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

Richmond 34

By Bernard Fisher, July 1, 2016

1. Richmond 34 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On 22 Feb. 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students, 11 women and 23 men, refused to leave the segregated dining facilities here at Thalhimers department store and were arrested. Charged with trespassing, they were later convicted and fined. This sit-in was part of a wave of protests across the South inspired by recent sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina. The arrest of the Richmond 34 sparked the Campaign for Human Dignity, which organized boycotts and picketed Richmond businesses. Thalhimers and other retailers subsequently desegregated. In June 1963 the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the convictions of the Richmond 34 in Randolph v. Virginia.

Erected 2009 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-83.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities 🎓 series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1960.

Location. 37° 32.522′ N, 77° 26.177′ W. Marker is in Richmond

Site of Thalhimers Department Store image. Click for full size.

By Bernard Fisher, July 1, 2016

2. Site of Thalhimers Department Store

Click or scan to see
this page online

, Virginia. Marker is on East Broad Street east of North 6th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The "Richmond 34" (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller & Rhoads (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Wythe (about 500 feet away); Stewart-Lee House (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Marshall Corps of Cadets (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Marshall House (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The John Marshall House (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Trolley Car System in Richmond (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 427 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.