Friday, January 30, 2015

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold a Highland Park Neighborhood Housing and Property Code Violations Meeting

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Friday, 30 January 2015 Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold a Highland Park Neighborhood Housing and Property Code Violations Meeting All Richmond Highland Park Neighborhood and Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) - The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, will hold a Highland Park Housing and Property Code Violations Meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss Richmond Housing Code Violations and Citations in the Highland Park Neighborhood. The meeting will also include information on plans for the use of the Ann Hardy Plaza and Gabriel Prosser Park spaces. This meeting is free and open to the public and all Highland Park Neighborhood and Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. WHEN Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:00-7:30 p.m. WHERE Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center 3300 1st Avenue; Richmond, Virginia CONTACT For more information, please contact Mr. Michael Winborne, Liaison for The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (tel), or michael.winborne@richmondgov.com (email) - E N D - ______________________________________________________________ Steve Skinner Council Public Information Manager RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) www.facebook.com/RichmondCityCouncilVirginiaUSA (facebook) ______________________________________________________________ MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a meeting for the Richmond Central 5th Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Thursday, 29 January 2015 Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a meeting for the Richmond Central 5th Voter District All Richmond Central 5th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District, will hold a district-wide meeting for the Richmond Central 5th Voter District. This is part of regular meetings Councilman Agelasto holds, which include information on his Richmond Central 5th Voter District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Central 5th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The planned agenda/discussion topics for the upcoming meeting include: • Richmond Recycles Program Ms. Darlene Mallory, Support Services Manager Richmond Department of Public Works • Richmond Stormwater Utility Program Ms. Gay Stokes, Administrative Project Analyst Richmond Department of Public Utilities • Richmond’s Holistic Poverty Reduction and Community Wealth Building Conversation Mr. Thad Williamson, PhD., Director Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building • Budget Discussion and District Updates The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District WHEN Wednesday, February 4, 2015 6:30-8:00 p.m. WHERE Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities William Byrd Park - Roundhouse Westover Road/Lakeview Avenue 600 S. Boulevard; Richmond, Virginia WHO The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District CONTACT For more information, please contact: The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District, at 804.646.6050 (tel), or parker.agelasto@richmondgov.com (email) Councilman Agelasto’s Upcoming Richmond Central 5th Voter District Meetings Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Patrick Henry Elementary School of Science and Arts 3411 Semmes Avenue; Richmond, Virginia Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Randolph Community Center 1425 Grayland Avenue; Richmond, Virginia Wednesday, August 5, 2015 BACK TO SCHOOL MEETING Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond - Southside Club 2409 Bainbridge Street; Richmond, Virginia Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities William Byrd Park - Roundhouse Westover Road/Lakeview Avenue 600 S. Boulevard; Richmond, Virginia Wednesday, December 2, 2015 HOLIDAY PARTY Virginia War Memorial 621 South Belvidere Street; Richmond, Virginia - E N D - ____________________________________________________ Steve Skinner Council Public Information Manager RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) www.facebook.com/RichmondCityCouncilVirginiaUSA ____________________________________________________ MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold important first 2015 meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss Community Policing and Alternatives to Incarceration

