The Ward www.hjwa.org Volume 8, Issue 8 THE Winter 2008 EDITION THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN December 2008 Next Association Meetings: Democrat Senator In State elections, for- January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was mer Virginia Governor February 17, 2009 President –elect Barack March 17, 2009 elected the first Afri- Mark R. Warner was Obama will be sworn in can-American presi- elected to the United • as the 44th President To advertise, call dent of the United States Senate for a 643-1680 of the United States on States and his running 6-year term and Con- January 20, 2009 in mate Senator Joe Bi- gressman Bobby Washington D.C.. If • For updates and den Vice President Scott was elected to you would like to attend downloads visit Tuesday November the House of Repre- this historic event www.hjwa.org 4,2008. This historic sentatives for a two- check out the website election witnessed an year term. for travel and ticket Inside this issue: increase in the national information. Locally, Delegate The People 1 voting numbers by 2 http:// Dwight Jones won million voters from the inauguration.dc.gov/ the Richmond Mayoral Building Businesses . 2&3 2004 Presidential Elec- index.asp Race and Jackson tion. "If anyone out Officer Claude Picard 3 Ward’s own Kim Gray there still doubts The United States Con- now represents the Hats Off To... 4 whether America is a gress is made up of two 2nd District on the place where all things houses, The Senate Clean-Up 5 Richmond City School are possible ... who still and the House of Rep- Board. Shop Locally 6 questions our democ- resentatives. There are The 2nd district also Adopt-a-Tree . 7 racy, tonight is your an- no term limits for mem- swer," Obama said bers of Congress, has a new Council Member, Charles Sector 413 87 speaking before a vast which means that an crowd at Grant Park in elected member of Samuels was elected Chief Norwood 9 Chicago on election Congress may keep to Richmond City Calendar 10 night. his/her seat as long as Council. Membership 11 Board Members 11 Did you volunteer during this campaign season and found excitement during your civic Important Numbers 12 engagement? Keep the momentum going and volunteer within your community. Check out www.handsongreaterrichmond.org , www.vounteermatch.org, and/or www.connectrichmond.org. These sites could help you find a local non-profit that needs your commitment, enthusiasm and expertise. Read to a child, mentor a youth, build a greener environment, care for the elderly, feed the hungry, work for your neighborhood association … …………………………………………………. BUILDING BUSINESSES, BUILDING A COMMUNITY By Sharron Jackson Smith According to historian Odell R. Byrd, Jr, been established for more than thirty years, “Richmond is the birthplace of this great which meant that areas with communities of nation.” He also asserts “since 1732 there free blacks had began paving the way for fu- has not been a city on this continent with the ture black businesses. Black businessmen extensive black history as Richmond.” Within and women were making their mark in this powerful history lies the story of Jackson Jackson Ward and Broad Street by the begin- Ward. ning of the twentieth century. Jackson Ward was known by various nick- The Richmond City directory had a substantial names at the outset of the twentieth century, listing of black owned businesses that lined its like the “Black Belt” of Richmond, “Black Wall pages in the early 1900's. There were dress- Street of America,” and 2nd Street was her- makers like Lottie Williams at 10 W. Leigh St. alded as “Harlem of the South” and in its and Ella Jackson on N.1st St. Black grocers “heyday” was nothing less than phenomenal. were plentiful. William Booker sold groceries Jackson Ward was a thriving business dis- at 25 W. Jackson St, along with James Brown trict and a thriving community. at 436 W. Duval, and Nathaniel Timberlake had his grocery business at 616 Brook Ave to In 1890, 79 % of Richmond’s blacks lived in name a few. Branch Jackson was a junk Jackson Ward and by 1900 those numbers dealer located at 1316 E. Leigh and Lottie E. grew to 95%. Though Jackson Ward was Johnston had a millinery shop at 124 W. originally created as a political entity in 1871, Broad. Shoemakers like Daniel Lewis, Jr. it became the center of virtually every aspect operated his business from 507 St. James St of African American life in Richmond. Amid and confections and fruits were sold by pro- increasing segregation in the city, blacks prietors like Ada Norrell at 610 N. 2nd St and established their own businesses, churches, Martha Johnson at 616 Brook Ave. societies, and places of recreation where they could go without fear of being treated unfairly The 1920's