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Richmond and its surrounding regions offer a unique and vibrant experience to not only its residents, but visitors from all over the world. We are recognized for our rich culture, thriving businesses, and unique architecture which in many instances can be connected to our deeply rooted history - Black history. These contributions were initially felt through the labor of enslaved Africans and have extended into present day. Retracing Richmond’s history through the lens of Black culture provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s evolution over time.

 
 

Omilade Janine Bell, President and Artistic Director of Elegba Folklore Society, discusses the importance of sharing the origin story of Richmond's enslaved African people and how this experience and legacy have become a large part of the work she continues to do today.

Free Bangura shares how the lack of African-centered experiences and knowledge of ancestral narratives help drive her creation of Untold RVA and Untold Tours. Watch highlights from Untold RVA presents BROTHER GENERAL GABRIEL, which was created in response to the submersion of a significant story of Black determination and freedom.

 
 

Interviews

BLK RVA Merch

In recognition of Richmond's amazing Black history, we’ve released BLK RVA merchandise highlighting the theme, “Rooted in power, Rising in progress.” Art by Shannon Bass + Jason Ford. Visit visitblkrva.com/store for details.

 
 
 

Plan a Trip

Richmond's Black History runs deep. To understand its past is to retrace history from enslavement to the vibrant culture of today. Visit the many attractions Richmond has to offer and discover how the stories of the past are so closely linked to present day.

 
 
The Richmond Slave Trail is a walking trail that chronicles the history of the trade of enslaved Africans from Africa to Virginia until 1775, and away from Virginia, especially Richmond, to other locations in the Americas until 1865.
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The virtual black history timeline at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia shows the history of African Americans is traced from Before Common Era (BCE) to present day on a 35 foot multi-paneled, interactive timeline significant dates and historical events.
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The Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue completes the triangle of Richmond; the city of Liverpool, England; and the Republic of Benin, each of which played a prominent role in the slave trade. Three identical statues symbolize a commitment to new relationships based on honesty and forgiveness.
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Elegba Folklore Society is a year-round, lively celebration of African and African American culture. Visit the Society's cultural center to enjoy art and imports. Be in their performing company’s audience, join a heritage tour, or catch a vibe at a cultural festival for the best in African world cultural experiences that illuminate the present and value the past.
 
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Resources

 
 

organizations/causes

 

AUDIO

A Sound History for the Trail of Enslaved People" is an artwork by Dr. Vaughn W. Garland and RightHereOnce.org. This audio walk and digital map is a part of a series of works featuring field recordings and community conversation around Richmond, VA
 
 

online learning

 

digital Experiences

videos

Courtesy of Another View, WHRO Public Media