Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richmond 34
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 1, 2016
1. Richmond 34 Marker
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, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1960.
Location. 37° 32.522′ N, 77°
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 1, 2016
2. Site of Thalhimers Department Store
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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); a different marker also named Miller & Rhoads (about 400 feet away); 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). 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 529 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