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Thursday, 29 January 2015 Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold important first 2015 meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss Community Policing and Alternatives to Incarceration All Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) - The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, will hold a district-wide meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District. The planned program for this meeting is to discuss Community Policing and Alternatives to Incarceration. “Recent events here in the City, as well as around the country, have underscored the importance of collaborative relationships between our local police department and the communities it serves,” says The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District. “It is important that we have honest dialogue as we work to build trust, improve community and police relationships, and eradicate racial and socioeconomic disparities for a more stable, stronger and safer City.” “The City’s alternatives to incarceration initiative, an offshoot of the City’s Anti-Poverty Commission, is a critical component in addressing not only racial and economic disparities in the City, but also positive relationships between the community and law enforcement officials,” says Councilwoman Robertson, who also chairs the Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Commission. “Mass incarceration is one of the greatest Civil Rights issues of our time,” says Councilwoman Robertson. “In Virginia, there are more than 38,000 prison inmates. One of every 89 adults is incarcerated. In addition, the make-up of prison admissions has shifted towards less serious offenses. Nearly 6 in 10 persons in State prisons for a drug offense have no history of violence or significant selling activity. More individuals are being arrested for non-violent offenses than ever before. In the face of these alarming trends, we know we’ve got to find a better way to ensure the continued economic vibrancy of this region.” The planned agenda for this meeting includes the following: • Col. Ray Tarasovic, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department “Blue Light” - How to keep it safe and build community-police relationships • The Honorable Levar Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s goal to restore Voting Rights to thousands of Virginians • Mr. Rufus Fleming, Director, Richmond Department of Justice Services Alternatives to Incarceration, Decreasing the Jail Population • Followed by a reception to honor Col. Ray Tarasovic, Chief of Police Richmond Police Department for his dedicated service to Richmond. Exhibitors: Drug Rehabilitation Services Mental Health Services Jobs and Career Workforce Centers This is part of the regular meetings Councilwoman Robertson typically holds each month, which include information on her Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District goals and accomplishments; thematic agendas of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Free refreshments will be served. WHEN Saturday, January 31, 2015 12:30-2:00 p.m. WHERE Bon Secours Washington Football Training Camp 2401 West Leigh Street; Richmond, Virginia 23220 CONTACT For more information, please contact Michael Winborne, Liaison for The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (tel), or michael.winborne@richmondgov.com (email) - E N D - ______________________________________________________________ Steve Skinner Council Public Information Manager RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) www.facebook.com/RichmondCityCouncilVirginiaUSA (facebook) ______________________________________________________________ MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold a meeting in the Richmond East End 7th Voter District: Partnerships for a Safer Community

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.  - www.council.richmondva.gov
                                                            
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Friday, 23 January 2015

Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold a meeting in the Richmond East End 7th Voter District: Partnerships for a Safer Community

All Richmond East End 7th Voter District residents invited to attend
         
WHAT         (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District, will hold a district-wide meeting in the Richmond East End 7th Voter District. This meeting is part of regular meetings she typically holds each month, which include information on her Richmond East End 7th Voter District goals and accomplishments; thematic agendas of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond East End 7th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The planned agenda for the meeting includes the following:

AGENDA

     Theme: Partnerships for a Safer Community

·         Richmond Police Department: Community Safety & Crime Report
Col. Ray Tarasovic, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department

Capt. Roger Russell; Lt. Jeremy Sayles; Officer Harold Ford, Environmental Officer - Richmond Police Department 1st Police Precinct

·         Richmond Department of Fire & Emergency Services:
Community Preparedness
Fire Chief Robert Creecy, Richmond Department of Fire & Emergency Services (RDFES)

Mr. Anthony McLean, Coordinator, RDFES Office of Emergency Management

·         Richmond Code Enforcement of Public & Private Property/Planning & Development
Mr. Mark Bridgman, Property Maintenance Inspector III
Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review

·         Richmond Department of Public Works: Curbside Value Partnership
Representative, Richmond Department of Public Works

WHEN         Wednesday, January 28, 2015
6:00-7:30 p.m.
                   
WHERE        Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Center
                       701 North 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia

WHO          The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman
                  Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District

CONTACT   For more information, please contact Sam Patterson, Liaison for The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District, at 804.646.3012 (tel), or sam.patterson@richmondgov.com (email).
                     

- E N D -


Steve Skinner
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Council Executive Offices
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
______________________________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to
represent citizens in creating and amending local laws,
 providing government policy and oversight, and
approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.


