Explore the Richmond Region’s Rich African-American Heritage during Black History Month

12-22-2011

 

Explore the Richmond Region’s Rich African-American Heritage during Black History Month
Special exhibits and unique tours offer visitors a memorable experience

Richmond, VA (December 22) - The African-American story in the Richmond Region is one of struggle, strength, courage and determination. From the slave markets in Shockoe Bottom to the battlefields of the Civil War, and from arts and entrepreneurship in the Jackson Ward neighborhood to Civil Rights protests downtown, African-Americans have made their mark in all corners of the Richmond Region. Visitors are invited to learn about the African-American experience in Central Virginia at a number of special Black History Month events, exhibits and tours throughout February.

For an authentic experience like no other, visitors can take part in a guided tour of the Richmond Slave Trail that chronicles Richmond’s role in the slave trade as the largest exporter of enslaved Africans on the East Coast in pre-Civil War America. Led by The Elegba Folklore Society, the walk takes participants past significant landmarks such as the Manchester Docks, a major port in the massive downriver slave trade; the site of the former slave markets of Richmond; the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue commemorating the international triangular slave trade; Lumpkin's Jail; the Negro Burial Ground; and the First African Baptist Church, a center of African-American life in pre-Civil War Richmond. New interpretive signage along the trail offers a self-guided option. Call (804) 646-8911 to arrange a guided tour.

During Black History Month, the elegant Victorian Maymont Mansion will host “Upstairs/Downstairs” to explore the juxtaposition between the home’s upstairs elegance and the downstairs employee quarters. The tour is led through the eyes of the employees, many of whom were African American, who toiled behind the scenes to maintain a millionaire couple’s home in turn-of-the-20th-century Richmond. Saturdays, February 4-25, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Call (804) 358-7166, ext. 329.

February 6-24, Richmond Region’s Henrico County will host an extraordinary quilt exhibit “Each Quilt, A Story” by the Sisters of the Yam African-American Quilters Guild. Guests will enjoy the art and craftsmanship of beautiful quilts and learn about their history and culture with demonstrations and displays at Walkerton Tavern. Call (804) 501-5134 or (804) 261-6898.

The Virginia Historical Society (VHS) is presenting a number of events for Black History Month. Call (804) 358-4901 for details and registration.

• February 5, 11 a.m.: Presentation about the Unknown No Longer project, a new database containing numerous accounts that collectively help tell the stories of African Americans who have lived in Virginia.
• February 15, noon: “Slavery in Virginia” gallery walk
• February 16, 6 p.m. “The Civil Rights Movement in Virginia” gallery walk
• February 23, noon: Lecture about “The Bicentennial of John Jasper”
• Stories at the Museum: VHS staff will read children’s books related to Black History Month and then lead an activity related to the story.
  • February 4 and 18, 11 a.m.: Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine.
  • February 9 and 23, 5 p.m.: A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson.

Chesterfield County Library will also hold a number of events to recognize Black History Month. Call (804) 530-3403 for details and registration. 

• February 27, 11a.m., Chester Library: Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, Sr. will talk about his participation in the June 1961 Freedom Rides, his relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his incredible life experiences.
• Various dates, times and locations throughout the month:
  • Experience the rhythm and movement of African dance with the Sankofa Dance Theatre from Virginia State University. Other musical events will teach participants about Latin and Caribbean rhythms, African music and blues.
  • Storyteller Fred Motley will share African-American stories.

Throughout 2012, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church will celebrate the bi-centennial of the birth of Reverend John Jasper (1812-1901). John Jasper, a former slave and nationally celebrated preacher best known for his 1878 sermon "De Sun Do Move, organized the Jackson Ward church in 1867.

The Richmond Region’s Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia showcases artifacts and objects that illustrate the history of African-Americans with a focus on Virginia. In the neighboring Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, visitors learn about this impressive daughter of a former slave who later achieved success as a businesswoman and community leader. The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar is the first museum of its kind to explore the war through three interwoven perspectives: Union, Confederate and African-American.

Check out the Footprints in Time itinerary for more information on African-American Heritage in the Richmond Region. The Richmond Region offers visitors a range of accommodation options from five-star, five-diamond hotels to charming Bed & Breakfasts. Visit VisitRichmondVA.com/Packages for information about special rates and packages.

*Attached image: Torch-lit tour of the Richmond Slave Trail led by the Elegba Folklore Society. Credit to Jeff Saxman

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The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), the official destination marketing and tourism organization for the Richmond Region, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Region to meeting planners, tour operators and leisure travelers. RMCVB operates three Visitor Centers located at the Greater Richmond Convention Center downtown, the Richmond International Airport and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Hanover County.

More than 5.7 million people visit the Richmond Region annually, contributing more than $1.7 billion to the local economy. Tourism generates nearly 20,000 jobs in the Richmond Region. For more information, visitwww.VisitRichmondVA.com.

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