The On Native Ground initiative aims to make visible Indigenous histories across the Americas, as well as work with local tribes to establish a strong network for Native communities and scholarship at VCU. The initiative includes the newly-inaugurated Land Acknowledgement working group, a guest lecture series spotlighting Indigenous scholars, and the Karenne Wood Writer/Artist residency program.

The Humanities Research Center and the College of Humanities and Sciences invite faculty, postdocs, and graduate students to join us for weekly writing sessions at the Valentine House, every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come for the entire morning or commit just 30 minutes of focused writing, find a community of scholars working on exciting projects, and (re)connect with others. Coffee and snacks are provided.

The Applied Humanities Initiative at the HRC, launched in direct partnership with the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), will have three components: research, curricular, and community engagement. Students participating in this initiative will hone their skills in critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning, and cultural literacy, and be prepared for a job market where "soft skills" will become increasingly necessary.