Richmond City Council

Monday, June 25, 2012

A statement from the Richmond City Council Land Use and Transportation Standing Committee

Friday, June 22, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold community discussion meeting on Dove Court Pre-Construction

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Friday, June 22, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold community discussion meeting on Dove Court Pre-Construction

All Highland Park Neighborhood, Barton Heights Neighborhood and Former Dove Court Residents are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, will hold a community discussion meeting on Dove Court Pre-Construction. This meeting is free and open to the public and all Highland Park Neighborhood, Barton Heights Neighborhood and Former Dove Court Residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

This meeting represents a continued commitment and continuation of dozens of neighborhood and community meetings that Councilwoman Robertson has led, hosted, assisted and attended over the years on behalf of the important community redevelopment of the Dove Street area.

Phase One construction is slated to begin within the next 30 days and will consist of 80 apartments and $15 million in investment, followed with 48 apartments and $12 million in investment. Private development investment will be $82 million. The overall project will include a new public school, Community Service Center, the Eastcoast Cannon Creek Bike Trail connector and up to 140 homes for sale.

WHEN Wednesday, June 27, 2012

6:00-7:30 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools

Overby-Sheppard Elementary School - Cafeteria

2300 First Avenue

WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website)

Background _____________________________________________________________________________

Once the location of Dove Court, a public housing complex, operated by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), plans for the area include building new mixed-income rental and for-sale housing on the former Dove Court site.

Representing a project area of approximately 50 acres, the site is located between the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike and 1st Avenue and adjacent to the Barton Heights, Green Park and Highland Park neighborhoods, encompasses the site of the former Dove Court public housing development, the site of the former Carrington Gardens/Northridge Apartments, the Dove Street Park, the Virginia National Guard Armory site, private property acquired by RRHA northwest of the Amory and the Richmond Public Schools Overby-Sheppard Elementary School.

The project is expected to create an integrated, mixed-income community filled with increased educational, economic, and recreational resources.

- E N D -

Thursday, June 21, 2012

3 educators to travel to Saitama, Japan for 2 weeks as part of Richmond City Sister Cities Commission Educational Exchange program

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, June 21, 2012

3 educators to travel to Saitama, Japan for 2 weeks as part of Richmond City Sister Cities Commission Educational Exchange program

In August Saitama, Japan Junior Baseball Team will visit Richmond for the 18th Annual Richmond-Saitama International Baseball Exchange

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia) - - On Saturday, June 23, 2012, three educators will travel to Saitama, Japan for two weeks as part of Richmond Sister Cities Commission Educational Exchange program.

This marks the 13th year of this successful educational exchange program between Richmond and its sister city, Saitama, Japan, which began in 1998.

During their visit, the educators will be teaching English and American culture in 12 Elementary, Middle and Junior High Schools and will be immerged in Japanese culture. The purpose of the exchange is to promote further understanding of language, culture and our global community.

Educators participating in the exchange include: Amanda Blevins, an Exceptional Educational Paraprofessional for Kindergarten at Richmond Public Schools Chimborazo Elementary School; Bev Spaven, a retired Henrico County Public Schools Kindergarten and 5th-grade Resource Teacher; and, Emmett Burke, a 7th and 8th grade History Teacher at Richmond Public Schools Elkhardt Middle School.

In March of this year, 10 high school students and two teachers from Urawa Municipal High School in Saitama, Japan visited Richmond to as part of a week-long Richmond Sister Cities Commission Educational Exchange program.

On August 2, 2012, the Saitama, Japan Junior Baseball Team will arrive in Richmond for the 18th-Annual Richmond-Saitama International Baseball Exchange. The first baseball exchange began in Richmond in 1994.

