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Contact: Andrea DeKoter |
National Park Service, Black History Museum and City of Richmond Partner to Celebrate Walker’s 158th Birthday, 5th Anniversary of Statue
RICHMOND, Va. – On Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the Black History Museum, and the City of Richmond invite the public to celebrate the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker and the Jackson Ward community in which she lived. This special event, which is free and open to the public, includes a presentation highlighting the five-year anniversary of the Maggie L. Walker statue in downtown Richmond and a volunteer opportunity reflecting Mrs. Walker’s commitment to community service.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Maggie L. Walker statue’s unveiling, the Black History Museum and National Park Service will host a panel presentation at the Black History Museum (122 W Leigh Street, Richmond) on Friday, July 15, with a reception beginning at 5 pm followed by the presentation at 6 pm. A panel of speakers, including some of Mrs. Walker’s descendants, will discuss the process of creating the statue and reflect on the importance of community engagement in that process.
“Mrs. Maggie L. Walker is one of Richmond’s and Virginia’s most notable trailblazers. As an African American as well as a woman who led the way for others in the fight for social justice, financial success, and ultimately, freedom for Black people, we are honored to participate in the celebration of what would be her 158th birthday,” said Dr. Monroe E. Harris, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Black History Museum. “Maggie Walker is one of the many historically significant people to be highlighted in the museum’s special exhibition opening this fall celebrating our 40 years of educating all people about the rich history and culture of Virginia’s African Americans.”
On Saturday, July 16, the National Park Service and City of Richmond will host a service project highlighting Mrs. Walker’s commitment to her community. From 9 to 11 am the public is invited to volunteer for garden beautification or sidewalk clean-up in Jackson Ward. Both projects begin at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (600 N 2nd Street, Richmond). For details, and to sign up for this opportunity, please visit HandsOn Greater Richmond (handsonrva.org)
“We are honored to work alongside the Black History Museum, the City of Richmond, Historic Jackson Ward Association, and our many other partners to celebrate Mrs. Walker’s life and legacy,” said Doyle Sapp, Superintendent of Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Richmond National Battlefield Park. “The occasion of her birthday offers an opportunity to reflect on her many contributions to the civil rights movement.”
The first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president, Mrs. Walker dedicated herself to a life of civic engagement, challenging racial discrimination and gender bias. Her story of leadership and self-determination continues to resonate with and inspire people around the world.
For more information about the event, please call the visitor center at (804) 226-5041, visit www.nps.gov/mawa or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MaggieL.WalkerNHS
About the National Park ServiceSince 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of over 420 national park sites in the United States and its territories. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of people every year. Learn more at www.nps.gov
Last updated: July 8, 2022