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To designate the 6300 Block of Hull Street Road in honor of Eugene and Vivian Mason.
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. Designation of Street Block for Honorary Name. The 6300 Block of Hull Street Road shall be designated in honor of Eugene and Vivian Mason, 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 Nicole Jones, Councilmember 9th District
RE: To designate the 6300 Block of Hull Street Road N in honor of Eugene and Vivian Mason.
CNL-2026-0041
PURPOSE: To designate the 6300 Block of Hull Street Road N in honor of Eugene and Vivian Mason.
BACKGROUND: Honorary street naming is reserved for individuals whose lives reflect sustained, meaningful contributions to the City of Richmond, and Eugene and Vivian Mason exemplify this standard through decades of service, leadership, and community impact. Together, they built a legacy rooted in education, civic engagement, and a deep commitment to uplifting Richmond residents across generations.
Eugene A. Mason, Jr. dedicated his life to public service as an entrepreneur, faith leader, and elected official. As a member of the Richmond Public Schools Board and later as Ninth District City Councilman, he championed educational equity, youth development, and community-based decision-making. His leadership extended across numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the NAACP, Metropolitan Business League, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond. Known as a “gentle giant,” he was widely respected for his compassion, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the community.
Vivian Conway Mason’s impact was equally profound through her 40-year career as an educator in Richmond Public Schools. Specializing in early childhood and special education, she helped shape the educational foundations of countless students, fostering both academic growth and civic responsibility. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom through her involvement with the Richmond Education Association and as a delegate to the Virginia and National Education Associations, where she advocated for educators and students alike.
Together, the Masons’ shared commitment to education and opportunity is reflected in the establishment of the Vivian Conway Mason Scholarship Fund, which continues to support underprivileged high school students pursuing higher education. Their combined legacy represents a lifelong partnership dedicated to service, learning, and the betterment of Richmond’s families and neighborhoods.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: This nomination is brought forward by Shavonda Dixon-Fernandez, a mentee and close friend of Eugene Mason, reflecting the lasting personal impact of both Eugene and Vivian Mason and the strong community support for honoring their shared legacy. Letters of support were provided by the Mason family, Senator Mike Jones, the Metropolitan Business League, and the Richmond City Democratic Committee.
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 intertwined legacies of Eugene and Vivian Mason as leaders in public service and education. By embedding their names into the public realm, the City preserves and uplifts the stories of individuals who shaped Richmond through civic leadership, classroom impact, and community mentorship-ensuring that the contributions of educators and community leaders are visibly honored as part of the city’s collective 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: 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: Street Naming Nomination Form - Eugene Mason.pdf
Family Support Letter - Eugene Mason.pdf
MBL Support Letter - Eugene Mason.pdf
RCDC Support Letter - Eugene Mason.pdf
Sen. Mike Jones Support Letter - Eugene Mason.pdf
STAFF: Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst, (804-925-9269)