$16M Awarded To Examine Richmond’s Black History

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

RICHMOND

At a time when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is sparking controversy by opposing African-American historyhigh-school courses that show how racism developed and is perpetuated, the Mellon Foundation recently awarded funds to a city that serves a type of template on racism.

The city of Richmond recently received a $16 million grant from Mellon, a 54-year-old New Yorkheadquartered foundation, to rewrite narratives about people of color.

According to a press release from Mellon, six Richmondbased organizations will examine, preserve and reimagine Richmond’s “rich historical narratives.” part of the history. Some of the history is not pleasant; some of it is groundbreaking; and some of it was previously unknown.

Specifically, the grant will fund research efforts that will analyze and illustrate the complex role that Richmond played in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the slave trade, Jim Crow laws, and developing Confederate monuments.

Forrest will present what his research has discovered to include material on the United States Colored Troops (USCT), Company B, 1st Regiment who were stationed at the fort for a short time. Steven Forrest worked for the Department of Navy for 36 years. He has his own website and YouTube channel called Historic Forrest.

This program is free and open to the public.