Thursday, January 22, 2015

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a meeting in the Richmond Central 5th Voter District

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.  - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Thursday, 22 January 2015

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a meeting in the Richmond Central 5th Voter District

All Richmond Central 5th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT         (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District, will hold a district-wide meeting in the Richmond Central 5th Voter District. This is part of regular meetings Councilman Agelasto holds, which include information on his Richmond Central 5th Voter District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Central 5th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The planned agenda/discussion topics for the upcoming meeting include:

·      Richmond Recycles Program
Ms. Darlene Mallory, Support Services Manager
Richmond Department of Public Works

·      Richmond Stormwater Utility Program
Ms. Gay Stokes, Administrative Project Analyst
Richmond Department of Public Utilities

·      Richmond’s Holistic Poverty Reduction and
Community Wealth Building Conversation
Mr. Thad Williamson, PhD., Director
Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building

·      Budget Discussion and District Updates
The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman
                                      Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District

WHEN         Wednesday, February 4, 2015

                       6:30-8:00 p.m.


WHERE        Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
William Byrd Park - Roundhouse
Westover Road/Lakeview Avenue
600 S. Boulevard; Richmond, Virginia
      
WHO          The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman
                        Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District
                                                                                      
CONTACT   For more information, please contact:
                  The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman
                       Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District, at 804.646.6050 (tel), or parker.agelasto@richmondgov.com (email)

Councilman Agelasto’s Upcoming Richmond Central 5th Voter District Meetings

Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Patrick Henry Elementary School of Science and Arts
3411 Semmes Avenue; Richmond, Virginia

Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
Randolph Community Center
1425 Grayland Avenue; Richmond, Virginia

Wednesday, August 5, 2015
BACK TO SCHOOL MEETING
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond - Southside Club
2409 Bainbridge Street; Richmond, Virginia

Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
William Byrd Park - Roundhouse
Westover Road/Lakeview Avenue
600 S. Boulevard; Richmond, Virginia

Wednesday, December 2, 2015
HOLIDAY PARTY
Virginia War Memorial
621 South Belvidere Street; Richmond, Virginia



- E N D -


Steve Skinner
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
____________________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to
represent citizens in creating and amending local laws,
 providing government policy and oversight, and
approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.


Richmond City Council congratulates Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson on her appointment to the 2015 National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Steering Committee

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.  - www.council.richmondva.gov
                                                            
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Thursday, 22 January 2015

Richmond City Council congratulates Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson on her appointment to the 2015 National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Steering Committee

WHAT          (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – Richmond City Council congratulates The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, on her appointment this week by the National League of Cities to its 2015 National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Steering Committee.

                                “Richmond City Council is proud of Councilwoman Robertson’s selection and looks forward to the contributions of her experience and commitment to the committee on behalf of Richmond Residents,” says The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, President, Richmond City Council; Councilwoman, Richmond South Central 9th Voter District.

                              The National League of Cities (NLC) is a membership organization that assists, advocates for and promotes cities in the United States of America.

                              The National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Steering Committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC positions on federal policy issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness.

                                “I want to first thank the National League of Cities for this opportunity. I can’t stress enough how honored I am to have been chosen to serve on this committee,” says The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District. “Being able to have a say in policy and economic development on the federal level will build bridges to much needed resources on a national level as well as for the great City of Richmond, Virginia.”

                              Councilwoman Robertson’s term begins this week and concludes at the adjournment of the 2015 National League of Cities Congress of Cities event being held in Nashville, Tennessee, in November.

                              For more information on the National League of Cities and this appointment, please visit their website, at www.nlc.org.
                        
CONTACT    For more information, please contact: Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052 (office); 804.937.1386 (mobile); or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)


- end -


Steve Skinner
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
______________________________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to
represent citizens in creating and amending local laws,
 providing government policy and oversight, and
approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



Thursday, January 15, 2015

Councilwoman Kathy Graziano and Trustee Kristen Larson, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees, to hold a Special District Meeting Open House Tour of the new RPS Huguenot High School in the Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.  - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Thursday, 15 January 2015

Councilwoman Kathy Graziano and Trustee Kristen Larson, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees, to hold a Special District Meeting Open House Tour of the new RPS Huguenot High School in the Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District

All Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT          (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Kathy Graziano, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District; and, The Honorable Kristen Larson, Trustee, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees, Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District; will hold a Special District Meeting Open House Tour of the new Richmond Public Schools Huguenot High School facility located in the Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District.

