Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

1. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson Marker

Inscription. December 14, 1878 – November 25, 1949.
Dancer • Actor • Humanitarian
Native Son of Richmond
———
Internationally famous actor and dancer rendered many kindnesses to the citizens of Richmond.

Erected 1973 by the Astoria Beneficial Club and the Citizens of Richmond.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is November 25, 1771.

Location. 37° 32.962′ N, 77° 26.422′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Jackson Ward. Marker is at the intersection of Leigh Street (County Route 33) and Adams Street, on the left when traveling east on Leigh Street. It is in the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Leigh Street Armory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ebenezer Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); John Jasper (about 700 feet away);

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Richmond’s First African American Police Officers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Officer Vernon L. Jarrelle (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Legacy on Leigh Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Maggie Lena Walker (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. From the Smithonian Institution Research Information System: “The sculpture was commissioned by the Astoria Beneficial Club. The artist based his portrait on a five-second newsreel and a print from the film The Little Colonel, which Robinson made with Shirley Temple. The sculpture is made of aluminum donated by the Reynolds Metals Company. Funding for the sculpture was raised through public contributions.

Also see . . .
1. Bill Robinson. Wikipedia encyclopedia entry. (Submitted on July 31, 2007.)

2. Stormy Weather. 1943 film available on Amazon.com. “Vaguely based on the life of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson himself, Stormy Weather offers the story of a

“Bill Robinson”, by John Witt image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

2. “Bill Robinson”, by John Witt

Also known as “Bojangles,” this 9½ foot high aluminum sculpture by Jack Witt on black marble base, dedicated June 30, 1973, is a portrait of dancer and actor Bill “Bojangles” Robinson dancing on two steps wearing his trademark derby hat.

WWI vet who falls in love with a singer--and under her influence goes into show business, only to find that their careers draw them in different directions. As a story, it is pretty slim stuff... but as a collection of musical turns by some of the early 1940s best black talent, it simply can't be beat. Robinson was, of course, one of the truly great dancers of his era. Made late in his career, this film doesn't really manage to capture the scope of his talents, but he remains a constant joy to watch. (Submitted on April 6, 2014.) This website may earn income if you use this link to make a purchase on Amazon.com.

Bill Robinson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Carl Van Bechten, January 25, 1933

3. Bill Robinson

Public Domain photograph from Wikipedia Commons.

Detail of the statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

4. Detail of the statue

Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson in Harlem image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Carl Van Vechten, February 6, 1932

5. Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson in Harlem

VCU Libraries Digital Collections - Rarely Seen Richmond

Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Carl Van Vechten, February 6, 1932

6. Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson

Closeup of Photo No. 5

Statue on the corner of Leigh and Adams. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

7. Statue on the corner of Leigh and Adams.

To make the road crossing safer for school children, Mr. Robinson paid for the traffic light at this intersection.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,139 times since then and 71 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week April 6, 2014. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 31, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 5, 6. submitted on May 10, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 7. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.