Eric Johnson – The Judy Project

Preservation Virginia supports the Judy Project

Eric Johnson — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 02:32:16 +0000

Early this month, Elizabeth S. Kostelny, the CEO of Preservation Virginia, the oldest statewide preservation organization in the nation, wrote to share her organization’s support for the Judy Project at Richmond Hill. She wrote in part:

I write to lend our support to the Judy Project and its goal to unearth this forgotten history and restore the space for reflection, dialogue, and healing. By envisioning a place that is educational and restorative, the team at Richmond Hill is creating an environment that will inspire transformative change in individuals and in the Richmond community.

The structure at Richmond Hill is rare and significant. The team has sensitively undertaken thorough documentary and archaeological research and worked with architects and designers to envision this rehabilitated space. Most importantly, you have engaged a broad community of individuals in determining the scope of the restoration and the approach to memorization. This engagement distinguishes the Judy Project in its goal of supporting reconciliation.

Read the entire letter.

Michael Paul Williams: “Richmond Hill seeks to ‘uncover buried truths’ of enslavement at site (RTD, 7/16/22)

Eric Johnson — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 20:18:41 +0000

Pulitzer-prize winning columnist Michael Paul Williams writes of Richmond Hill and the legacy and future of the dwelling of the enslaved in the July 16, 2022, Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Visit the Unearthing Buried Stories Exhibit at Richmond Hill through August 31st.

Eric Johnson — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:58:07 +0000

Unearthing Buried Stories: The Exhibit is an effort by Richmond Hill to live into its mission, which is to seek the healing of metropolitan Richmond through hospitality, prayer, racial reconciliation and spiritual development. Black and white people in this country have been harmed in very different ways by a culture of white supremacy, enslavement and the legacies of enslavement – not to mention the ways in which religion has been used to justify oppression and to judge people based on their identity. Healing the traumatized spirit and the soul of America requires first truth, then lament, acknowledgement, repentance and atonement, dialogue, and finally repair. Through this exhibit, we are beginning with the truth about the history of the place where we are standing.

We began this process with a goal of creating 12 panels. That somehow felt right and 12 is a holy number. However, as the story of this land and neighborhood unfolded it called out for more. The exhibit is now composed of twenty (20) panels that are 3.5 x 2.5 feet, and an outside double-sided panel at the Dwelling of Enslaved Africans. Primary sources for the content include US census records, wills, letters, legislative petitions, vital records, newspapers, maps, insurance policies, and more. Sources are available upon request.

See the exhibit handout for additional information.

Audio Reflections

The exhibit is accompanied by Audio Reflections that complement the content on the panels. When viewing the exhibit, use your phone to scan the QR code where you see it and listen to diverse and meaningful commentary and song.

The Dwelling

Richmond Hill is preparing to rehabilitate the “Dwelling of Enslaved Africans” in the northeast corner of our garden. Watch architect Burt Pinnock discuss his exciting design.

Join Us in Honoring the Ancestors

Your donation will help us in our work.

Listen: Nina Simone – I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free

Eric Johnson — Thu, 28 May 2020 22:11:53 +0000

Click video to listen to the song.

I wish I knew how
It would feel to be free
I wish I could break
All the chains holding me
I wish I could say
All the things that I should say
Say ’em loud, say ’em clear
For the whole round world to hear . . .