Smooth Traveler in Richmond, VA   

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”  Matthew 24:6

Kehinde Wiley, one of America’s foremost African American artists, visited an exhibition of his works in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and was stricken by the Confederate statues, and what they represent, that line nearby Monument Avenue.  He conceived of a monumental sculpture, Rumours of War, as a response that would enhance the country’s story by placing people of color into the narrative and serving as a reminder that our cultural wars have not ended. Since that time the Confederate statues have come down and the “war” has expanded to include political, social and historical issues. The sculpture expresses Richmond’s recognition of and commitment to societal change through art.

Wiley’s 27-ft. tall, 16-ft. long, work, situated in the sculpture garden of the VMFA, is of a contemporary Black male astride a horse. The bronze statue is on a marble and granite base and provides a perfect photo op. #kehindewiley

On view inside the museum until September 6, 2021 is the new exhibit, The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture and the Sonic Impulse. This outstanding exhibit incorporates music, photography, film and art to present aspects of southern tradition and cultural patterns as expressed by various artists. The exhibit opens with videos of Billie Holiday singing “Strange Fruit”. #vmfa

Richmond’s Jackson Ward district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is celebrating its 150^th anniversary this year and positioning itself squarely at the heart of Richmond’s history. The district was home to free blacks prior to the Civil War, known as Little Africa, and grew around the black churches. It was named after Stonewall Jackson. After the war the area continued to thrive and by 1900 it was considered both Black Wall Street and the country’s Cradle of Black Capitalism. Along with the district’s 7 banks and 300 businesses it was also home to Virginia Union University formed in 1896. The university buildings date from 1900. @VAUnion1865

Walking the Ward is a history tour guided by longtime resident Gary Flowers enhanced by personal insight and anecdotes into the district at several tour stops. The 90-minute tour departs from the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Maggie Lena Walker National Historic Site, the home in which she lived from 1909 until 1934. Maggie, the daughter of an ex-slave, founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank and became the first female bank president in the US and tireless civil rights advocate. Tours of her Victorian home are offered and exhibit 90% original furniture and personal items. A 10-ft. bronze sculpture of Maggie L. Walker stands in a Memorial Plaza near her home. Ten benches surrounding the statue relate her lifetime achievements.

Famous tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was born in Richmond. On a return visit he witnessed children attempting to cross the street at a dangerous intersection. He then purchased a traffic signal, the first in Jackson Ward. A statue was erected in his honor near the spot. His life-sized statue has danced down a staircase since 1973.  

Richmond’s Mending Walls Project is the creation of Hamilton Glass and 30 public artists from all ethnicities sparked by the political climate. Their goal is to paint a series of murals that address current issues and spur community conversations and personal connections throughout the city. A location map is available on the website. mendingwallsrva.com

President and Artistic Director Janine Bell founded the Elegba Folklore Society more than 30 years ago to infuse Richmond’s black history into the city’s cultural and historic landscape and fostering pride in the community. Elegba Society offers unique history tours, performances and events. The Elegba Gallery features African artifacts, educational materials, clothing and jewelry for sale. Specialized tours can be arranged. efsinc.org

Bare Soul Yoga, a community wellness collective, was established by Ashley Williams as a place for the black community to heal physically, emotionally, culturally and spiritually.  The Collective holds classes, hosts events and lectures on all aspects of self-care. Access to services is available online. baresoulyoga.com

The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar Iron Works seeks to tell the story of the Civil War across race, gender and nationality through video, colorized photographs, displays, first-person narratives and greater than 500 artifacts. This museum is well worth a visit because of its holistic approach to history. The museum was constructed within the existing walls of Tredegar Iron Works, the South’s largest wartime facility in the 1860s and is architecturally stunning. ACWM.org

Richmond’s Quirk Hotel is one of the city’s newest and trendiest hotels. It is a full service boutique hotel situated inside a historic department store building that artfully blends modern amenities with original elements including incredibly high ceilings and original maple floors. Highlights of a stay here are two on-site art galleries, rooftop bar and lobby restaurant. The hotel has an ideal location and is walking distance to restaurants, shopping and historic Jackson Ward. www.reservations.com/hotel/quirk-hotel

                  Travel + Leisure named Richmond one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2021”.  #visitrichmondva

 

Dining Southern Style Suggestions: Soul Taco  www.soultacorva.com Lillie Pearl   https://lilliepearlrva.com Perly’s   https:// orderperlysrichmond.com Ms Girlee’s Kitchen   https://www.msgirleeskitchen.com Southern Kitchen   https://southernkitchenrva.net Brenner Pass   https://www.brennerpassrva.com