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John Mitchell, Jr. grave marker ceremony this Saturday at Evergreen

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center, along with members of the Mitchell family, will unveil and dedicate a new grave marker at the burial site of Richmond editor, banker, and city alderman, John Mitchell, Jr. this Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11AM at Evergreen Cemetery.

John Mitchell, Jr. (1863-1929) was born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia. As an adult, Mitchell went on to serve as editor of the Richmond Planet, as founder and president of Mechanics Savings Bank, and as city alderman for Jackson Ward. Mitchell also held national renown as president of the National Afro-American Press Association. Active in the anti-lynching campaign, Mitchell travelled throughout Virginia documenting violence against African Americans and trying to ensure equality and justice for all people. Known as a race man, Mitchell was described as someone “who would walk into the jaws of death for his people,” by the New York World. Mitchell was also largely responsible for getting the First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory built at 122 West Leigh Street in the 1890s; the Armory is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

1 comment

paul h 02/24/2012 at 12:53 PM

I just verified that this ceremony is open to the public. You can get to Evergreen from Riohmond via I64. Don’t rely on a Google search for Evergreem Cemetery in Richmond. It will take you to the wrong place. Here’s how to get there from the east.

1. Get onto onto I-64 Eastbound
2. Take exit 193B for VA-33 E/Nine Mile Road
3. Merge onto Nine Mile Rd go 1/2 mile and look on your right for Evergreen Road
4. Turn right onto Evergreen Rd
5. Take the 1st left onto Bulheller Rd/Evergreen Rd go 0.3 mi

The cemetery is poorly maintained and except for one section, most of the plots are hidden in the brush. When you get into the cemetery circle right toward the back right corner. You will have to park and walk at that point. There should be a sign of some kind or you might see people walking down a trail. Mitchell himself is buried in a unmarked grave near his mother in the family plot. Nearby is the family plot of Maggie L. Walker.
Here a link to the Google map.

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