The Urban Renewal Center

Violence must not win. Hope will!

Join us for the 4th Evening of Hope—an unforgettable evening of music, remembrance, and healing as we unite to honor lives lost to violence, stand with survivors, and declare that hope is stronger than fear.

- Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- 7:00 PM
- Ogden Hall, Hampton University

Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (Virginia Symphony Orchestra) with special guests Omar Dickenson & the Hampton University Concert Choir, Brian Darden II (The Voice) (Brian Darden ii 🥷🏾🌙) and Rebecka Hoffman (BECK WEST).

Let’s come together as one community to remember, heal, and inspire hope for the next generation.

Violence must not have the final word. Hope will.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate 250 years of this nation's story — its freedoms, its founding, and the enduring hope that "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty" still stirs in us.

As we mark this milestone, may we give thanks for the blessings of freedom and recommit ourselves to the common good — justice, dignity, and liberty for all.

We wish you and your family a safe and joyful Independence Day.

We are THRILLED to welcome our newest ISTREAM cohort — 70 Norfolk kids and counting! Big-ups to Mary Otton - our program coordinator, and Trinity Presbyterian Church for the partnership!

This summer is blazing with excitement as our young learners dive into the arts, with STEM programming on the way.

None of this would be possible without a grant from the City of Norfolk and our incredible supporters. When you invest in URC’s ISTREAM, you invest in our kids. 💛

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you to everyone who joined us “at the table” for an evening of fellowship, meaningful conversation, shared stories, and joyful laughter. Your presence reminded us that community is one of God’s greatest gifts. Every smile, every conversation, and every moment of connection strengthened the bonds that unite us in friendship, faith, and purpose.

We are deeply thankful for each of you and for the opportunity to gather together around the table. May the relationships nurtured tonight continue to inspire, encourage, and uplift us as we serve our communities and walk together in hope.

Someone asked me, “Why aren't black people doing more about the issues in their community?”

The following are findings from social scientific research:

1. Black households have often given 3%–4% of their income to charity (at times, above tithing, if they tithe), a higher share than other racial and ethnic groups.

2. Research from the Urban Institute found that Black families contributed the largest proportion of their wealth to charity among major racial and ethnic groups.

3. Researchers also note that Black Americans frequently engage in informal giving, such as supporting relatives, neighbors, churches, and community members directly, which is sometimes undercounted in traditional philanthropy statistics.

Each month, the Urban Renewal Center welcomes a guest speaker from across our city to help connect faith leaders with community leaders who are shaping the future of Norfolk. This past Wednesday, we were honored to welcome Dr. Jeff Rose, the new Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools. His vision, leadership, and commitment to students sparked meaningful conversation about the vital partnership between education, faith, and the broader community. Together, we reflected on how the faith community serves as an important partner in helping children and families thrive — offering encouragement, mentorship, support, and hope so that every student has the opportunity to excel both in and beyond the classroom.

On this National Day of Prayer, we pause to lift our nation before God. 🇺🇸🙏🏽

In a world filled with division, uncertainty, and unrest, we believe prayer still has the power to heal, unite, strengthen, and renew. May we seek God’s face together — for our schools, our communities, our leaders, and our future.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

Join us today, Thursday, May 7, 2026, as we unite in faith and prayer.
Because change begins on our knees.