Intern Blog: The Richmond 34

Our PR & Marketing Intern Ta’Kia focuses on the Richmond 34 and the related object in the Valentine collection.

For Black History Month, I wanted to dedicate my second entry on the Valentine blog to the Richmond 34.

During the 1950s and 60s, African-Americans engaged in a battle for social justice, focused on the integration of cities, towns, public spaces and equal rights for all people. This fight took on a variety of forms. Encouraged by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., non-violent protests became a significant form of direct action. Attempts to reinforce the status quo through intimidation, physical violence and police arrests resulted in strained race relations during this era throughout Richmond, Virginia and the nation.

There were many non-violent protests that propelled the struggle for civil rights. Rosa Parks’ ractions led to the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott and the peaceful March on Washington where Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech sparked a national dialogue about racial injustice.

Inspired by the Greensboro, North Carolina Woolworth Lunch Counter Sit-In, Virginia Union University students conducted their own non-violent protest by staging a variety of actions, including a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Richmond on February 20, 1960.

Woolworth’s Lunch Counter and Stools, ca. 1950, 501 E. Broad Street, V.94.02.01-.07

On February 22, 58 years ago today, VUU students conducted another sit-in at the Thalhimers department store in the heart of Richmond’s shopping district. 34 were arrested, although their convictions were eventually overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Campaign for Human Dignity in Richmond was created as a direct result of these actions. This led to citizens boycotting many of the city’s segregated shops. The resulting economic loss experienced was detrimental and brought about change as a number of retail establishments desegregated in hopes of winning back their former clientele. In fact, by the summer of 1963, more than 100 of Richmond’s 400 restaurants and cafés had integrated.

Photo with Mr. John Dorman, participant in the Thalhimers protest in 1960.

On June 28, 2016, a marker was unveiled on Broad Street to commemorate the Thalhimers sit-in by the “Richmond 34” as the student participants came to be known.

As a Virginia Union University student myself, I was lucky enough to meet Mr. John Doorman, a participant in the protest in 1960, and briefly speak with him about his experiences. A young teenager at the time, Mr. Doorman picketed outside Thalhimers while the students conducted the sit-in.

Come visit the Valentine and see the Woolworth’s lunch counter and stools, site of the February 20, 1960 sit-in, on display in “This is Richmond, Virginia”, our permanent exhibition!

Ta’Kia is a PR & Marketing Intern at the Valentine

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Valentine Intern Spotlight: Ta’Kia Dozier

Our PR & Marketing and Development Intern introduces herself and shares her expectations as the newest member of the Valentine team.

My name is Ta’Kia Dozier, and I am a second semester junior from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and an intern at the Valentine.

I currently attend Virginia Union University where I am pursuing my degree in Business Marketing. I am a Resident Assistant for a Living and Learning Residence Hall, a part of the Honors Program, the president of the Residence Hall Association and a member of the Virginia College of African American Women (VCAAW).

I knew nothing about the Valentine at first. In fact, the only Valentine I ever knew was the crush that I had in fifth grade. Once I did some research and saw the variety of exhibits and its unique history however, I knew right away this was the kind of work I was interested in. The focus of the museum is what really appealed to me; its many exhibition pay tribute to the diverse men and women who have helped to build and shape Richmond, the state of Virginia and the nation.

I was made aware the opportunity for an internship through my schools career center. I applied and was excited to hear back that I had an interview.

As a marketing major, my options for a career are endless. There are so many different opportunities and avenues that I can take with this major, and through this internship I hope to narrow down what it is that I would actually like to do once I graduate. Walking into my first day, I was nervous due to my lack of experience in the marketing field, but confident that I would learn fast and gain knowledge in a field that I am passionate about.  The skills that I have gained in the classroom are the fundamentals that I will need to succeed in any internship and any career I choose. I believe this internship will allow me to hone my creative skills and put my knowledge to the test through a variety of different tasks.

The environment is very positive here, and I am excited to get to know my new co-workers. I am excited to experience the marketing side of a community museum. This is my very first internship, and I plan to work hard, be open-minded, and have a great experience!

Ta’Kia Dozier is an intern at the Valentine in Richmond. 

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