom through observation alone, but one of the most important lessons I learned was this: the people who tend to be the most hesitant about treatments are people of color and Black patients. This should not come as a surprise. Throughout history, grave injustices have been carried out against the Black community by means of medical racism. The 1932-1937 Tuskegee Syphilis experiments deliberately left Black sharecroppers untreated and unaware of their syphilis diagnoses— even when penicillin was an available cure. There was the testing of gynecological surgeries on enslaved women in the 19th century. And do not forget Henrietta Lacks and her family, who have yet to receive justice and compensation for the illegal and non-consensual use of her cervical cells in scientific research. VCU itself is no stranger to the historical

‘Ode to the Anomalous’ exhibition abstracts personal stories

February 25, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer “Ode to the Anomalous,” is a month-long exhibition showcasing the art of six artists at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery, or SCAG, that explores works in fabric, acrylic and other mixed mediums. The artists participating in the exhibition are Alex Sorapuru, Asa Jackson, James Williams III, Huey Lightbody, Serron Green and Taj Posce. All are contributing their unique voices and perspectives. Ra-Twoine “Rosetta” Fields, founder of SCAG and curator of the exhibition, brought in works of the artists he has worked with for over 10 years as either a curator, collector or a curious patron of the art. All artists exhibiting their work are traveling from different states, including New Jersey, Louisiana and Maryland — to name a few. “To represent them speaks to me as a curator, my travels and helping artists reach their growth,” Fields said. The inspiration for “Ode to the Anomalous,” comes from Fields’ desire for people to explore how artists use materials to translate their experiences and narratives within their artwork. “[It] functions as a space of reflection. Navigating the feeling of uncertaininty and doubt. Pieces serve as mirrors depicting lived experiences,” Fields said. Fields wants people to explore how artists used

Student org empowers Black artists from gallery walls to the big screen

February 25, 2026

Lelia Contee, Contributing Writer From gallery walls to projected screens, Black Art Student Empowerment, or BASE, at VCU, worked with multiple organizations to platform students’ artistry across mediums. BASE and Black Cinema Society hosted a screening that featured six Black student films, exploring Black identity, culture, community and experiences at The Depot on Feb. 20. BASE also hosted an exhibition called “Black Fidelity: Crafted in the Storm,” that will run until Feb. 28 at the Anderson. Kailah Augustine, co-president of the Black Cinema Society, hopes the screening inspired audiences to create and share their art or simply enjoy the immersive experience. The films presented were: “Why Was I Born So Different,” by Kendell Liverpool; “Music is My Drug,” by Janiya Taylor and Jack Pendleton; “Strange Fruit,” by Ashley Davis; “At the Tone,” by Aja Williams and George Weston; “Different,” by Amanda Malcolm; and “Mama’s Roots,” by Ash Jones and Joy Sharpe. The short films examined how Black people navigate a world that dehumanizes them while still finding connection and belonging, according to Yterniti Williams, the president of BASE. “Art is a driver of culture,” Yterniti Williams said. “Art is expression, is freedom, is one of the few things you have

Men’s basketball dehorns Fordham in homecoming win

February 28, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer VCU fans brought the energy for the sold out 82-63 homecoming win over Fordham University. The Black and Gold won the opening tip, however the start of the game was a slow two-minute grind as neither team could score. VCU’s second-year guard Brandon Jennings broke the dry spell as he knocked down a three pointer at the 17-minute mark. Fordham’s first-year forward Roor Akhuar answered with Fordham’s first points four minutes into the game. Dragging out the slow start, both teams continuously put up shots but struggled to knock them down. VCU finally hit a groove after first-year guard Nyk Lewis knocked down a second chance three. Fourth-year forward Barry Evans then had a powerful drive to the basket, keeping the gym loud with a strong finish. Lewis thrived off the hype and drained two straight three pointers in Fordham’s face, extending the lead to 21-8 halfway through the first. VCU continued to feast around the rim as Evans lobbed it on the fastbreak to redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey for a crowd-rising dunk. Both Rams fell into a two minute drought at the six-minute mark. However, a deep three by second-year guard Ahmad Nowell ended

