Richmond: A Destination Rich in Black American History and Present-Day Appeal

As we enter February and start recognizing Black Historical past Month, one vacation spot stands out with a purpose-driven deal with preserving and showcasing Black historical past across the metropolis: Richmond, Virginia.

As soon as one of many epicenters of the slave commerce in North America, Richmond is right this moment changing into a vibrant epicenter for Black tradition, group and historical past. One group serving to to showcase this aspect of the area is BLK RVA, a collaboration between Richmond Area Tourism and over twenty group leaders.

Working to extend tourism and assist Black-owned companies develop, BLK RVA’s web site provides lists of historic websites, eating places and different sights within the area that showcase its Black heritage.

“Richmond’s historical past has a robust connection to our nation’s African American roots and our area is a gateway to Black historical past, resilience, tradition, and success. Richmond was on the heart of the home slave commerce and the capital of the Confederacy throughout the Civil Warfare. These factors have to be mentioned and acknowledged,” mentioned Tameka Jefferson, Neighborhood Relations Supervisor of Richmond Area Tourism, overseeing BLK RVA.

“Richmond can be on the heart of African American resilience, entrepreneurism and legacy-building. We’re dwelling to Maggie L. Walker, the primary African American lady within the U.S. to discovered a financial institution. We’re dwelling to the Jackson Ward neighborhood, as soon as referred to as the Harlem of the South. These legacies stay on within the type of current day Black group, Black enterprise, and Black tradition that’s thriving and makes the Richmond Area extra vibrant than ever earlier than.”

The Black Historical past Museum & Cultural Middle of Virginia, the self-guided Richmond Slave Path, the American Civil Warfare Museum, the Jackson Ward Neighborhood, thought-about the Harlem of the South, and so many different sights not solely present folks with a larger connection to America’s usually forgotten previous, however they reveal the resiliency and the contribution the Black expertise in America has on the current day.

The place the statue of Accomplice Normal Robert E. Lee as soon as stood on Monument Avenue is now the place the brand new Emancipation and Freedom Memorial now stands. The 2 bronze statues that comprise the memorial present a person, lady and toddler newly free of slavery; a robust reminder of how far we’ve come.

Apart from the historic monuments, Richmond can be wealthy in artwork. Hamilton Glass’ Mending Partitions is a public artwork challenge that options murals addressing problems with racial injustice and demonstrating that understanding and collaboration may also help transfer everybody ahead into a greater tomorrow. That includes artists of various backgrounds and collaborations with native non-profits, the Mending Partitions are positively greater than only a enjoyable photo-op.

BLK RVA additionally showcases a number of Black-owned companies and eating places on its web site. C’est Le Vin is a wine bar and artwork gallery that mixes inventive dishes with wine tastings and poetry readings, or stay jazz performances by native bands.

Lillie Pearl, owned by chef Michael Lindsey, combines West African and Southern meals to create dishes like Obe Ata braised lamb shanks whereas Ruby Scoops, owned by chef Rabia Kamara, provides pure, handmade ice lotions that gained “Ben & Jerry’s: Conflict of the Cones” contest in 2021.

For extra details about BLK RVA or Richmond’s many sights, please click on right here.