Spencer E. Jones, III
Photo Credit: Richmond Free Press
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.
Spencer E. Jones, III
Spencer E. Jones, III has been instrumental in preserving the memory and legacy of the Historic Fulton community. This historically significant, predominantly Black neighborhood in Richmond’s East End was demolished as part of the Fulton Urban Renewal Plan of 1970, which resulted in the destruction of more than 800 homes, businesses, and structures, and led to the displacement of thousands of people.
Mr. Jones, a former resident of Fulton, has raised public awareness of the fate of his old neighborhood through his service as Chief Executive Officer of the Historic Fulton Foundation, and dedicated much time and effort in recording oral history interviews with people who knew the area before its erasure. This work contributed greatly to The Valentine Museum’s Historic Fulton Oral History Project – a project to connect with former Fulton residents to add objects, photos, oral histories, and more information to the museum’s collection.
In July 2020, Spencer E. Jones, III attended the groundbreaking of the Historic Fulton Memorial Park at 5001 Williamsburg Avenue. This triangular shaped park will serve as a memorial and commemoration to the old Fulton neighborhood, ensuring that its history is never forgotten.
Designation Area:
The portion of Williamsburg Avenue located between its intersection with Goddin Street and its intersection with Williamsburg Road has been given the honorary designation of Spencer E. Jones, III Street.
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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