Rhythms of History: Second Street Festival brings Jackson Ward’s history to life
A medley of jazz musicians play for the crowd at 2nd St Festival. Photo by Hassan Lowery.
Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer
People from all around Richmond gathered in the historic Jackson Ward district on Oct. 4-5, eager to experience the community’s history through music and art at the 37th annual Second Street Festival. The event, open to all that has evolved into a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar.
Each year on the first weekend of October, thousands of visitors from all over the city gather at the festival to celebrate the extensive Black history through the immersion of culturally representative music, food and games.
The festival acts as a means of crossing the barrier between the varying perspectives of Jackson Ward’s history, the changes that have affected its cultural development and the people who call it home.
There are a variety of entertainment options to keep visitors occupied, from gospel, jazz and R&B performances, to a “Kidz Zone” that makes the event accessible to all ages.
“We’ve been to the festival for five years straight,” attendee Kim Brown said. “It’s been a great adventure for us to remember the importance of our heritage in the heart of Richmond.”
Jackson Ward — nicknamed “the Harlem of the South,” according to the Historic Jackson Ward Association — was home to iconic black-owned businesses, renowned jazz clubs and much more that have become scarce due to gentrification.
“We used to watch movies at the Hippodrome, which was burned down in the 1900s, and a lot of new apartment complexes were built,” Andrea B, an attendee and long-time resident of the neighborhood said. “It’s just not the same, but I’m glad that I get to experience the times I’ve had in Jackson Ward through this festival.”
The neighborhood has suffered from a variety of modernization projects that may have benefited the environment, but took away from the communities that had built their lives there.
“I’m a VCU sophomore, so I’ve been coming for about two years and I remember learning the architectural and environmental history in class, and I think it’s a great opportunity for people in the community to come together,” second-year student, Breanna Brown said.
Regardless of where attendees come from, the festival is a valuable experience for Richmonders and visitors alike.
The festival was a remarkable experience, attendee Mollie Moragne-Sutherland said.
Despite not growing up in the area, she said hearing about the multitude of stories from Jackson Ward and walking through the culture-filled streets gave her goosebumps.
While gentrification continues to reshape the landscape, the annual Second Street Festival remains essential in preserving the cultural vibrancy that once defined the Jackson Ward neighborhood in 20th century Richmond.
“I was born and raised in Jackson Ward and moved out in the third grade. It has changed a lot,” festival attendee, Jennifer Montgomery, said. “But being back here just brings back memories. It was when we were comfortable, happy and living with our doors open and fans in the window.”
The soul food, music and a variety of local African American stores help the community relive their memories of growing up in Jackson Ward, according to Montgomery.
The event not only acts as a means of remembering the vibrant African American scene in Richmond, but also showcases the talent and resilience of the members from the Jackson Ward community.
Organizers of the festival encourage longtime residents of the area and newcomers to take part in this annual tradition in hopes of honoring the legacy of Jackson Ward while looking toward the future.
To learn more about the history behind Jackson Ward, visit venturerichmond.com.
