Heart & Soul, Your Guide to Black Virginia

Mike's Richmond

“Spurweezy” knows how to throw down in the kitchen, but even the best home chef wants to let someone else do the cooking sometimes. Mike Spurlock is an event professional and content creator who’s built a loyal, food-loving following on TikTok with his authentic and relatable approach to food and cooking. While grateful for his virality on the platform and the opportunities that have come along with it, Mike is most passionate about creating content that truly connects with his audience and wants to create a more inclusive space for all creators and viewers alike.

Around The James

Brown's Island

Home of the Friday Cheers Concert Series in the summer, Brown’s Island is the hub of some of the most vibrant and exciting outdoor festivals in the city. Connecting to Browns Island is the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge or better known as the “T.Pot” bridge which gives access to unrivaled sunset views of the James River.

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West of Belvidere

Dinamo

If you’re not paying attention, you would almost miss this gem of a restaurant. With its eclectic menu and warm staff, Dinamo will make you feel at home whether it’s your first time in town or a regular. If you’re lucky enough to get a coveted spot at the bar during dinner hours, well you my friend should enter the lottery, and then enjoy one of the best served meals in Richmond.

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Jackson Ward & Arts District

Lillie Pearl

In the Heart of Richmond's Restaurant Row southern inspired cuisine meets high end service. An homage to his Southern Family roots, Chef Mike Lindsey has created an inclusive, soul-supporting space at Lillie Pearl.

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Downtown & Shockoe

The Valentine

For an in depth look into Richmond’s storied past, The Valentine has been keeping records of the city for over a century and tells its rich and complicated history in an approachable narrative.

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Downtown & Shockoe

The Well Collective

Located in Shockoe Bottom, once the center of Richmond’s slave trade, The Well Collective Brings together a space of consciousness and co-created community. With holistic healing services, educational workshops and virtual offerings, The Well Collective is an inviting space of healing and well-being for all.

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See More of Richmond

Paris

Richmond

Born and raised in Richmond, Paris is a flight attendant by day and a full-time Content Creator whose creativity never really turns off. For someone who travels daily for a living, coming home to RVA always feels like a “big hug after a long stretch of time away.” She’s had the chance to see the world and truly enjoys being immersed in other cultures and expanding her worldview, but the 804 will always be her home.

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Jarrell

Harrisonburg

Jarrell Williams of Nomarama is the father of two beautiful boys, Lennon & Leo, and promotes a lifestyle of positivity, self-worth and exploring the world with his partner, Heidi Joy. His online brand, Nomarama, highlights an authentic lifestyle of travel, food, power of play and exploration of nature, all while supporting local businesses. On his shows, “The City with Bite” and “Just Droppin’,” he takes you on food journeys around the state and beyond. You might also recognize him from his small business incubator the Munchie Market, or his adventures as a tourism ambassador, nature aficionado, and overall creative powerhouse.

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Tashira

Alexandria

It’s all fashion on Tashira’s corner of the internet. So, what keeps her going in the DC Metro area? Find out more as she takes us through her Alexandria City Guide. Tashira Halyard—known to her online community as Tashira Garcon—is an attorney, equity consultant and fashion content creator. She’s a breast cancer survivor who seamlessly blends style, self-care and social justice into her brand “Politics & Fashion.” Her Instagram and YouTube channel are hubs for not only fashion inspiration, but also a rapidly growing sisterhood.

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Matt

Charlottesville

A resident of Charlottesville, Matt Harmon spent the past 5 years developing a love of wine. As his passion for wine developed, he wanted to share that passion with family and friends. As he did so, he noticed people’s preconceived ideas about wine, and who “should” drink wine and sought to change this perception. And thus, his entrepreneurial journey with Harmony Wine was born. Matt challenges the perception of who and what wine drinkers should be in his everyday life—sometimes he drinks wine in a suit, sometimes he kicks back and drinks his wine wearing his joggers.

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Xavier

Roanoke

Xavier Tramaine Duckett is a community leader, artist, entrepreneur, traveler, and mentor based in Roanoke, VA, where he was raised in a culture of service, generosity, and love for community. In 2015, Xavier moved back to Roanoke after finishing his football career at ODU, with the mission to not only give back to his community, but to uplift it. He recognized the need for local youth empowerment programs and founded nonprofit The Humble Hustle Co. with that in mind. Xavier has leveraged his diverse background to impact youth and inspire others. His work continues to uplift his community and its members.

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