At Monticello, a new Edith Hern Fossett portrait emerges
A commissioned portrait adds nuance to the life of one of Monticello’s most well-known enslaved chefs. by Tiana Woodard Though inanimate, the portrait “Who Is Edith Hern Fossett?” emits a warmth of its own. Strokes of a meticulous artist’s hand form a toothy smile. An intricate pattern of sequined fabrics,…
No Cap: HBCUs Are Built Different
Everything you need to know about HBCUs — and why you need to be at the 434 College Fair on March 7th So… What Even Is an HBCU? Let’s set…
MatchBox’s Craft Without Ego, Creativity With Restraint
by Channing J. Mathews Channing J. Mathews is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she works as an assistant professor at the University of Virginia. Her journalism experience comes from a…
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Black Excellence vs. Classism
by Khalilah Jones Hot Take: When “Black Excellence” Gets Mistaken for a VIP Section Somewhere along the way, “Black Excellence” caught a rebrand it did not ask for. It went from a community standard to…
Saving Our Seeds
Dr. Kayri Havens of the Chicago Botanic Garden works to preserve seeds. Her institution lends seeds out to researchers by the dozens every year. Photo provided by the Chicago Botanic Garden by Katrina L. Spencer…
The Rundown: Issue 3
The interior of low waste store Refill & Renew where customers can find jugs, buckets and tanks of liquid products “on tap.” Image provided by Mandy Drumheller by Katrina L. Spencer Happy New Year! We’re…
Five Composting Tips for Home Gardeners
Latoya Brown-Zimmermann reaches for a plant while surrounded by greenery. Image provided by Latoya Brown-Zimmermann by Katrina L. Spencer and Latoya Brown-Zimmermann Step into Latoya Brown-Zimmermann’s Birmingham garden and you’ll find a carefully curated microfarm:…
fall 2025
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A.D. Carson
The Living Archive: Professor A.D. Carson on D’Angelo, Dope, and Hip Hop’s Technology
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Swipe Safety: The Dating App Education We Learn from Each Other
by Dr. Vincent Jones II Dr. Vincent Jones II is an Assistant Professor of Community Health at York College, The…
Who Tells Charlottesville’s Story? Next-Generation Voices Shape Our Cultural Legacy
by Jessica Harris Jessica Harris is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and has written for Vinegar Hill Magazine for 3 years.…
This Is Your Warning: Black Love Is About to Be Outside
by Khalilah Jones Some events you attend. Others become the one people keep referencing. The 2026 Black Love Symposium &…
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Wartime Boxing: He Cut His Safety Net, Now 2,000 Kids Are Following
by Marquan E. Jones The heavy bag swings like a pendulum. Thud. Thud. Thud. Matrix—lean, focused—plants his feet and fires…
A Full Circle Moment: Katrina Spencer Returns to Vinegar Hill Magazine
by Sarad Davenport Vinegar Hill Magazine is proud to announce a familiar face is returning to its editorial team. Katrina…