Posted on Feb. 5, 2025

The City of Richmond celebrates Black History Month and the rich contributions of Black American Richmonders. Black History Month, born out of Negro History Week and founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, is a time to commemorate and celebrate the contributions Black Americans have made to shaping of our nation. The City recognize and celebrate the contributions of Richmond leaders past and present like former Richmond Mayor and State Senator Henry L. Marsh; former Governor and Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder; former State Senator Dr. William Ferguson "Fergie" Reid; the Richmond 34; Dorothy Height; Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr.; Bill "Bojangles" Robinson; John Mitchell, Jr.; Oliver Hill; Arthur Ash; and Maggie Lena Walker.

Throughout the month of February, organizations including the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond Public Library, Library of Virginia, Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, and The Valentine Museum among others, are hosting exhibits, educational programs, and events focused on the extraordinary history and achievements of Black Americans in our City and nation. Richmonders are encouraged to take advantage of this programming to deepen their understanding of the contributions of Black Americans.

"Black American Richmonders have played an undeniable role in shaping American history and culture. From the efforts of the Richmond 34 to the legacy of Maggie Lena Walker, Black Richmonders have been and remain at the forefront of the culture and of change. Today, Black leaders across our City continue to carry the torch of their ancestors-upholding the stories and legacy of the past, building on the present, and looking with great aspiration towards the future," said, Traci J. Deshazor, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services and Chief Equity Officer.

The City of Richmond is recognizing Black History Month in several ways this year. City Hall will be illuminated throughout the month both in recognition of Black History Month and to commemorate the anniversary of the Richmond 34 - when, in 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students staged a nonviolent sit-in at the segregated lunch counter in the Thalhimers department store downtown. Their efforts were a key event in the Civil Rights Movement and helped influence the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Additionally, throughout the month of February, the City of Richmond will be facilitating programming:

Food Truck Fridays

• Fridays; Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28

• Richmonders are encouraged to join us midday every Friday in February in supporting Black-owned businesses. In particular, each Friday during the month of February, different food trucks will be featured outside of City Hall.

Wellness Wednesday

• Wednesday, Feb. 12

• Several area organizations will host informational tables in City Hall for Richmonders to connect with resources and services that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Membership Monday

• Monday, Feb. 24

• Several area organizations will host informational tables in City Hall for Richmonders to learn more about their programs and services and to explore potential membership.

Additional events

• Feb. 13, 5 - 8 p.m.; The City of Richmond will host a Black Love Expo: A Celebration of Familial Love, Arts, and Culture featuring food, music, and a series of discussions on history and culture, art and music, and love. The event will be hosted by Kelli Lemon and will take place at Main Street Station.

• The City of Richmond will partner with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia - with support from Shockoe-area partners, Venture Richmond, and The Art Seen - to create Portals, "a community-based exhibition currently on display in Shockoe Bottom that features large-scale, historic photographs depicting African Americans from the early 1800s to the 1980s. More information can be found here.

• The Richmond Public Library is also hosting a series of events across several library branches. A comprehensive list can be found here.

Residents should visit visitblkrva.com to learn more about additional area programming and Black-owned area businesses they may consider supporting

"Black history is an indelible part of America's story. During Black History Month - particularly in this moment - I encourage everyone to explore the legacy of Black Americans in our country and learn from their examples of resounding resilience in the face of extreme challenges." said Mayor Danny Avula. "Throughout the month, I plan to visit local museums and participate in events across the City that acknowledge the beauty of the Black experience and the complexity of that history."

Looking forward, the City of Richmond is committed to upholding the stories of the enslaved Africans and their descendants who crossed through our waterways, many of whom may still reside in the City today. These stories will be featured prominently in the Shockoe Project.

The Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent. Anticipated components of The Shockoe Project include the Shockoe Institute, National Slavery Museum, Lumpkin's Slave Jail, Mary Lumpkin Event Lawn, The African Burial Ground, National Memorial, as well as The Winfree Cottage, The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, and the Trail of the Enslaved. The project is currently in the final planning stages. Residents can learn more about this effort here.

Added Richmond City Council President Dr. Cynthia Newbille, "This Black History Month, we're proud to showcase Richmond's layered relationship with African Americans in Virginia and beyond. From the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site to the many significant sites being commemorated through The Shockoe Project - such as the Lumpkin's Slave Jail, the Trail of the Enslaved, and the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground - Richmond offers countless opportunities to explore and learn from its cultural landmarks. I invite everyone to find time to visit some of them this month."