Richmond, Virginia is a city steeped in heritage, vibrant communities, and ongoing transformation. At the forefront of this evolving story is ForwardRVA — a multimedia platform dedicated to telling the full narrative of life across the city. More than a traditional news source, ForwardRVA is a dynamic civic initiative built to reflect and uplift every corner of Richmond, from the heart of downtown to its far-reaching neighborhoods.
A New Kind of Journalism
ForwardRVA challenges the norms of standard reporting. Instead of following legacy media formulas, it puts equity, authenticity, and accessibility first — prioritizing voices too often overlooked. Here, journalism serves everyone, not just a few.
Built for Everyone
ForwardRVA was launched with one goal: to represent all Richmonders. Whether you’re an artist on the Southside, a student in the East End, or a local leader in Brookland Park, the platform is designed to echo your experiences.
Rather than divide communities by interest or geography, ForwardRVA connects them. It brings together diverse backgrounds — immigrant families, small business owners, activists, and everyday citizens — to share a collective voice.
Editorial Philosophy
ForwardRVA’s content is shaped by three foundational pillars:
- Educate: Provide accurate, digestible coverage that empowers readers with knowledge.
- Unite: Create space for shared stories that bring communities closer.
- Inspire: Highlight resilience and solutions that drive people to act.
This approach ensures reporting that’s not just informative — it’s impactful.
What ForwardRVA Covers
1. Neighborhood News
From school board meetings to public safety plans, ForwardRVA breaks down civic matters that affect daily life. Government updates are presented in clear, understandable language — no jargon, just facts people can use.
2. Local Changemakers
This section honors the unsung heroes who keep Richmond moving forward — mentors, volunteers, caregivers, and everyday residents whose efforts build stronger communities.
3. Business & Innovation
ForwardRVA celebrates Richmond’s economic heartbeat: local entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. It also explores broader economic shifts, always with a community-first lens.
4. Politics & Public Policy
Whether it’s decoding ballot measures or explaining new legislation, ForwardRVA makes civic information accessible. The goal is to empower readers to understand and participate in local governance.
5. Education & Youth
From funding fights to classroom innovation, ForwardRVA covers education from the ground up. Student voices, teacher perspectives, and family insights all play a part in shaping this vital coverage.
6. Health & Safety
Health topics — from community wellness to systemic healthcare disparities — are explored with depth and empathy. Coverage includes resources and solutions, not just statistics.
7. Arts & Community Culture
From neighborhood murals to grassroots theater, Richmond’s creative soul shines here. ForwardRVA gives artists, chefs, performers, and creators a platform that values expression over profit.
8. Young Voices
Young people are not just featured; they’re contributors. This space is filled with original work from Richmond’s youth, offering their views on climate, justice, tech, identity, and more.
9. Equity & Human Rights
Through firsthand accounts and sharp analysis, ForwardRVA addresses social justice issues — housing insecurity, gender rights, racial equity, immigration, and more — with honesty and humanity.
Community-Driven Journalism
ForwardRVA thrives on collaboration. It works alongside schools, nonprofits, advocacy coalitions, and residents to produce content that’s rooted in community experience. Readers are not just consumers — they’re partners, creators, and co-authors of the platform.
Guest contributions, neighborhood events, and open editorial submissions allow for meaningful participation in shaping local narratives.
Beyond the Screen
Though ForwardRVA is designed for digital convenience — mobile-friendly and media-rich — its presence extends far into real life. The team facilitates workshops, town halls, and civic forums that bridge journalism with action.
This hybrid of online content and offline connection ensures that stories translate into real-world impact.
Principles of Trust
In a time when misinformation spreads quickly, ForwardRVA stays anchored in journalistic integrity. It’s transparent about sources, corrects mistakes openly, and welcomes input from its readers. Feedback isn’t just tolerated — it’s encouraged.
Trust is not assumed; it’s earned, one story at a time.
Responsive in Crisis
During emergencies — be it a public health threat, a natural disaster, or civil unrest — ForwardRVA becomes a lifeline. It offers timely updates and practical resources: food access, medical help, legal aid, and more.
The tone remains compassionate and clear, supporting residents with useful guidance in uncertain moments.
Cultivating Future Leaders
ForwardRVA invests in the next generation by mentoring aspiring journalists and community storytellers. Through internships, workshops, and education programs, it helps young people find their voice and contribute meaningfully to local dialogue.
By teaching media literacy and storytelling, it nurtures civic leaders for tomorrow.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
Running a mission-led newsroom isn’t without hurdles: sustainable funding, staff capacity, and the constant pressure to stay relevant. But ForwardRVA remains committed to thoughtful, in-depth journalism that values people over pageviews.
Its compass isn’t virality — it’s value.
What Lies Ahead
The work continues. Future plans include expanding coverage into surrounding rural communities, publishing stories in multiple languages, and launching investigative series that break down complex issues with data-driven insight.
ForwardRVA is not just observing Richmond’s growth — it’s helping to shape it.
Final Thoughts
In a media landscape often driven by speed, division, and noise, ForwardRVA offers a refreshing alternative: a space for unity, honesty, and progress.
It stands as a living record of who Richmond is and who it’s becoming — not from a distance, but from the inside out. ForwardRVA doesn’t just report the story. It helps write the future.