WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJ 620

Commending <i>NORTH of the JAMES</i> magazine.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 8 co-sponsors

Ceremonial resolution commends NORTH of the JAMES magazine for 30 years of local journalism serving Richmond and honors founder Charles McGuigan.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ620ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 620

Summary: House Joint Resolution 620 (HJ620ER) – Commending NORTH of the JAMES magazine

Purpose and intent

  • HJ620ER is a ceremonial, non-binding House Joint Resolution that commends NORTH of the JAMES magazine on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.
  • The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for the publication’s legacy of community-focused journalism and its service to the Richmond area.

Background and context

  • NORTH of the JAMES was established in 1994 by Charles McGuigan, originally as Northside, to strengthen community identity in the Bellevue neighborhood of Northside Richmond.
  • Over 30 years, the magazine has produced more than 300 issues, totaling over two million words, and conducted more than 1,000 interviews with leading Virginians.
  • The publication is a member of the Virginia Press Association and has earned numerous awards for writing, photography, and design.
  • The resolution notes that the magazine will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special commemorative issue featuring 30 standout stories from its history.

Key provisions

  • The General Assembly “hereby commends NORTH of the JAMES magazine on the occasion of its 30th anniversary of service to the Richmond community.”
  • The Clerk of the House of Delegates is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Charles McGuigan, the founder of NORTH of the JAMES, recognizing the publication’s journalistic achievements.
  • The resolution highlights the magazine’s role as an alternative to larger corporate media sources and its adherence to high standards of journalistic integrity.

Who or what is affected

  • NORTH of the JAMES magazine and its founder, Charles McGuigan, receive official recognition from the General Assembly.
  • The broader Northside and Greater Richmond communities are acknowledged for benefiting from the magazine’s local journalism.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 8, 2025.
  • House action: Agreed to by the House of Delegates on February 17, 2025 (voice vote).
  • Senate action: Agreed to by the Senate on February 19, 2025 (voice vote).
  • Enrolled as HJ620ER: The enrolled version reflects passage by both chambers and is the version cited as “bill text as passed House and Senate” on March 21, 2025.
  • Patronage: House sponsors include Carr, Cousins, Gardner, Jones, and McQuinn; Senate sponsors include Aird, Bagby, Hashmi, and VanValkenburg.

Bottom line

HJ620ER is a ceremonial resolution recognizing a long-standing local publication for its 30-year contribution to journalism and community life in Richmond, coupled with a formal gesture of appreciation to its founder and a plan to honor the milestone with a commemorative issue.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.