"We The People" | CPDP photographs at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture

The new exhibition "We The People" at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC) in Richmond, Virginia, tells the many stories of immigrants and immigration to the Commonwealth since the first English settlement in 1607 in Jamestown, and includes perspectives from the Native American community.  

Many of the contemporary photographs on display are from the collection of the Columbia Pike Documentary Project, mostly by chief photographer Lloyd Wolf, and an additional contribution by CPDP writer/interviewer/artist Sushmita Mazumdar of Studio Pause. There are also excerpts of interviews we did with Columbia Pike residents included as part of the extensive project. The exhibition will be shown in Richmond until September 7, 2026, then travel throughout the state.

Thanks to our friend and supporter David Bearinger for connecting us to the VMHC, to co-curators Julie Maio Kemper and Noah Tinsley, and the staff and leadership of the VMHC. Much obliged.

International Mother Language Day Multicultural Program 2026 | Furthering the vision

Prio Bangla, a local Bangladeshi-American organization, presented a vibrant multicultural program as part of their annual International Mother Language Day ceremonies. Columbia Pike Documentary Project photographer Dewey Tron was on hand to record the performances and speakers. Among the many international cultural representatives were dance troupes and musicians from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bolivia, Mexico, Burma/Myanmar, Indonesia, and China, among others.

A panel of distinguished community and cultural leaders was chaired by leading arts advocate Marcia Semmel. It included County Board members Takis Karantonis, JD Spain, educator Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez, and Columbia Pike Partnership executive Andrew Schneider, Dr. Pryalal Karmakar, Mukta Bain, and other dignitaries from the Bangladeshi-American community. 

Thanks to Dr. Pryalal Karmakar, executive director of Prio Bangla and the organization's many volunteers for staging this meaningful program for our community.

Photography by Dewey Tron.

Full Circle Montessori School International Night - Model UN fundraiser

The parents, students, supporters, and staff of the Full Circle Montessori School on Columbia Pike held their annual Annual International Night Model UN fundraiser. Students presented their research projects, games and activities were held, and a meal highlighting Irish heritage was served. Thanks to the community, and especially to staff members Christie Yang and Andrea Meszaros for hosting the school's multicultural event.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.

School director, Christie Yang