Wednesday, April 22, 2026 @commonwealthtimes @theCT1
VOL. 72, NO. 13 APRIL 22, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
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Richmond Ren Faire brings jubilant display of grassroots artistry, craftsmanship
MAEVE BAUER Spectrum Editor Once upon a time peddlers, paupers, painters, pirates, poets and a plethora of ye ole Renaissance faire goers paraded the ground of Dorey Park — henceforth marking April 18 and 19 as the f irst Richmond Ren Faire. It is safe to say the folks of RVA had a jolly good time at the inaugural event, through rain and shine, as over 14,000 guests attended between both days. The Richmond Ren Faire was brought to the community by Virago Alley and supported by a roundtable of Richmond nonprofits. The faire was the brainchild of Amanda Robinson, founder of Virago Alley, Gallery5 and now the Richmond Ren Faire. She has been heavily awarded for her work within the city’s art scene and her persistent dedication to convening communities in the name of creativity. Virago Alley is a nonprofit organization set on the quest to bring people together and share knowledge and skill. They ultimately plan on opening a community center equipped for combat training, archery and workshops teaching a variety of historical trades. The Richmond Ren Faire was focused on the tradespeople and artisans who encompassed the Renaissance Era. [...] REN FAIRE Continued on page 9
Photos by Landon G Walker and Kieran Stevens. Collage by Raya Freeborn.
Over 200 VCU community members share concerns with post-tenure review proposal BRYER HAYWOOD Staff Writer Many VCU facult y and staff have called on their peers and administrative representatives to stop a change to VCU’s tenure policy from going through, citing
a rushed schedule and evidence it would harm the university.
VCU Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. visibly upset at courtside.
POST TENURE REVIEW Continued on page 3
Men’s basketball welcomes one of highest ranked recruiting classes in program history
CT file photo by John Brown.
BEN MARTINDALE Staff Writer In 2025, VCU head men’s basketball coach Phil Martelli Jr. started his tenure with the Rams by bringing in the No. 46 ranked recruiting class in the country. Now, following a successful first season, Martelli and his staff welcome an exciting group of fresh faces to the fold. Ranked No. 29 in the nation according to Rivals, this year’s incoming class is one to look out for. VCU interim provost Arturo Saavedra. CT file photo by Kieran Stevens.
MEN’S BASKETBALL Continued on page 6
Women's basketball transfer portal
VCU R.A.A.C.E address injustice, teaches equity
our culture has already revoked birthright citizenship
see SPORTS page 6
see FEATURES page 10
see OPINIONS page 12