Engine Company No. 9, Community Mural Project
Donation protected
RICHMOND'S UNSUNG HEROES
TRAGEDY STRIKES IN 1963
The black firefighters remained segregated at Engine Company 9 until 1963. A tragedy struck in 1963 that caused the department to take another look at segregation. On June 14, 1963 Captain Harvey S. Hicks, Douglas P. Evans and Calvin Wade attempted to rescue a self-employed contractor from a 23-feet deep pit. Captain Harvey S. Hicks, the department's highest-ranking black officer and firefighter and Douglas P. Evans suffocated in this rescue attempt of a contractor who was also a good friend of the firefighters. Since all the black firefighters were stationed together it was possible that a major catastrophe could possibly wipe out the company. The black firefighters had consistently demonstrated competency and commitment to the department while battling subtle discrimination. Engine Company No. 9 was built in 1902 and demolished in 1968.
A PERMANENT PLACE IN HISTORY
On Saturday, July 1, 2000 the Southwest Corner of 5th and Duval Street became a historical highway landmark. On March 10, 2016, Virginia's House of Delegates made the following proclamation, “That Virginia Engine Company No. 9 hereby be commended on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the hiring of the first African American firefighters by a city fire department in the Commonwealth.”
THE MURAL PROJECT
The proposed location, 2nd and Leigh St. ( map link ), is an ideal location to celebrate the feats of these heroes being only a few blocks from the original site of Engine Company No. 9 which was located on 5th and Duval St.. The size of the mural is approximately 100 feet by 50 -- which is a lot of paint and man hours. It will take three Artist, led by Sir James L. Thornhill, working two weeks full-time to complete a pre-approved design chosen by the Historic Jackson Ward Community.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Throughout the entire project the Sir James Thornhill Global Arts Initiative ( SJTGAI ) will be working alongside the Richmond Fire Department, Richmond City Mayor's Office and the Richmond Police Department, among many other stakeholders, whom will also be assisting with the Engine Company No. 9 Mural Dedication Ceremony.
ACTION STEPS
Every Dollar donated will be allocated toward upholding the legacy of the Engine Company No. 9 Richmond heroes, as well as, beautifying the Jackson Ward community. If you're a sponsor, artist or volunteer that wants to get involved, please contact Sir James at [email redacted] .
TRAGEDY STRIKES IN 1963
The black firefighters remained segregated at Engine Company 9 until 1963. A tragedy struck in 1963 that caused the department to take another look at segregation. On June 14, 1963 Captain Harvey S. Hicks, Douglas P. Evans and Calvin Wade attempted to rescue a self-employed contractor from a 23-feet deep pit. Captain Harvey S. Hicks, the department's highest-ranking black officer and firefighter and Douglas P. Evans suffocated in this rescue attempt of a contractor who was also a good friend of the firefighters. Since all the black firefighters were stationed together it was possible that a major catastrophe could possibly wipe out the company. The black firefighters had consistently demonstrated competency and commitment to the department while battling subtle discrimination. Engine Company No. 9 was built in 1902 and demolished in 1968.
A PERMANENT PLACE IN HISTORY
On Saturday, July 1, 2000 the Southwest Corner of 5th and Duval Street became a historical highway landmark. On March 10, 2016, Virginia's House of Delegates made the following proclamation, “That Virginia Engine Company No. 9 hereby be commended on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the hiring of the first African American firefighters by a city fire department in the Commonwealth.”
THE MURAL PROJECT
The proposed location, 2nd and Leigh St. ( map link ), is an ideal location to celebrate the feats of these heroes being only a few blocks from the original site of Engine Company No. 9 which was located on 5th and Duval St.. The size of the mural is approximately 100 feet by 50 -- which is a lot of paint and man hours. It will take three Artist, led by Sir James L. Thornhill, working two weeks full-time to complete a pre-approved design chosen by the Historic Jackson Ward Community. COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Throughout the entire project the Sir James Thornhill Global Arts Initiative ( SJTGAI ) will be working alongside the Richmond Fire Department, Richmond City Mayor's Office and the Richmond Police Department, among many other stakeholders, whom will also be assisting with the Engine Company No. 9 Mural Dedication Ceremony.
ACTION STEPS
Every Dollar donated will be allocated toward upholding the legacy of the Engine Company No. 9 Richmond heroes, as well as, beautifying the Jackson Ward community. If you're a sponsor, artist or volunteer that wants to get involved, please contact Sir James at [email redacted] .
Organizer
James L. Thornhill
Organizer
Richmond, VA