Women’s basketball loses seventh consecutive game to La Salle

February 26, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer VCU women’s basketball matched up against La Salle University at the Siegel Center on Wednesday. The clash ended in a loss, extending the losing streak to seven for the Rams. La Salle won the opening tip, but VCU got on the board first when fourth-year forward Makennah White knocked down a turnaround midrange jump shot. La Salle answered, tying the game at two before VCU reeled off a 7-0 run. Five of those points came from second-year forward Katarina Kneževic who knocked down two of her first three shots to start the game. The Explorers responded by rattling off a 9-0 run of their own and taking an 11-9 lead to close the first quarter. La Salle second-year guard Aryss Macktoon scored the first points of the second quarter, knocking down a pair of free throws. VCU redshirt fourth-year guard Ty Williams tied the game at 13, getting her opponent to jump on a pump fake before hitting a smooth floater off one leg. A smooth jumper from second-year guard Joan Quinn gave La Salle a 19-13 lead midway through the second quarter. The Explorers gained momentum through the second half of the quarter, extending their

From Nigeria to Richmond, Jude Okafor is a one-of-a-kind record-breaker

February 25, 2026

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer About 5,500 miles away from his home, third-year track star Jude Okafor is setting VCU program records and making his family proud. “Whenever I hear their voice on the phone, they say, ‘remember why you’re there; do the best that you can,’ and that motivates me,” Okafor said. Okafor is the youngest of seven siblings and started playing soccer in high school in Nigeria. However, his journey in sports took a turn after his coaches convinced him to try out track. This was the start of something special, as VCU soon came calling. Okafor was hesitant to leave home, but with the support of his family and community he traveled to the United States to chase his dreams and pursue his goals. “I’m not just here to run track. I’m here to be great, not just good. I want to be great,” Okafor said. For the Nigerian athlete, greatness may only scratch the surface of his potential as a Ram. Okafor set the VCU 300 meter record at the Virginia Tech Invitational on Jan. 16 with a blazing time of 33.7 seconds. Just a few weeks later, he broke the VCU indoor 400 meter program record

Black athletes paved the way for VCU basketball

February 25, 2026

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor There is no denying men’s basketball has become a driving force at VCU. It is the only sport that constantly sells out, bringing students, alumni and community members together — all sharing the same passion. That identity did not form overnight. It was built on the foundation laid by Black players who reshaped the program long before it became a national brand. Charles McLeod became the first Black men’s basketball player at Richmond Professional Institute, now VCU, in 1966 and was arguably the founding father of the program. McLeod transferred from Virginia State University after limited time on the court. That changed after he contacted former RPI Head Coach Ed Allen, who recruited the star athlete. On the court, McLeod established the nickname “Charlie Mac the Jumping Jack,” using his size to pull down rebounds, block shots and play intense defense, according to VCU News. McLeod was not only a pioneer breaking barriers on the court. It was his contributions off the court that made him special. McLeod was a contributor for the Commonwealth Times in 1969. He wrote an article criticizing wartime efforts and the draft system. He helped found VCU’s first Black organization

FEB. 25 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

February 25, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer Women’s lacrosse at Virginia Tech The Rams fell to the Hokies 11–4 in Blacksburg on Tuesday. The Rams kept the game competitive, trailing 6–3 late in the third quarter, but unfortunately could not overcome Virginia Tech down the stretch as the Hokies scored five of the final six goals to pull away. First-year goalkeeper Lu Doyen played a full hour and had 12 saves off of 23 shots put up by the Hokies. Men’s basketball vs. George Washington University VCU pulled past George Washington, 89–75. The Rams played the Revolutionaries at the Siegel Center on Tuesday extending their win streak to 10. The Rams used a strong second-half run to take control after a close first half. Six VCU players scored in double figures. Third-year guard Tyrell Ward led the team with 15 points while third-year forward Lazar Djokovic, first-year guard Nyk Lewis and second-year guard Brandon Jennings had 14 points each. Women’s basketball vs. Davidson College The Rams lost to the Wildcats 66–39 in an Atlantic 10 matchup at the Siegel Center on Wednesday. The Rams led only briefly early and could not keep pace with the Wildcats’ offense. VCU shot 30% from the field