Samantha Willis

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a native of Hanover County, and I still am a resident of Hanover today. I’m a wife, a mom of boys, and an independent journalist and writer. In addition to those hats, I’m also the co-creator of the Unmasking series, which is a learning series focused on the history of race and racism across the state of Virginia, and the impact racism has on our contemporary society.

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Describe Richmond in 2 words.
Historic, Complex, Striving

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From sun up to sun down, what’s your ideal day in RVA?
I love Elegba Folklore Society; they have art installations and exhibits from regional Black artists, and they keep lots of artifacts and objects from the African diaspora for sale. I always learn something new when I visit. Janine Bell gives a great history lesson and refresher course on all things Black culture when you stop by.

The Black History Museum is another favorite; I love it as a casual visitor, but I can’t tell you how much of my work as a journalist has been supported by using the Black History Museum as a resource. They have a wealth of knowledge there that’s unavailable anywhere else in the city. 

I of course have to grab a bite at Spoonbread Bistro. I love Chef Michael Hall; my husband and I recently went for our anniversary, and it was an incredible experience.  

When I’m feeling like a more down-home vibe, Croaker’s Spot is my go-to. I pop in there often; it feels like I’m visiting my cousin. I know that at Croaker’s Spot, I’m gonna get great food and great service. 

When it’s a family night, we’re heading to Sugar’s Crab Shack. My family loves seafood, and they have amazing shrimp.  

I can’t forget Kelli Lemon’s Urban Hang Suite. It’s a coffee shop, yes, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a great place for talking, connecting, and vibing with people. 

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What would you say is Richmond’s best kept secret?  
The Jackson Ward neighborhood. When you think about Black Richmond, you think about Jackson Ward. Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in particular is a wealth of knowledge about the Black experience in Richmond, and how Black people and freedmen were able to build a religious and social organization that’s sustained generations of Black people in Richmond. They have a museum in their basement, and the church historian, Benny Ross, is an encyclopedia of information. The museum has incredible artifacts, and they were one of the first churches to give items to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Even if you’re not religious, Sixth Mount Zion shows how religion has always intersected with social life in Richmond. Check it out. Tell Mr. Benny I sent you. 

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BLK RVA is all about supporting the thriving Black businesses and culture in the Richmond region and encouraging tourists to do the same. What’s one thing every visitor MUST do/see when they come to our region? 
Visit our newly-dubbed Arthur Ashe Boulevard. It’s a tribute to a truly great man. Visit the space where Brookfield Park used to be; it was the only public park in the city of Richmond available for African Americans during the time Arthur Ashe was growing up; it’s actually where he learned to play. 

You also have to visit Virginia Union University. It’s one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in the country. They actually have a museum on their campus that many don’t know about, and it has small art exhibitions and historic objects. They have a rich repository of history.

There’s no shortage of events and cultural festivals in Richmond. HeArt & Soul Brew Fest happens every July, the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience is every March, and the Afrikana Independent Film Festival is another yearly favorite. I always tell visitors to visit the art district and enjoy local galleries; they’re becoming more and more inclusive now. Lastly, Shockoe Espresso coffee shop. It’s not Black-owned, but it features the beautiful artwork of Black artists. 

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You’re from Hanover. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re staying close to home? 
There are quite a few new restaurants in Hanover; Ashland Catering Company is new, Black-owned, and they have excellent, delicious food. I take my children to Hanover Vegetable Farm and Ashland Berry Farm. It’s rural here, so we’re always going to farmer’s markets, which we have every single week. Ashland Theater was recently renovated, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see the range of films and live shows they’re offering; they’re way more inclusive than anything I remember growing up. Ashland is really walkable, so I take my children to the different toy shops and pet shops. We love spending time in Ashland.

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When we say the name BLK RVA, what does that mean to you?
Let me just say: There is no RVA, no Richmond, without Black people. To me, the term BLK RVA means we’re finally making RVA a term for everyone, not just for upwardly mobile millennial white people, which is very much how it felt when the “RVA” name emerged. BLK RVA really feels like we’re a part of that upward mobility and new momentum that’s taking place in the city, and we’re a taking part of what Richmond’s becoming. BLK RVA acknowledges Black people’s place in the new and emerging Richmond.