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To designate the 2800 block of Fendall Avenue in honor of Reverend A. Lincoln James, Jr. (3rd District)
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. Designation of Street Block for Honorary Name. The 2800 block of Fendall Avenue shall be designated in honor of Reverend A. Lincoln James, Jr. 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
The Honorable Ellen Robertson, Councilmember 6th District
RE: To designate the 2800 Block of Fendall Avenue in honor of Rev. A. Lincoln James, Jr.
CNL-2026-0057
PURPOSE: To designate the 2800 Block of Fendall Avenue in honor of Reverend. A. Lincoln James, Jr.
BACKGROUND: Honorary street naming is reserved for individuals whose lives reflect sustained, meaningful contributions to the City of Richmond, and Reverend Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr. exemplified that standard through decades of spiritual leadership, civic service, mentorship, and community investment in Richmond. Reverend James served as Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church for more than 45 years and became one of the most respected and influential faith leaders in the Richmond region and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Reverend James devoted his life to pastoral leadership, theological education, and community transformation beginning in 1967, serving congregations in Virginia before becoming the longest-serving pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Richmond. Under his leadership, Trinity Baptist Church expanded its ministries, increased community outreach, and became the first Black Baptist church in Richmond to televise its services. The church flourished to more than 700 active members and sustained ministries focused on worship, service, and community impact.
Rev. James also helped establish the Trinity Family Life Center, extending the church’s mission beyond the pulpit to provide programs focused on family strengthening, youth development, education, and community stability. The Center became nationally recognized for effective faith-based approaches to supporting children and families. Congressman Bobby Scott noted that Rev. James “improved the Richmond region through his leadership as President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, his service on the Virginia Parole Board, his work as a seminar professor and his vision as the driving force in the creation of the Trinity Family Life Center, which provides essential services to thousands of young people every year.”
Beyond his pastoral ministry, Reverend James served in numerous civic and educational leadership roles, including as President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, Vice President and national officer of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Richmond Virginia Seminary, and member of the Board of Visitors at the University of Lynchburg and Virginia Union University School of Theology. He was also widely recognized as a mentor to clergy, elected officials, and generations of Richmond residents. Following his passing in December 2025, hundreds gathered at Trinity Baptist Church to celebrate his life and legacy, with community leaders describing him as a transformational figure in Richmond’s civic and spiritual life.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: This nomination is brought forward by Trinity Baptist Church, reflecting broad appreciation for his decades of service to the Richmond community and his lasting impact on generations of residents and families.
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 Cares for People
Goal A: Improve quality of life outcomes for Richmond residents by strengthening neighborhoods, supporting families, and expanding community opportunity. Rev. James’ leadership through Trinity Baptist Church and the Trinity Family Life Center directly supported youth development, family stability, educational advancement, and community wellness for thousands of Richmond residents.
A City That Tells its Stories
Goal C: Share and document Richmond’s rich cultural history. This honorary naming recognizes the enduring contributions of one of Richmond’s most influential faith and civic leaders and preserves the legacy of Black church leadership as a foundational part of Richmond’s social, cultural, and civic history.
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: June 8, 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: Honorarystreetsign_Rev. A. Lincoln James, Jr.pdf
STAFF: Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst, (804-925-9269)