CONTACT For more event information, please contact: Ms. Catherine E. Nexsen, Chairman, Richmond Sister Cities Commission, Richmond, Virginia-Saitama, Japan, at 804.355.2780 (tel); 919.902.4704 (mobile) saitamajapanrichmondvirginia@yahoo.com (email);

or Keiko Tonegawa, Superintending Clerk, First Supervision Division

School Education Department, Saitama City Board of Education, at

011-81-48.829.1662 (tel); hep11-w1s1@city.saitama.lg.jp (email)

BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________

One of Richmond City Council's 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that assist it with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission was established by Council in 1980 and operates under Council guidelines and by requirements of the Sister Cities International organization, located in Washington, D.C.

An early champion of international relations, Richmond began a relationship with its namesake, Richmond Upon Thames, England, in 1930. In 1956 a formal Sister City concept was established in the United States of America by U. S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower's idea called for exchanges between Americans and people in other countries, with a goal of fostering peace, understanding and harmony.

The term “Sister City” is used to express a closeness that is engendered through commonalities between communities. Formal friendships are then established to promote cultural understanding and educational and economic prosperity.

For example, cities linked with Richmond are generally capital cities with comparable populations, notable points of historic interest, and potential opportunities for economic development and trade.

Globally, there are more than 2,400 Sister City partnerships in 134 countries. Nineteen Virginia cities represent approximately 50 of those partnerships. This includes seven in Richmond.

Richmond Sister City Relationships

Richmond currently maintains the following Sister City relationships:

1. Richmond upon Thames, England (Europe)

2. Saitama City, Japan (Asia)

3. Olsztyn, Poland (Eastern Europe)

4. Uijeongbu, South Korea (Asia)

5. Windhoek, Namibia (Africa)

6. Zhengzhou, China (Asia)

7. Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa)

Interest

Throughout the year, Richmond City Council receives requests from citizens and interested cities regarding its Sister Cities Program, which are shared with the Commission.

Recent Sister Cities Activities _____________________________________________________________

Republic of Mali

Richmond’s partnership with Segou is Richmond's city’s newest Sister City relationship. Richmond and Segou became Sister Cities in 2009 following the adoption of Richmond City Council Resolution 2009-R99-109, adopted July 27, 2009 that invited Segou to be a formal Sister City of Richmond, and the formalization of the relationship in Richmond on October 12, 2009 with a visiting delegation of dignitaries from Segou.

In April 2010 Richmond was awarded a $115,000 grant from Sister Cities International for a two-year African Sustainability Project that will be used to assist with performing projects in Segou that will assist with addressing sanitation, health, and water issues. On May 10, 2010 Richmond City Council received and welcomed a visiting delegation from the Republic of Mali. The delegation included six members of the country’s government who were in Richmond for the day as part of a government training program sponsored by the Institute for Global Training, USAID in Washington D.C. and were being show state and local government by the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center’s Virginia Institute of Government.

On October 6, 2010 the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission and members of Richmond City Council and the Richmond Government Administration welcomed The Honorable Ousmane K. Simaga, Mayor of Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa); The Honorable Madani Sissoko, Councilman, Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa), President of the Segou Sister City Commission; and, a number of additional dignitaries from Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa), during its monthly meeting.

Richmond upon Thames

2008 visit from the Mayor and Councilmember's to Richmond; 2007 visit of Mayor and Councilmembers. Coordinated planning and events leading up to Virginia’s 400th-year celebration in 2007.

Zhenghou, China

Continue supporting teacher exchanges and exchanges of art and culture through museums, economic trips to China (conducted by Governor of Virginia with representation from Richmond). A book collection was presented to Richmond citizens from Zhengzhou citizens, which is displayed at the City’s Main Library.

Saitama, Japan

Annual student, academic, sports and cultural exchange programs.

Windhoek, Namibia

August 2007: the U.S. State Department brought a camera crew to Richmond from Windhoek coordinated events. July 2003: Richmond donated a Fire Truck to Windhoek.

Uijeongbu, South Korea

Includes relationships with the Richmond Korean community and business exchange as well as educational and cultural programs.

The Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission consists of 13 members, of whom at least one is a Councilmember. Commission members are appointed by Richmond City Council for a term consisting of three years and no person appointed is eligible to serve more than two successive terms, although persons appointed to fill vacancies may serve two additional successive terms. Members appointed to the Commission are required to either reside or work in the City of Richmond. Originally comprised of 19 members, in 2009 membership was lowered to 13.

- end -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

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

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)

____________________________________________

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.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Free Concert 4:00 P.M. Today:

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Free Concert 4:00 P.M. Today: Musical group Jah Baba from Republic of Benin to perform at Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza: Hosted by Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission as part of 2012 Richmond Juneteenth Celebration:

This event is free and open to the public and all residents are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission will host a special musical concert as part of the 2012 Richmond Juneteenth Celebration.

The concert will be performed by Jah Baba, one of the Republic of Benin's finest musical groups and be held at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza, located at 15th and Main Streets in Richmond's Historic Shockoe Bottom. The performance will honor the historic and cultural ties between the Republic of Benin and Richmond, Virginia.

The performance is in addition to a recent visit from a delegation from the Republic of Benin.

The music style of Jah Baba includes cultural jazz mixed with traditional rhythms of the African continent.

WHEN/ Today: Tuesday, June 19, 2012: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

WHERE Ceremony at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza

15th and E. Main Streets, Richmond, Virginia

WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates 70th District,

East End 7th District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission members

Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission members

CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070, or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov; or her assistant Keith Westbrook, at 804.301.0671

Background _________________________________________________________________________

Republic of Benin

Located in the western part of Africa, the Republic of Benin is one of three places where identical statues were erected as part of a global initiative for slavery reconciliation. The statues, created by international artist Steven Broadbent, were created to represent the historic global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. The first two statues were erected in Liverpool, England in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005. In 2007 the final statue to complete the triangle was accomplished by the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission in holding the 2007 International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on March 30, 2007. The Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue is located at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza at 15th and E. Main Streets in Richmond, Virginia.

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 African men, women and children were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas.

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

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.

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. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, 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 slaves living in states under Confederate control.

• 2009

Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum

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.

• 2009

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. 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.

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.

Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include:

• FY 2011- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2010- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2009 - $75,000

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.

• FY 2008 - $370,000

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.

• FY 2007 - $511,000

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 - $35,000

For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

• FY 2003 - $119,000

For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight

from the United Kingdom

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

- end -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

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

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)

____________________________________________

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

Friday, June 15, 2012

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force subcommittee meetings to be held

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Friday, 15 June 2012 Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force subcommittee meetings to be held All residents are invited and encouraged to attend WHAT The Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force will hold two subcommittee meetings. The subcommittees include: the Macro Subcommittee, which will focus on long range transit planning issues, and the Services Subcommittee, which will focus on bus users’ service issues. The purpose of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force is to make recommendations to Richmond City Council with regard to enhancing mass transit in the Metro-Richmond area and the efficiency and effectiveness of the GRTC Transit System. The meeting is free and open to the public and all residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The two Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force Subcommittee meetings will be held as follows: WHEN Services Subcommittee Tuesday, June 19, 2012 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Macro Subcommittee Tuesday, June 26, 2012 4:00-6:00 p.m. WHERE Services Subcommittee GRTC Transit System Corporate Headquarters - 3rd Floor Board Room 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23224 Macro Subcommittee Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) Offices 401 North 3rd Street, 2nd floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219 Located inside the Greater Richmond Convention Center at the Corner of 3rd & Marshall Streets on the 2nd floor. Parking available in the Greater Richmond Convention Center parking garage located at 3rd & Marshall Streets. Once you have parked, exit the garage and cross Marshall Street. Enter the Exhibit Hall building at the corner of 3rd & Marshall Streets. Take elevator to the 2nd floor. The RMCVB’s offices are to the right. WHO Members of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Bruce W. Tyler, Richmond City Council, West End 1st District, at 804.357.6007; or bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com. Background ____________________________________________________________________________ Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force Richmond City Council established the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force on September 27, 2010 by Richmond City Council Ordinance No. 2010-173-166. The objective of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force is to provide a report to Council within in a year of its first meeting which recommends the following: 1. Any legislation, plans, policies, and programs that promote efficient mass transit in the city; 2. Economic development, economic growth, employment and tourism strategies that include public transportation; and, 3. Public relations and education programs to increase public use of mass transit. 4. The Task Force shall also work with interested private organizations to improve the service and efficiency of the GRTC. - E N D - ______________________________________ Steven R. Skinner, APR 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 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) ____________________________________________ 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.

