Before I was inmate number 1414048, I was Candace Williams.

And long before the system knew my name, I was a little girl whose mother was in and out of prison. I was raised by my grandparents. I told myself over and over again, “I’m not going to end up like my mom.” But cycles don’t just break because we want them to.

Read more at Charlottesville Tomorrow.

The post She spent 18 years in central Virginia prisons — and wants the world to know that incarcerated mothers matter appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

A core part of our mission as Charlottesville Inclusive Media is to strengthen our information “ecosystem,” including all the people and groups across our region who amplify and share local news and vital resources. They might work for traditional outlets, like newspapers, or write  blogs or Substack newsletters, or even share information on a bulletin board at a community center.

In order to better understand how central Virginians access and share news, we started with Fluvanna, Louisa, Madison and Nelson counties. We partnered with the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation to work with the Listening Post Collective, a group that specializes in this sort of research, to create an information ecosystem assessment.

Listening Post Collective conducts these assessments across the nation, hiring local researchers to do surveys, interviews and information mapping. 

“Our mission is to partner with communities on building responsive and resilient information ecosystems that reflect local news needs and pathways,” said Jesse Hardman, founder of Listening Post Collective. 

“Some of that work is lifting up traditional news organizations, but it also means partnering with trusted information sharers who aren’t journalists. By listening to communities, we see how critical information actually moves, and can better lean into local needs.”

The Central Virginia Information Ecosystem Assessment launched Wednesday, April 8, the day before Local News Day, for those celebrating!

Local researchers Oliver Hale, Sue Frankel-Streit, Sharon Harris, Luna Cortes and Kristina (Ti) Stelling surveyed 316 community members, mapped 75 community information hubs and interviewed 13 local communications experts, including representatives from the NAACP, a the founder of a popular newsletter and the chair of a county Republican committee. 

According to the report, people said the top barrier to accessing information was the lack of local news outlets, although residents are trying to fill these gaps with hyperlocal newsletters and Facebook groups. The primary ways respondents reported getting local news was by word-of-mouth through friends and family (55%), then Facebook (48%).

“I asked if there are any sources of news in the community that you don’t trust and they say Facebook. So I asked them where they get their news? Facebook. What do you not trust? Facebook. Maybe there’s a little bit of a problem here,” said Nelson County researcher Oliver Hale, who is quoted in the report.

“Almost every single person I talked to, regardless of age, except for maybe people who are under 20, they all said they get their news from Nelson Knows [Facebook Group].”

“It is interesting that a local newspaper like The Central Virginian has survived, and I think it survived because the Louisa community has a strong investment in their local newspaper,” said Mitch Sasser, editor of the paper, according to the report. He also emphasized the role of a rural editor as all-encompassing. 

“I think the idea of an editor conjures up someone who leads their team of reporters and a little bit behind the scenes. But that’s not the reality I think as a rural editor. It’s like, ‘Oh, no, I’m kind of responsible for the content each week and responsible for delegating and making sure that there’s something that I can’t do that other people are doing it.”

And although outlets based in Charlottesville and Richmond sometimes cover the four counties, respondents said this coverage can be spotty and lack local context. County governments, despite being close to the issues, were found to be inconsistent about communication. Researchers found that there are hot-button issues that increase demand for local news, such as the construction of data centers.

“Partnering with amazing local researchers in Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson and Madison counties, we’ve listened on porches, in churches, at libraries, in coffee shops, and local folks have shared what’s missing and ideas they have for reconnecting their neighbors to the news they need,” said Hardman.

The study is only the beginning. Over the spring and summer of 2026, The Local News Listening Tour will have “tour stops” in Fluvanna, Louisa, Madison and Nelson counties. The event series will bring people together to discuss local news needs in central Virginia. You can submit your email to sign up for updates.

“We see local news as essential community infrastructure that keeps central Virginians informed, connected and engaged. It impacts the many important issues that affect our region — from housing to education to economic opportunity — and helps us all make decisions about our daily lives and the future of our communities,” said Eboni Bugg, director of community investment at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

Charlottesville Inclusive Media partners Charlottesville Tomorrow, Vinegar Hill Magazine and In My Humble Opinion radio show will keep helping build local news and information for everyone in central Virginia, while acknowledging the innovative and nimble ways community members have filled the gaps. We’ll see you on the listening tour!

The post From Substack and Facebook to cafés and libraries, residents get information from many places — but rarely local news outlets, says new report appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

This forum is co-sponsored by Charlottesville Inclusive Media, the Black Professional Network, The GOOD Foundation, Vinegar Hill Magazine and In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) radio show.

Dr. Cameron Webb, the Virginia State Commissioner of Health, will moderate the event and share opening remarks. The panel will feature Doreen Bonett, executive director and co-founder of Birth Sisters of Charlottesville; Gene Cash, CEO and executive director ofCounseling Alliance of Virginia, LLC; and nutritionist and health journalist Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock, PhD.

Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Main Auditorium, Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Register online to attend.

The post April 14: Bridging the Gap in Black Health Outcomes appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

The first snow of the season in early December made my Charlottesville street look brand new, laying a clean white sheet over a city with a dirty history.

The cold bit my cheeks as I scraped ice off my car and thought about making hot chocolate and other warm winter treats. So many of my favorite childhood memories happened in snow, and this weather always fills me with nostalgic comfort. I was still grinning as I started the engine and backed out of my driveway, only for my smile to fade when I saw what was written in the snow on a car parked directly in front of my house.

The word “nigger” was etched in ice on the windshield. And if that wasn’t enough, a penis was drawn above it.

Read more at Charlottesville Tomorrow.