gave birth to even more Jackson or intimidated. Richmond blacks turned an Ward businesses like Carter’s Meat Market at effort to segregate them into a solid and for- 600 Brook Rd and Howard’s French Dry midable community and business district. Cleaning in the 100 block of W. Broad took care of your fine garments. New clothes According to the September 22, 1900 edition could be purchased from James Carmichael of the Colored at 528 N. 1st and one could get second hand American, a items from Helena Harris at 725 Brook Rd. Washington, D.C. weekly, the Jackson Ward businesses also included res- number of taurants, auto repair, pharmacies, hotels, Negroes in busi- theaters, billiards, photographers, florists, con- ness was tractors, barbers, beauty shops, physicians, 20,020. More dentists, jewelers and many funeral homes. Emancipation Day Parade 1905 in Downtown Jackson Ward, now the than 700 of During the depression era there was a de- site of Maggie L. Walker National these busi- cline in business growth, but by the end of the Historic Site. (NPS) nesses had 1930's and into the 1940's , Jackson Ward businesses seemed to hold steady. Page 2 The Ward Jackson Ward businesses offered a lot to the community. They were some of the For the 23rd year, finest businesses that the city had to offer, the Grand Illumination they provided goods and services to blacks will kick off who were discriminated against at white downtown's holiday season on businesses, and they were avenues to Friday, December 5th. show that blacks could support and main- Thousands of people are expected to tain themselves. Jackson Ward residents come and enjoy the festivities. were proud of their community and one It will also be the beginning of the 5th can be sure that they enjoyed having so Richmond Love Lights many options within walking distance from Program. This award winning program where they lived. will once again keep our skyline aglow from Sources: Byrd, Odell r. Jr., Richmond’s Historic Jackson December 5, 2008 - February14, 2009. Ward: A Study in Black Geneology and Black Sociology. This is a great way to show off 2003: Tambuzi Publications. The Library of Congress our city's beauty and pride. with essays by David Levering Lewis and Deborah Willis, A Nation of People: W.E. B. Du Bois and African Ameri- can Portraits of Progress, 2003, Amistad:New York. Ward, Harry M., Richmond: An Illustrated History. 1985: Windsor Publications. The Richmond City Directory, My name is Officer Claude 1900-1940. Picard and I am your new Fourth Precinct Environmental Sharron Jackson Smith is a historian whose Officer. I am responsible for area of expertise is 20th century African Ameri- addressing issues which include can women’s history. She is an instructor at tall grass, abandoned vehicles, the University of Richmond’s School of Con- debris, and other blight related tinuing Studies, where she teaches a class on the history of Jackson Ward and she volun- issues on public and private teers at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic property. I work closely with CAPS and other city Site. She is a native of Richmond, VA. agencies to help resolve issues. I am a firm be- First of four articles by Ms. Smith on liever that where there is blight, there is Jackson Ward . crime. Remove the blight and you will remove the crime. Businesses on Some of the issues I am currently working on in 2nd Street in the Jackson Ward area include overgrowth of Historic trees which are reducing street lighting illumina- tion, removing abandoned vehicles, cleaning-up graffiti, and debris in back yards. I have already closed out several complaints which include debris Is there a member of the Jackson Ward in alleys, tall grass, ABC violations, and loud party Community that would like to volunteer to co- houses. edit this newsletter? For more information If you need to contact me about an issue I can be about this wonderful, most magnificent reached at Fourth Precinct, 646-4105 or by send- opportunity, please call Marilyn at ing me an e-mail at 804-643-1680. [email protected] . Volume 8, Issue 8 Page 3 HATS OFF TO... City Council President and faithful 2 nd District Councilman Bill Pantele. Bill began his career as our City Council representative when he was appointed to Council in September 2001 filling the vacancy left by the Hon. Timothy M. Kaine. He continued his service by winning the 2 nd District Council elections in November 2002, 2004, and 2006. He will continue to serve until December 31, 2008. Even though Bill will not serve as the next Richmond City Mayor, we know that he will continue his diligent community work on helping to improve public safety and transportation, economic development and of course keep his watchful eye on land use and planning.