The recent racial conflict in Ferguson, Missouri is a reminder of some of the darker periods of racism in Oregon Hill about 30 years ago (see clipping of article below from The Richmond Afro-American Planet newspaper). Thankfully, in this aspect, the neighborhood has changed since then. This ugly past contrasts with more heroic history.
Local activists are organizing in response to events in Ferguson, Missouri. There is a protest march planned this afternoon in Monroe Park at 4:30 pm. According to the FaceBook event page, ‘Operation:Injustice’ will go from Monroe Park (between West Franklin, Belvidere, West Main, and Laurel Streets) to the John Marshall Courts Building (400 North 9th Street). A rally with speakers will take place at the courts building.
Local poets Sudan Aunu, Bryant Munford, and others will be speaking.
In the background of this event are concerns about the future of Monroe Park under its new Conservancy.
Missed the 4th Annual Girls Rock! RVA Showcase at the Richmond Public Library this afternoon, but thankfully other neighbors did not. Thanks to neighbor Greta for the pic.
One of the topics covered at Councilperson Parker Agelasto’s meeting on Wednesday night was an update on the Idlewood roundabout project.
City Transportation Engineer Tom Flynn gave a quick background and overview, and then presented the “first, final draft” from engineering/design firm Kimley Horn. Due to some unforeseen costs, the plan right now is to NOT remove the stretch of Grayland at the time of roundabout construction, but leave it with a dead end. Expect this and other points to be covered at a future community meeting.
Several households in Oregon Hill will be holding yard sales this Saturday, including 500 block of S. Pine, 500 block of S.Cherry, and 600 block of S. Laurel. Click here for the FaceBook event page.
From VCU press release:
RICHMOND, Virginia (Aug.13, 2014) – The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department is unveiling a new tool to help control noise levels from parties and other events hosted by students living near VCU’s Monroe Park Campus.
This afternoon, VCU Police Chief John Venuti will give local media the first look at the department’s new noise suppression unit. Throughout the academic year, the unit will be used in the neighborhoods surrounding VCU as both a noise deterrent and noise monitor.
The new unit is the department’s way of adding another step in the routine process of handling noise complaints. During the most recent academic year, VCU Police visited 186 residences after receiving complaints about loud parties. VCU Police has a dedicated external relations officer who verifies complaints, educates students on their responsibilities as renters, notifies landlords of ongoing issues and, in some cases, assists landlords with evictions.
“The quality of life for our neighbors has been a high priority for VCU administrators,” Venuti said. “The noise suppression unit shows the community that we are taking every possible step to ensure our students are following laws and the university’s code of conduct.”
An unveiling is scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Aug. 13, at the Compass Plaza on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The plaza is located between Shafer Court Dining Center (801 Cathedral Place) and James Branch Cabell Library (901 Park Ave).
Additional details about this initiative will not be released until the media event this afternoon. Reporters interested in attending should email byersc@vcu.edu.
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From VCU officials:
To: Neighborhood Association Presidents, VCU Liaisons
Greetings,
Please find attached a flier to VCU’s neighbors from the VCU’s Student Commons and Activities. I appreciate your sharing this information with residents.
As you will see, the Monday event at the Cary Street Field (Student Playfair) is from 8-10:30. I inquired about specifics and was told that the event is a huge icebreaker for incoming freshmen to meet other students. It will likely be over closer to 9:30. There will be someone on a microphone and music will be played intermittently. I have been told that any sound associated with all three events will be directed away from residential areas.
If you have any questions leading up to the events, there is an email address and contact number on the flier. VCU Police will be on hand. As a reminder, their non-emergency number is 828-1196.
Finally, we look forward to the community joining VCU on Saturday, August 23 for First Ram Saturday: Food Truck A Palooza!
Thank you.
From email announcement:
Pleasants Park at 8:00 pm
Outdoor movie and cookout
Featured Presentation:
Another great photo from the Visual & Vintage Virginia FaceBook group:
Riverside Park house-end of Pine Street
Oregon Hill-1953
From the Times Dispatch obituary:
JOURNEY, Wilton “Earl,” 89, of Shackleford, formerly of Richmond, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2014, at the home of his son. Earl was the son of the late Lottie Virginia and Clarence Churchill Journey. He was raised in Oregon Hill. He proudly enjoyed telling tales of his youth there. He was a WWII Navy veteran.
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He was a member of the Carpenters Union 388 and retired from Koger Properties. He was instrumental in the construction of several landmark buildings in the Richmond area including, Richmond City Hall, the Coliseum and Imperial Plaza.
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Interment to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.