The Urban Tilth Black Caucus made a vibrant debut with its first-ever Beats & Greets event, bringing together Richmond’s Black community for a day filled with music, food, and connection. This gathering wasn’t just about having a good time—it reflected the core mission of the Black Caucus: creating spaces where the Black community feels heard, supported, and celebrated.
With the event’s lively atmosphere of laughter, delicious food, and soulful beats, Beats & Greets embodied the Caucus’s vision of blending education, activism, and celebration. Providing an opportunity to connect with familiar neighbors, welcome new faces, and share the work Urban Tilth does to uplift Richmond’s Black community.
Caucus members were on hand to answer questions about community development, employment opportunities, and Urban Tilth’s broader initiatives. A highlight of the day was when Solwazi from the Watersheds team shared insights about plants available for attendees to take home—like milkweed—and explained their ecological benefits. “My garden is going to be beautiful,” one resident beamed while choosing plants to bring home.
Plans are already in motion to make Beats & Greets an annual tradition, with hopes of expanding it to include even more local residents and Black-owned vendors. By centering events like these, the Black Caucus is building meaningful connections and honoring the voices, values, and excellence of Richmond’s Black community.
Special thanks go to MC Kawah, Arnette Cheri Catering, DJ Olga, Uera Smith (photographer), UT Security, and the Black Caucus team—Solwazi, Chinue, Latifah, Arleide, Bailey, and King—for making the event a success.
