In late January, the City of Norfolk Economic Development Authority was notified that MacArthur Center was officially for sale. MacArthur Center was built in 1999. Since then it has been recognized as one of the main Downtown Norfolk attractions and contributed to development of the light rail, condominiums, hotels, apartment communities, and office towers. It … Continue reading
Category Archives: Local
Keith Anderson found safe in Houston
18-year-old Keith Anderson, who had been missing since the beginning of February, has been found safe in a Houston homeless shelter. Anderson was seen on January 29 at Norfolk State University shortly before being reported missing. On February 13, the Virginia State Police issued a missing person and endangered person alert on behalf of Norfolk … Continue reading
Military Circle Mall says goodbye to Norfolk
Military Circle Mall of Norfolk has offically closed as of January 31. The Economic Development Authority announced in August 2022 that the mall would be closed and be prepared for demolition. Within its 52 years of standing, Military Circle Mall became a home for small businesses. However, with the mall being around for so long– … Continue reading
Sierra Jenkins, beyond the walls of journalism
NORFOLK, VA — To know Sierra Jenkins was to know that while she was graceful, she was also not afraid to stand up for herself and others. Jenkins, a reporter for The Virginian-Pilot, was one of three lives claimed by Chicho’s Pizza Backstage shooting in downtown Norfolk on March 19. She was 25 years old. … Continue reading
Hampton University planning to clear balance for current students
HAMPTON, VA — In April 2022, Hampton University announced that they would be clearing all outstanding balances for students enrolled in the Spring 2022 term. Soon to be former Hampton University President Harvey released the following statement, “Recognizing that many Hampton University students and their families have continued to experience financial hardships and have suffered … Continue reading
Sonja Stills, trailblazer in the making
NORFOLK, VA — Sonja Stills made history as the first female commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I. Before working for the conference, Stills received her bachelor’s degree in human services counseling from Old Dominion University and her master’s degree in counseling from Hampton University. She … Continue reading
Charlamagne Tha God on advocating for mental health and healing of Black trauma
By Ian Williams NORFOLK, VA — Charlamagne Tha God came to Norfolk State University for the first time as a speaker for the Mass Communications and Journalism Department’s 2022 MCJR Week. Charlamagne spoke about overcoming obstacles during his childhood in South Carolina, failed career attempts, establishing his platform and using life experiences to create other … Continue reading
Michele Ghee preaches importance of progress at MCJR Awards Luncheon
NORFOLK, VA — The CEO of EBONY and Jet Magazine Michele Ghee graced the campus of Norfolk State University (NSU) during MCJR Week. As CEO of the two publications, she catered to the media age by creating digital covers, launched EBONY Studios to increase Black storytelling and worked to revive Jet Magazine, the historic news … Continue reading
Campus Life / Lifestyle / Local / Music
Spartan Legion presented with official Tournament of Roses flag
NORFOLK, VA — Norfolk State University Spartan Legion marching band will participate in the 134th Rose Parade on January 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. “I don’t think anyone in the band realized to what extent this deal was; when Miss Amy and her husband, Tim, came, the energy started to shift,” Head Drum Major Jonathan … Continue reading
Hampton University opens its doors to Ukraine students
HAMPTON, VA — Last month, Hampton University announced that they would assist students affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a press release, the local Historical Black College/University (HBCU) stated, “In a humanitarian effort to help those college students and families affected by the current conflict in Ukraine, Hampton President Dr. William R. Harvey … Continue reading
NSU Baseball’s partnership with the Norfolk Tides offers new possibilities–on and off the diamond
NORFOLK, VA — For the first time in five years, Norfolk State University’s baseball program renewed its annual exhibition game with the Norfolk Tides, the triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, at Harbor Park Stadium on April 4. The Spartans showcased several highlights in the seven-inning matchup despite suffering a 14-1 loss against the professional … Continue reading
Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston appointed to White House board of advisors on HBCUs
NORFOLK, VA — President Joe Biden appointed Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University, to serve on the White House Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “I am honored to serve on President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Dr. Adams-Gaston said. “I appreciate the confidence … Continue reading
Students displaced after fire in Babbette Smith at Norfolk State
Three students recount the events of the fire in Babbette Smith North Hall and the subsequent action taken as a result. Continue reading
Sentara Healthcare aims to vaccinate thousands at Norfolk’s first permanent vaccination clinic
by Siera Jones Sentara Healthcare has opened a permanent Covid-19 vaccination center in downtown Norfolk that aims to deliver thousands of doses two days a week. The center is located at the Norfolk Scope Arena and is now open for walk-ins and appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but Sentara spokesperson Kelly Kennedy has assured the … Continue reading
Campus Life / Education / Health / Local
COVID-19 creates challenges for graduating senior at Norfolk State University
by Juwan Saunders COVID-19 has greatly affected so many in various ways. There are new changes to our daily lives that we find ourselves trying to adapt to. No one knew just the impact that a fast-spreading virus would have on a nation. I never knew how COVID-19 would actually affect me. Every day things … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 