Special key notes regarding the new Richmond Public Schools Huguenot High School facility include:

·         Opened January 5, 2015
·         250,400 square foot facility
·         Sustainable design features include: extensive day lighting, rain gardens and a green roof (set to receive US Green Building Council LEED Gold certification)
·         Extensive wireless technology throughout
·         1,000 seat auditorium
·         State competition approved athletic facilities (Football, Track and Field, Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Tennis)
·         3 court basketball gym
·         3,500 seat football stadium

For Councilwoman Graziano, this Special District Meeting Open House Tour of the new Richmond Public Schools Huguenot High School facility is replacing the individual Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District meeting that she typically holds around this time (quarterly throughout the year) that include information on her goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda; and, special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

WHEN          Tuesday, January 27, 2015

                        7:00 - 8:30 p.m.


WHERE         New Richmond Public Schools Huguenot High School
                        7945 Forest Hill Avenue

WHO            The Honorable Kathy Graziano, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District

The Honorable Kristen Larson, Trustee, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees, Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District

CONTACT    The Honorable Kathy Graziano, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District, at 804.320.2454, or email: Kathy.graziano@richmondgov.com



- E N D -



Steve Skinner
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
____________________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to
represent citizens in creating and amending local laws,
 providing government policy and oversight, and
approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.


Thursday, January 8, 2015

Canceled: Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission meeting tonight has been canceled

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.  - www.council.richmondva.gov
                                                            
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Thursday, 8 January 2015

Canceled: Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission meeting tonight has been canceled

WHAT          (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission's meeting, previously scheduled for tonight (January 8, 2015), has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for another date.

                             The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission typically holds monthly meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The upcoming scheduled meeting dates are listed below. Meetings are typically scheduled to be held the first Thursday of each month at/around 4:00 p.m., at the same location (note: meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change). Please note time and dates of upcoming meetings.

                              Meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for these meetings typically include the following:

·Welcome
·New Business
·Updates
·Committee Reports
·Upcoming Events
·Closing Remarks/Adjournment

WHEN/         Canceled: Thursday, January 8, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
WHERE         Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

                        Current 2015 meeting schedule listed below:

Thursday, February 5, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, March 5, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, April 2, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, May 7, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, June 4, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, July 9, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
(Note: date changed due to Independence Day/July 4 holiday)
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

No Meeting August 2015

Thursday, September 3, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, October 1, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, November 5, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

Thursday, December 10, 2015; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
(Note: Date changed to hold end of year event)
Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building
701 N. 25th Street; Richmond, Virginia (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

WHO             The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission (Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates - 70th Voter District)
                        
CONTACT    For more information, please contact:
                        The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates - 70th Voter District), at 804.698.1070 (tel), or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov (email)


Background ___________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
One of Richmond City Council's more than 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that it has created and that assists with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is a government entity of Richmond City Council that was established by Resolution Number 98-R 102-107, adopted July 13, 1998, as amended by Resolution No. 2000-R111-109, adopted July 24, 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R132-123, adopted July 14, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R155-141, adopted September 8, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2004-R125-131, adopted June 28, 2004.

     The purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The Commission meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms. The composition of membership is as follows:

The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members.  Such persons shall be appointed by the Council and shall serve for terms of three (3) years.  The membership of the Commission shall include at least one (1) member of City Council, not less than three (3) members of the “Hope in the Cities” organization and a representative from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.  Any appointed Council members shall be given the first option of serving as the Chair of the Commission in order of their appointment. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for meetings.

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management, promotions and fundraising. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

Over the years, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission has worked on a number of important projects, which have included:

·      2011
Unveiling of 17 Richmond Slave Trail Markers located throughout the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, marking sites that help tell the historic journey, human impact, and the role Richmond played in the tragic history of slavery.

