Lorna Pinckney
Photo Credit: Facebook @VersesTheOpenMic
About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Lorna Pinckney
Lorna Pinckney was born on July 12, 1974, in Brooklyn, New York. Showing creativity and artistic talent at an early age, she was accepted into The Pratt Institute's Youth Skills program, and later attended the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York.
In 1992, Lorna Pinckney relocated to Richmond to attend Virginia Union University. She later enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and advertising in 1998. While a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, Lorna Pinckney held leadership positions in the Black Student Union and a student newspaper called The Vine.
Lorna Pinckney gained prominence in Richmond for starting an open microphone poetry and spoken-word series called Tuesday Verses: The Open Mic in 2002. Tuesday Verses events became known for providing a welcoming, creative atmosphere for not only poets, but also musicians, singers, comedians, dancers, and other artists to refine their craft and hone their skills in a safe, supportive space. In 2010, the open mic series expanded to Washington, D.C., in a companion series dubbed Wednesday Verses. Lorna Pinckney helmed the events herself for nearly 15 years. Tuesday Verses events are still occurring to this day, making it one of longest running open mic series on the East Coast.
In addition to her work with Tuesday Verses, Lorna Pinckney was the owner of and creative force behind Upside Marketing and Consulting, LLC. Her clientele included small businesses and churches throughout the Richmond area, and local nonprofits such as the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and Girls for a Change.
Lorna Pinckney passed away on October 5, 2017, at the age of 43. Despite her passing, Tuesday Verses events are still occurring to this day, making them one of longest running open mic series on the East Coast.
Designation Area:
The 300 block of North 2nd Street has been given the honorary designation of Lorna Pinckney Place.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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