Rescheduled: Councilman Samuels to hold a meeting in Richmond’s North Central 2nd District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Friday 15 June 2012 Rescheduled: Councilman Samuels to hold a meeting in Richmond’s North Central 2nd District All Richmond North Central 2nd District residents invited and encouraged to attend WHAT The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District in Richmond, Virginia will hold a meeting in Richmond's North Central 2nd District. This meeting has been rescheduled (dates below). Councilman Samuels holds individual meetings in the North Central 2nd District throughout the year that include work going one; a topical agenda of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and all North Central 2nd District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Parking is Free. WHEN To be Held Tuesday, June 26, 2012; 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Previously scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, 2012 WHERE Richmond Department of Parks Recreation & Community Facilities Byrd Park - Round House Building WHO The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District CONTACT For more information, please contact Jan Girardi, at 804.646.6532 or by email, at jan.girardi@richmondgov.com; or visit his website, at www.charlesrsamuels.com - E N D - ______________________________________ Steven R. Skinner, APR Council Public Information Manager Office of the Chief of Staff RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) ______________________________________ 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 Slave Trail Commission to receive visitors from the Republic of Benin

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Thursday 14 June 2012 Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to receive visitors from the Republic of Benin Will visit Richmond City Hall and Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue: One of three identical statues located in Richmond, Benin and England WHAT (Richmond, Virginia) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission will receive 20 visitors from the Republic of Benin that will be in Richmond from June 16-18, 2012. The visit will include ceremonies at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and Richmond City Hall. The ceremonies will include members of Richmond City Council, the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission and other local leaders. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend these events. Located in the western part of Africa, the Republic of Benin is one of three places were identical statues were erected as part of a global initiative for slavery reconciliation. The statues, created by international artist Steven Broadbent, were created to represent the historic global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. The first two statues were erected in Liverpool, England in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005. In 2007 the final statue to complete the triangle was accomplished by the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission in holding the 2007 International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on March 30, 2007. The Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue is located at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza at 15th and E. Main Streets in Richmond, Virginia. 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 African men, women and children were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas. WHEN/ Sunday, June 17, 2012; 6:00-7:00 p.m. WHERE Ceremony at the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza 15th and E. Main Streets, Richmond, Virginia Monday, June 18, 2012; 3:00-4:00 p.m. Richmond City Hall Ceremony and Tour Hosted by: The Honorable Kathy Graziano, President, Richmond City Council, Councilwoman, Southwest 4th District The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission Richmond City Council Chambers 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor; Richmond, Virginia WHO The Honorable Members of Richmond City Council The Honorable Kathy Graziano, President, Richmond City Council, Councilwoman, Southwest 4th District The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates 70th District, East End 7th District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission members Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission members Other local leaders CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070, or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov; or her assistant Keith, at 804.301.0671 or The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, at 804.646.3012; or cynthia.newbille@richmodngov.com. Background _________________________________________________________________________ Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 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. 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. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, 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 slaves living in states under Confederate control. • 2009 Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum 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. • 2009 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. 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. 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. Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include: • FY 2011- $6,000 For general Commission support • FY 2010- $6,000 For general Commission support • FY 2009 - $75,000 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. • FY 2008 - $370,000 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. • FY 2007 - $511,000 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 - $35,000 For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment • FY 2003 - $119,000 For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight from the United Kingdom Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors. - end - ______________________________________ Steven R. Skinner, APR 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 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) ____________________________________________ 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

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