The Richmond Slave Trail Markers will serve to recognize the regrettable time in our nation’s history when parts of the United States allowed the enslavement of fellow human beings and an estimated 8 percent of U.S. families owned slaves just before the U.S. Civil War. The site of the event and location of one of the 17 markers, Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave-holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. Prior to that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Richmond was liberated when the Confederate Army surrendered the city, which was used as the Capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865.

Following shortly after the end of the U. S. Civil War, which ended in Virginia on April 9, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States of America Constitution was adopted on December 6, 1865. This amendment officially abolished slavery.
A precursor for this Amendment was the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of people living in slavery in the 10 states, then under Confederate control in rebellion against the United States of America.

Approved by the United States Congress on January 31, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment was signed and approved by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865. The Constitutional Amendment was then sent to state legislatures for ratification and, on December 18, 1865, was officially ratified, therefore officially abolishing slavery in the United States of America.

                              The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads as follows:

                   Amendment XIII

                   Section 1.
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment        for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

·      2009
Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum.
Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and
Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail

·      2008
Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural
artifacts.

·      2008 – 2009
Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which
included engineering and storm water engineering

·      2007
Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on Friday, March 30, 2007, erected at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue. This project was part of a global initiative placing three statues in three countries. Dedicated to slavery reconciliation, the installation of the statue represents nearly 10 years of work between the City of Richmond, Virginia, USA (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa). A statue was erected in Liverpool in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005.

·      2006
Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment
Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Owned by Robert Lumpkin, the jail was a place that tens of thousands of African men, women and children were "stored" before being transported to slave owners living in states where slavery was legal. Following Lumpkin's death shortly after the Civil war, his common law widowed wife Mary Lumpkin, who was African-American, inherited the estate. In 1867, she leased the jail to Reverend Nathaniel Colver, who established a school for freed slaves at the site. Founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and the National Theological Institute, the school grew into what is now Virginia Union University.

·      2003
Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue. For three quarters of the 18th Century, Virginia (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa) represented one of the largest global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. Liverpool's shipbuilding industry provided the vessels that sailed to the Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, where Africans were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas, with Richmond, Virginia being one of the major recipients.

Support
Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance as available and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management. Council financial support is provided through appropriations in the Richmond City Budget. This includes appropriations in the Richmond City Budget Capital Improvement Plan, Non-Departmental budgets and Departmental budgets. Funding is predicated on requests made by the Commission and as determined by Council.

An overview of estimated financial investments in the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, and some highlighted projects, are listed below per Fiscal Year (FY). The estimates reflect Richmond Government Budget - General Fund Budget and Capital Investment Projects disbursements.

• FY 2013 (3/2013) - $59,290.69
For general Commission support/and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2012- $80,931.46
For general Commission support/and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2011- $190,258.66
For general Commission support/and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2010- $102,311.43
For general Commission support/and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2009 - $286,628.13
For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $5,124) and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail; development of conceptual National Slavery Museum; and, paid sponsorship for Symposium at the University of Richmond for the Civil War Sesquicentennial/ Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2008 - $51,212.28
For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $7,748) and for Phase II of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment, which included $155,000 for earthmoving and $35,000 for engineering and stormwater engineering (floodplain and proximity to I-95 berm) and $150,000 for archaeological services to hire a vendor/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2007 - $493,439.48
For general Commission support ($11,000) and design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza; erection of the statue; and, the International Unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2006 - $31,535.44
For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment/Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission support/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2005 - $113,599.83
Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission support/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2004 - $1,000
Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission support/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2003 - $41,445
Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission support/Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

     Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, Virginia Commonwealth University, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors.

- end -


Steve Skinner
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia  23219 U.S.A.
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
______________________________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to
represent citizens in creating and amending local laws,
 providing government policy and oversight, and
approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.