Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026

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

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor Campus unions across Virginia are fighting to ensure their inclusion in pending legislation to repeal the state’s ban on public employees’ collective bargaining rights. Public-sector collective bargaining is the ability of state-employed workers to have a recognized union — giving them the right to strike, lobby for better working conditions and negotiate their contracts. Public-sector collective bargaining was banned in Virginia after an incident in 1943, when 28 Black women who worked as maids at the University of Virginia’s hospital walked out in protest against unfair pay and negotiated new wages for themselves. Campus unions have been advocating for a repeal of the ban at the Virginia General Assembly for years. This session the repeal was introduced again, according to a previous report by The CT. It is backed by the United Campus Workers of Virginia — including the VCU chapter — as faculty, staff and student employees fall under the public worker umbrella. The House of Delegates Appropriations Committee removed higher education employees from their version of the bill earlier this month. The Senate’s version currently still includes higher education employees, but now discounts home health care workers. Lawmakers will

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

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

Women’s basketball’s woes continue against Davidson

February 18, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor  The Rams continued their five game slide as interim Head Coach Kirk Crawford still searches for his first win this season.  VCU won the tip and second-year forward Katarina Knezevic immediately opened the scoring with a layup.  Davidson answered with a layup of its own on the ensuing possession.  The Wildcats came out of the gate hot, shooting multiple threes in the opening minutes and grabbing a quick lead.  Davidson went on a three minute scoring drought halfway through the first despite the high volume of shot attempts, allowing VCU to regain a short-lived lead.  The two teams remained evenly matched throughout the majority of the first, however the Wildcats continued to hold a slight 14-12 advantage.  Second-year guard Cyriah Griffin made VCU’s first field goal in over two minutes to keep the score close.  Davidson ended the first quarter with a narrow 17-14 lead. The Wildcats continued the trend of high-volume three point shooting, with half their points coming from behind the arc.  The Wildcats capitalized on the Rams’ sluggish start out of the break quickly going up six points. VCU looked good defensively but struggled to carry that momentum to offense.  Davidson continued to

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

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor Campus unions across Virginia are fighting to ensure their inclusion in pending legislation to repeal the state’s ban on public employees’ collective bargaining rights. Public-sector collective bargaining is the ability of state-employed workers to have a recognized union — giving them the right to strike, lobby for better working conditions and negotiate their contracts. Public-sector collective bargaining was banned in Virginia after an incident in 1943, when 28 Black women who worked as maids at the University of Virginia’s hospital walked out in protest against unfair pay and negotiated new wages for themselves. Campus unions have been advocating for a repeal of the ban at the Virginia General Assembly for years. This session the repeal was introduced again, according to a previous report by The CT. It is backed by the United Campus Workers of Virginia — including the VCU chapter — as faculty, staff and student employees fall under the public worker umbrella. The House of Delegates Appropriations Committee removed higher education employees from their version of the bill earlier this month. The Senate’s version currently still includes higher education employees, but now discounts home health care workers. Lawmakers will

Opinion

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

The Rundown

Spectrum

‘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

Sports

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

Women’s basketball’s woes continue against Davidson

February 18, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor  The Rams continued their five game slide as interim Head Coach Kirk Crawford still searches for his first win this season.  VCU won the tip and second-year forward Katarina Knezevic immediately opened the scoring with a layup.  Davidson answered with a layup of its own on the ensuing possession.  The Wildcats came out of the gate hot, shooting multiple threes in the opening minutes and grabbing a quick lead.  Davidson went on a three minute scoring drought halfway through the first despite the high volume of shot attempts, allowing VCU to regain a short-lived lead.  The two teams remained evenly matched throughout the majority of the first, however the Wildcats continued to hold a slight 14-12 advantage.  Second-year guard Cyriah Griffin made VCU’s first field goal in over two minutes to keep the score close.  Davidson ended the first quarter with a narrow 17-14 lead. The Wildcats continued the trend of high-volume three point shooting, with half their points coming from behind the arc.  The Wildcats capitalized on the Rams’ sluggish start out of the break quickly going up six points. VCU looked good defensively but struggled to carry that momentum to offense.  Davidson continued to

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