Rouse to Hold Business Roundtable; Gov Signs Cell Phone-Free School Bill; Cathy Hudgins Funeral Details; Juneteenth Events

May 31, 2025

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Catherine Hudgins Funeral Details

Alexandria: Rouse to Hold Business Roundtable

On Monday, June 2, 2025, Senator Aaron Rouse, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, will join local small business owners and community leaders for a roundtable discussion in Alexandria. The event will provide an opportunity for Senator Rouse to hear directly from small business voices about the economic challenges they are facing, including the impact of Trump’s tariffs and policy decisions coming out of Washington and to share his vision for strengthening Virginia’s small business economy.

What: Alexandria Small Business Roundtable with Senator Aaron Rouse
When: Monday, June 2, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Akeno Sushi Bar and Thai, 1603 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA

Gov. Youngkin Signs Bill Mandating Cell Phone-Free Education

In a move to prioritize student well-being and classroom focus, Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined legislators, educators, parents, and students at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell for the ceremonial signing of HB1961 and SB738. The bipartisan legislation formally codifies the Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free education policy originally established through Executive Order 33.

Under the new law, all Virginia school divisions will be required to adopt and implement a full Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free policy during school hours, eliminating the use of cell phones and social media in classrooms across the Commonwealth.

“Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free education has been benefiting students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the Commonwealth since last summer,” said Governor Youngkin. “By signing these bills, our statewide policy will be the law. School should be a place of learning and human interaction—free from distractions and classroom disruptions.”

The legislation responds to mounting research linking excessive screen time and social media use to negative mental and emotional health outcomes in youth. A National Institutes of Health study revealed that screen time among children and adolescents has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of adolescents spending more than two hours daily on screens jumping from 25% to 93%. Supporters hope the initiative will create more focused classrooms, improve mental health, and foster deeper peer connections among students.

Hampton: Juneteenth Events

Make Hampton your Juneteenth destination with a week-long lineup of events honoring the emancipation of African Americans with a powerful lineup of events highlighting Black culture, history, arts, wellness, and community empowerment. From theater, a film festival and live music to historical tours, this year’s programming offers something for all. For a full list of Juneteenth events, visit: 400yearsforward.com/events.

Sankofa's 14th Annual Remembrance Ceremony. June 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe, Near 310 Fenwick Road. Join us as we honor the African Ancestors of the Middle Passage in this sacred and deeply moving ceremony. The event will feature a special dedication to the Tree of Remembrance, providing a space to reflect, remember, and reconnect with our shared history. Come together to learn untold history, celebrate rich cultural traditions, and pay tribute to those who came before us. This event is free and open to the public. African or cultural attire–or white clothing–is encouraged. Guests are also asked to bring fresh flowers for the ancestral offering.

A Juneteenth Pageant: The Play! June 14, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street. Written and directed by Marie St. Clair, and presented by the Hampton History Museum Association and Hampton Arts, this moving, humorous, and unforgettable stage production illuminates the origins and enduring significance of Juneteenth–the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. You will laugh, you may cry, but most of all, you will leave enlightened to the true meaning of Freedom Day. Tickets are $10, and are available for purchase here.

The 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival - Peninsula
June 15, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton Street. A full day of family fun and community empowerment! Enjoy health and wellness resources, live music, cultural arts, dance, storytelling, youth activities, health screenings, games, job fair, book author meet-and-greets, voter registration, and so much more. This event is free and all are welcome!
For all sponsorship, food trucks, vendor and volunteer opportunities, please call 757-287-0277 or email Celebratehealthcare@gmail.com.

Juneteenth Beach Party. June 19, 12 p.m. noon-5 p.m. Paradise Ocean Club
490 Fenwick Road. Celebrate culture, community, and summer vibes at this FREE vibrant event hosted by the Virginia Black Film Festival. A fun and festive way to honor the holiday with music, fellowship, and sunshine!

Road to Freedom Tour
June 19, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road. Presented by the Fort Monroe Authority, the FREE 45-minute guided walking tour invites guests to follow in the footsteps of the courageous men and women whose actions led to the landmark 1861 contraband decision. Hear the powerful stories of freedom seekers who risked everything–facing danger, separation, and hardship–on the road to emancipation. Learn how their determination sparked a nationwide movement and offered hope to generations. This tour includes stops inside of buildings and within the historic Fort Monroe walls.

Juneteenth Concert
June 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Continental Park at Fort Monroe
4 Fenwick Road. Hosted in collaboration with the Fort Monroe Authority, the City of Hampton, and the Virginia Black Film Festival, enjoy an evening of live performances, cultural celebration, and community spirit on the beautiful waterfront. This event is FREE and open to the public–bring your lawn chairs or towels and join in on the festivities!

Virginia Black Film Festival. June 20-22, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The American Theatre, Hampton University Ogden Hall

Celebrating Black stories through film, culture, and community, this multi-day festival sponsored by the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau and the Virginia Film office, will feature screenings, panel discussions, red carpet moments, and immersive live experiences. The festival draws filmmakers, creatives, families, and film lovers from across the region. While the concert and beach party kick off the celebrations on June 19, the main festival runs from June 20-22. This is a must-attend Juneteenth celebration that captures the heart of Black excellence in the arts.

Ticket prices start at $30 with package deals ranging from $75 for a day pass to $250 for a weekend pass. The 3-hour stage combat course is $100. For more information and all ticket prices, visit: virginiablackfilmfestival.com/tickets.

Hampton Roads Black Business Expo, June 21-22, The American Theatre
125 East Mellen Street. The Virginia Black Film Festival and Buy Black Hampton Roads proudly present the Hampton Roads Black Business Expo, a signature event within the 2nd Annual Virginia Black Film Festival. This dynamic celebration is the place to honor Juneteenth in Hampton Roads while supporting Black businesses and filmmakers.

The Black Business Expo will be held at the American Theatre, and will run alongside film screenings and panels, creating a vibrant, all-in-one cultural and commercial experience. Admission is free for the public. Booth rentals for vendors are available at early bird rates of $200 for a single day or $300 for the entire weekend. Booth rental prices will increase closer to the event.

For more detail and to register your business, visit: virginiablackfilmfestival.com/expo. Image attached: The Virginia Black Film Festival - Juneteenth Weekend Flyer

June 27-29: Women’s Summit

Podcast 47 🎙️ Rep. Scott Forum on Civil Rights vs. Trump

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Virginia Senate Dem Caucus: Community Conversations

OPED: Virginia’s Statewide GOP Candidates Refuse to Talk Trump

By Bob Lewis. This is primary season and candidates have to double down on what the truest of your party’s true believers truly believe.

The common logic is that you steer as far as you can to the right (for Republicans) or left (among Democrats) to rouse their base voters until they’re ready to chew barbed wire and spit out roofing nails.

Then, after the preseason scrimmage is over, it’s time to tack back toward the center — where the dispositive mass of Virginia’s electorate has repeatedly proved it resides — and, if you still can, appear less the wild-eyed zealot and more the measured, moderate and sane candidate of November.

But something weird is happening this year: folks with no primary opponent seem locked in primary mode, especially within the GOP, where the statewide nominations are already settled. Read entire

Podcast 49 🎙️ Jennifer McClellan’s Town Hall in Richmond

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