The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts proudly celebrates the dedication of Arthur Ashe Boulevard, the two-mile stretch from Byrd Park to Parker Field Annex, formerly known as the Boulevard. Join VMFA in honoring the legacy of this tennis champion and Richmond native. The first African American to win Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, Ashe worked tirelessly as a humanitarian and civil rights leader. VMFA is particularly proud of its connection to Ashe, who served as a member of its Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1993. Join the two-day celebration.
Film Screening & Social Justice Forum at VMFA
Thu, Jun 20, 7–9 pm
Free; tickets required
Join the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Initiative x Afrikana Independent Film Festival as we kick off the Arthur Ashe Boulevard dedication weekend! Meet us VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Social Justice Forum featuring the RVA premiere of Ashe ’68 (VR version) and the big screen presentation of ESPN’s short film, Johnnie and Arthur. Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion about how the renaming of Arthur Ashe Boulevard is an extension of his legacy and how it can be a catalyst to move our city forward. Panelists include Johnnie Ashe, younger brother of Arthur Ashe; Sionne Neeley of Initiatives of Change, Justin Tinsley of ESPN’S Undefeated, Michael Paul Williams of Richmond Times-Dispatch and Clovia Grooms Lawrence of KISS FM. Panel moderated by Marc Cheatham of the Cheats Movement. We are honored to be a part of this important moment in Richmond and Black history and we hope you’ll join us in it!
Dedication Ceremony at VMHC
Sat, Jun 22, 11 am–12:30 pm
Free
Located next door to VMFA, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, in partnership with the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia, will host the official dedication of Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Congressman John Lewis (GA-05), a renowned civil rights activist, will lend his voice to this significant occasion as the keynote speaker. On the day of the dedication, VMHC, located at 428 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, is also offering free admission to the exhibition Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality.
Free Parking and Refreshments at VMFA
On the morning of the dedication, for those who arrive by 11:30 am, parking is free in the parking deck at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. (if you are a VMFA member, parking is always free during museum hours.) VMFA is located next door to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, where the dedication ceremony will take place. After the dedication, return to VMFA for free cookies and lemonade.