The post With the season’s first snow came hateful speech for this Charlottesville resident appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

The goal of the project is to better understand how people in central Virginia get vital local news, what already works and where there are gaps. Data and experiences collected as part of this work will be made public and shared back with community members through a published report and public conversations.

The survey asks about how residents of the four counties get community news, which local issues are most important to them, and if they have trusted sources or barriers to getting information. Filling out the survey takes about 10 minutes and it is offered in English and Spanish.

If you take the 10-minute survey and share your contact information, you can receive updates on the project and will be eligible to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

The post Fluvanna, Louisa, Madison and Nelson County residents, how do you get informed? appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

Date & Time: Sunday, November 23, 2025 • 3:00–5:00 PM
Location: Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Join Dr. Wes Bellamy and special guest Joy Reid (former MSNBC commentator, author, and political analyst) for a high-energy stop on the Nobody’s Coming to Save Us Book Tour. This program is a community conversation on leadership, purpose, and action—designed to move us from awareness to impact.

What to Expect

• Opening performance by The DND Dance Team to set the tone for a people-powered afternoon.
• Our voices, Our Time panel highlighting emerging leaders and tangible pathways to serve. The Panel features Jessica Carter of HER Sports, Raylaja Waller of the City of Promise, James “Littlez” Dowell of the Prolyfck Run Club, and Shanice Bradford of Ready Kids.
• Fireside chat with Joy Reid & Dr. Wes Bellamy on authentic leadership, accountability, and building institutions that last.
• Audience Q&A and a practical Call-to-Action so you leave with next steps, not just notes.
• Books available on site (while supplies last).

Who Should Attend

Students, organizers, educators, faith and civic leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone committed to building stronger Black communities and cross-community coalitions.

Co-Sponsors

This event is proudly co-sponsored by partners featured on the flyer and event write-up:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. — Charlottesville Alumnae Chapter; In My Humble Opinion Radio Show; Vinegar Hill Magazine; The Tonsler League; BPN; Can I Talk To You Cville?; and the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.

Accessibility & Notes

• Venue is accessible; please reach out with any accommodation requests.
• Doors open at 2:30 PM; program begins promptly at 3:00 PM.
• Seating is first-come, first-served with limited standing room available.

Come ready to learn, build, and act—together.

Read about the event in Vinegar Hill Magazine.

The post Nov. 23: Nobody’s Coming to Save Us — Book Tour appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

All of these compelling stories were produced as part of a program called First Person Charlottesville, a storytelling initiative that began in 2022. It invites community members to share their perspectives and experiences through Charlottesville Inclusive Media’s partner organizations: Charlottesville Tomorrow, Vinegar Hill Magazine and the In My Humble Opinion Radio Show. The program centers personal narratives to tell the story of our communities collectively.

Charlottesville Inclusive Media and Creator Hub is gathering past and potential First Person storytellers for an evening of connection, creativity and support. We’ll celebrate the contributions of these writers, introduce storytellers to each other and guide attendees through a workshop to tell their own stories. Please join us! Space is limited so please RSVP to let us know you’d like to attend.

Deeper conversations through personal stories

When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Creator Hub, 300 E Water Street (one block off the downtown mall, across from the Water Street Parking Garage)

What to expect:

• Meet First Person Charlottesville contributors and community storytellers
• Hear the “behind the scenes” of bringing first-person pieces to life
• Get support to tell your story
• Enjoy an intimate, conversation-driven space filled with genuine dialogue — with refreshments

About Charlottesville Inclusive Media

Charlottesville Inclusive Media is a collaboration between Charlottesville Tomorrow, Vinegar Hill Magazine and In My Humble Opinion. Together, we amplify more voices and tell our communities’ stories from many perspectives.

About Creator Hub

Creator Hub, an initiative of Vault Virginia, is a shared creative space with a professional podcast studio, rehearsal and recording space, meeting rooms and open work areas for local creators.

How to attend “Deeper conversations through personal stories”

Space is limited so we can keep the gathering intimate and interactive. Please RSVP for the Nov. 19 event in Charlottesville here. This event is free and parking vouchers for the Water Street Garage are provided.

If you have questions or prefer to RSVP by email, please contact the organizers at info@vinegarhill.com.

The post Want to tell your own First Person story? Join Charlottesville Inclusive Media for an evening community workshop appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

A quick content warning: The following story contains mentions of sexual abuse and suicide and could be difficult to listen to.

In My Humble Opinion, the Sunday talk show on 101.3FM, launched the podcast series in December, building on the work of Charlottesville Inclusive Media to bring more of our community’s perspectives into critical conversations. The segments are called First Person Charlottesville and folks can hear them by subscribing to In My Humble Opinion on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Charlottesville Inclusive Media is a partnership between the radio program, Vinegar Hill Magazine and Charlottesville Tomorrow.

The post Listen: Episode 8, Yogaville Survivor appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

7:00 PM – Doors Open at The Creator Hub
7:30 PM – Discussion Begins

The Creator Hub
309 E Water St Charlottesville VA 22902

RSVP here
Contact Information: bpncville [at] gmail.com

To follow the 4 p.m. Virginia Film Festival screening of Sinners at The Paramount Theater
*Tickets sold separately.* Purchase movie tickets here, use the Promo Code VAFF5OFF to receive $5 off
Note: the promo code should be entered after you’ve clicked on the BUY TICKETS button but before you add tickets to your cart. Tickets sell out quickly, so purchase ASAP.

The post Oct. 25: Sinners: A Post-Screening Dialogue on Black Excellence & Cultural Impact appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.

Read more at Charlottesville Tomorrow.

The post The inaugural Trans Futures Conference is coming to Charlottesville. Charley Burton explains why this is the right place to host it appeared first on Charlottesville Inclusive Media.