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To designate the 1000 block of North Lombardy Street in honor of Coach Howard D. Hopkins. (3rd District)
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. Designation of Street Block for Honorary Name. The 1000 block of North Lombardy Street shall be designated in honor of Coach Howard D. Hopkins, pursuant to this ordinance.
§ 2. Effect of Designation. The designation of the street block made pursuant to this ordinance shall be honorary only, shall not replace the existing name of the street, and shall have no effect on the address of any property with an address on the designated street block. The sole effect of designation pursuant to this ordinance shall be to authorize the placement of commemorative signs in accordance with this ordinance memorializing the designation in honor of the named person.
§ 3. Administration of Ordinance. The Department of Public Works shall implement this ordinance by installing, as soon as practicable after the adoption of this ordinance and maintaining commemorative signs in accordance with this section. The commemorative signs shall be clearly distinct from the street signs used to identify the street block in question such that a reasonable person could not conclude that the commemorative signs reflect the actual name of the street. The commemorative signs (i) shall be affixed to a sign pole installed at each end of the block designated in section 1 of this ordinance for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of this section or to any existing sign identifying the road designated in section 1 of this ordinance located at each end of the block designated in section 1 of this ordinance and (ii) shall bear the name of the person set forth in section 1 of this ordinance.
§ 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: RJ Warren, Council Chief of Staff
THROUGH: Will Perkins, Senior Legislative Services Manager
THROUGH: Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst
FROM: The Honorable Kenya Gibson, Councilmember 3rd District
RE: To designate the 1000 Block of N Lombardy Street in honor of Coach Howard Hopkins.
CNL-2026-0056
PURPOSE: To designate the 1000 Block of N Lombardy Street in honor of Coach Howard Hopkins.
BACKGROUND: Honorary street naming is reserved for individuals whose lives reflect sustained, meaningful contributions to the City of Richmond, and Coach Howard Hopkins exemplifies that standard through decades of service as an educator, coach, mentor, and community leader in Richmond Public Schools and the broader Richmond community. Coach Hopkins moved to Richmond in 1967 and dedicated approximately thirty years of service to Richmond Public Schools before retiring in 1997. During his career, he served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator at numerous Richmond schools including Maggie L. Walker High School, Marshall Walker, Armstrong High School, Franklin Military Academy, Huguenot High School, Albert Hill Middle School, Richmond Technical Center, and Richmond Community High School.
Coach Hopkins is particularly recognized for his role at Maggie L. Walker High School and for helping preserve and share the history of the Armstrong-Walker Classic, a cornerstone cultural tradition in Richmond’s Black community for more than four decades. As assistant football coach at Maggie Walker from 1967 to 1978, Coach Hopkins helped shape generations of student athletes and civic leaders while contributing to one of Richmond’s most celebrated community traditions. The Armstrong-Walker Classic served as far more than a football game; alumni and community members describe it as a citywide reunion and a source of dignity, pride, and unity for Richmond’s Black community during segregation and beyond.
In interviews reflecting on Richmond’s cultural history, Coach Hopkins described the atmosphere surrounding the Classic as “electric,” recalling packed stadiums, bands, cheerleaders, and a strong sense of community pride and unity. He has continued to preserve and celebrate this history through organizing and supporting the Armstrong/Walker Football Classic Legacy Parade and related community events that reconnect alumni and educate younger generations about Richmond’s history. His mentorship extended beyond athletics, with former students and athletes describing him as a thoughtful educator, mentor, and role model who emphasized teamwork, determination, and community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: This nomination is brought forward by Pierre Johnson, a former football player, student, and friend of Coach Hopkins.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC INITIATIVES: This amendment directly advances key goals within the City of Richmond’s Mayoral Action Plan (MAP), which translates the Mayor’s seven pillars for a thriving Richmond into measurable goals and outcomes across city policy areas.
A City That Tells its Stories
Goal C: Share and document Richmond’s rich cultural history. This honorary naming directly advances the City’s goal of telling a more complete and truthful story of Richmond by recognizing the contributions of Black educators, coaches, and community leaders whose work shaped generations of Richmond residents and strengthened community identity during and after segregation. Honoring Coach Howard Hopkins also preserves and elevates the history of the Armstrong-Walker Classic and its significance to Richmond’s Black community and civic life.
FISCAL IMPACT: DPW estimates that each honorary street sign costs approximately $800 for manufacturing, installation, and some contingency although actual costs may vary. Funds are sufficient in the agency’s FY26 operating budget to cover adoption of this ordinance.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption.
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: May 26, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: June 22, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing & Transportation
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Public Works
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None
ATTACHMENTS: Honorary Street Sign Application for Coach Howard Hopkins.pdf
STAFF: Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst, (804-925-9269)