A history of Richmond’s Black Churches

Courtesy VCU

Feb. 26, 2026
12:30 p.m.

Learn about the history and current work of African American churches in Richmond from Benjamin Ross, church historian of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church and Dr. J. Elisha Burke, program director of SACRED SPACES.

From the establishment of early pre-civil war African American churches through post-civil war and Reconstruction years, the African American church served as a hub of religious and social life. By the late 19th century and early 20th century, many churches provided assistance to aid formerly enslaved people and their families. During the civil rights movement, African American churches served as physical platforms for meetings and rallying services.

Today, African American churches continue their responsibility to care for the less fortunate and bring attention to the social injustices affecting the Black community. African American churches in Richmond remain active in social justice and civic engagement activities, specifically through the SACRED SPACES initiative which enables the Baptist General Convention of Virginia to provide training for new and current church historians.

Please register to attend to receive the Zoom link.

These Community Zooms are at a new time of 12:30 p.m., so grab some lunch and join us online!

VCU’s Community Health Hub
March 5, 2026
12:30 p.m.

The Junior League of Richmond
April 9, 2026
12:30 p.m. 

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