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To designate the 2300 block of Barton Avenue in honor of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. (3rd District)
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. Designation of Street Block for Honorary Name. The 2300 block of Barton Avenue shall be designated in honor of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 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: February 25, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Al Wiggins, Jr., Deputy Chief Administrative Officer - Operations
THROUGH: Bobby Vincent, Director, Department of Public Works
FROM: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
RE: Street Designation in honor of Sister Rosetta Tharpe
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To designate the 2300 block of Barton Avenue, in honor of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
BACKGROUND: Sister Rosetta Tharpe is the Godmother of Rock & Roll, contributing to the Richmond Gospel community and having worldwide influence on music of all styles. In the late 1940’s Sister Rosetta Tharpe moved to Richmond, where she became a well-known gospel performer. She appeared with numerous quartets in front porch harmonizing, church and community settings. Her powerful voice, stage presence and unique electric guitar style became known around the world. She was among the first gospel musicians to appeal to rhythm and blues as well as rock and roll audiences, later being referred to as “the original soul sister.”
Sister Rosetta Tharpe purchased her home located at 2306 Barton Avenue; Richmond, Virginia in 1948, and it became the place where her career developed, including her formation of her back-up vocalist group, The Rosettes. Her musical innovations and powerful performances influenced gospel and contemporary musicians, including the Dixie Hummingbirds, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, and many more.
An honorary street sign will encourage a sense of cultural pride and highlight her contributions to our city.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Sister Rosetta Tharpe was nominated by the owner of Shockoe Records LLC, Marty Gary. In addition, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center sent a letter of support.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL:
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: March 10, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: March 23, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Public Works
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None
ATTACHMENTS: NA
STAFF: Lawson Wijesooriya, Chief of Staff