Richmond BLK History
To understand America, we must understand the African-American experience.
From enslavement to presidency, the Black story is the story of the United States. Richmond, Virginia is one of the most important pieces to that story. The center of the domestic slave trade in North America. The origin of 1 in 4 African-Americans. Home to the former "Harlem of the South". Birthplace to a new cool that flourishes today. In Richmond you will find the heart of what it is to be American and the Black history that helped to shape this country.
On this page we will explore the history of Richmond’s Black culture, highlighting the story of enslaved people and exploring the Blackwell and Jackson Ward communities.
Join us on this journey as we unlock a small part of the legacy that is Richmond’s Black history.
community
retracing our past
Despite being one of the largest slave-trading centers in the Upper South, Richmond’s history is rich with stories of enslaved people and their struggle to overcome in a world built for their destruction.
exploring blackwell
Once home to a thriving populist of African Americans who owned businesses and institutions, Blackwell's deep roots are beginning to be restored. New black-owned businesses are helping to preserve history and continue Blackwell's legacy.
exploring jackson ward
Nicknamed the "Harlem of the South" and "Black Wall Street." Home to Maggie Walker and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, this historic neighborhood was once the center of black excellence. On the rise, the Jackson Ward community is building a name for itself once again.