Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
The project has been in the works for nearly 15 years.
Ten acres in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood will be used to build The Shockoe Project, a museum and educational space that aims to recognize the city’s past as the second-largest slave market in the nation.
Mayor Levar Stoney — as well as other key players in the project — spoke earlier this week at Main Street Station about the development. The project will feature memorials, green spaces and will be anchored by the National Slavery Museum. The final siting of the museum is still being discussed. The city also introduced an interpretive, educational facility called the Shockoe Institute during the event.
Shaban Athuman
/
VPM News
Marland Buckner, president and CEO of the Shockoe Institute gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Current funding for The Shockoe Project includes $25 million from the city, $13 million from the commonwealth and $11 million from the Mellon Foundation.
The project has been in the works for nearly 15 years and initially kicked off when the Richmond Slave Trail Commission, a city agency, was started in 1989.
“We’re choosing to uplift Richmond’s full history and use its unique position to tell a national — and even global — story of how slavery was integrally connected to the complex evolution of this country’s history, economy and culture,” said Stoney.
Between 40,000 and 80,000 people were sold each year in the city, according to the Richmond Slave Trail Commission. Before the end of the Civil War, historians have estimated that roughly 350,000 enslaved people were auctioned in Richmond.
Led by architect Burt Pinnock, who also serves on the city’s planning commision, the project aims to transform the area adjacent to the train station, between Main and Broad streets, into an interactive educational space — in-part designed through feedback from community engagement. Pinnock also serves as a board member of the Legal Aid Justice Center and Historic Richmond Foundation.
Community comments from March and April 2015 were projected onto a screen during Pinnock’s presentation: “Don’t whitewash it”; “an honest and respectful process — not driven in secret by the usual power brokers and developers”; and “Whatever is done, the public space should be free admission.”
Pinnock took a moment during his presentation to describe the “curated” space.
Shaban Athuman
/
VPM News
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
“This work became our Smithsonian. Because we know that the history does not reside only here in the Bottom — but things like the Winfree Cottage tells a story. The Richmond Slave Trail tells a story. That East Marshall Well Project tells a story. Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground tells a story. The Burying Grounds at University of Richmond and on, and on and on, and they are not disconnected, unique stories," Pinnock said. “They are a complex, woven tapestry of who we are, and how we came [here].”
The proposed location's address, 1619 E. Broad St., corresponds with the year the first enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia.
The Shockoe Project is planned to include memorials to the African Burial Ground along Broad Street and enslaved individuals whose remains are there, along with a pedestrian bridge, green spaces, and a pavilion around the site of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail.
Pinnock also noted restaurant and retail development along Broad Street, conceptualizing it as a place that could highlight Richmond’s rising Black chefs, artists and creatives.
“Our vision is to establish a site that not only sheds light on this terrible chapter in our nation's history but also serves as a beacon of enlightenment, education and remembrance,” said Richmond City Councilor Cynthia Newbille, who represents the 7th voter district. “It is our sincere belief that this site will become a cornerstone for fostering a brighter and more promising future for all of humanity.”
The $11-million grant from the Mellon Foundation will allow the Shockoe Institute to begin the first phase of the project by converting part of Main Street Station into an educational facility within a year.
“Richmond has been the site of many stories that have shaped our understanding of who we are as Americans, but public commemoration in Richmond historically has been limited to only a few,” said Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, in 2022 when announcing the organization's support.
1 of 25 — People stand for The Black National Anthem
Community Members stand for the playing of Lift Every Voice and Sing, also known as The Black National Anthem, during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
2 of 25 — Councilperson Jordan and Saunders make thier way to thier seat
Councilperson Katherine Jordan, North Central, makes her way to her seat with Richmond Chief Administration Officer Lincoln Saunders during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
3 of 25 — Mayor Stoney gets ready to deliver remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney gets ready to deliver remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
4 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
5 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
6 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
7 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
8 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
9 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
10 of 25 — Mayor Stoney delivers remarks
Mayor Levar Stoney delivers remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
11 of 25 — Elected officials and community members watch a video presentation
Mayor Levar Stoney watches a video presentation with Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Henrico, Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, East End, lead architect Burt Pinnock, and Marland Buckner, president and CEO of the Shockoe Institute, during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
12 of 25 — Lead architect Pinnock gives remakrs
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
13 of 25 — Lead architect Pinnock gives remakrs
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
14 of 25 — Lead architect Pinnock gives remakrs
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
15 of 25 — Lead architect Pinnock gives remakrs
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
16 of 25 — Lead architect Pinnock gives remakrs
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
17 of 25 — Lead architect Pinnock gives remakrs
Lead architect Burt Pinnock gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
18 of 25 — 20240227_SHACKOE_SA
Mayor Levar Stoney gives a first bump to Lead architect Burt Pinnock during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
19 of 25 — Newbille gives remarks
Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, East End, gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
20 of 25 — Bhagat looks at pictures
Kiran Bhagat looks at an exhibit during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
21 of 25 — Del. McQuinn gives remarks
Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Henrico, gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
22 of 25 — Buckner gives remarks
Marland Buckner, president and CEO of the Shockoe Institute gives remarks during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
23 of 25 — Mayor and other stakeholders sign the charter
Mayor Levar Stoney and other stakeholders sign the project charter during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
24 of 25 — Mayor and other stakeholders sign the charter
Mayor Levar Stoney and other stakeholders sign the project charter during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
25 of 25 — Mayor and other stakeholders sign the charter
Mayor Levar Stoney holds a signed copy of the project charter during the unavailing to the Shackoe Project on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. According to the City, the Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.
