Richmond's first Black mayor is remembered as a civil rights fighter and trailblazer Current and former Virginia elected leaders speaking at this weekend's service for the first Black mayor of Richmond recalled Henry L. Marsh III's trailblazing career and his lifetime commitment to civil rights.
Marsh then attended Howard University law school, sharing a room with L. Douglas Wilder, who followed Marsh as Richmond’s mayor and later became the nation’s first Black governor.
During his eulogy, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., himself a former Richmond mayor and civil rights lawyer, recounted Marsh’s mentorship.
Marsh, who was born in Richmond and educated in segregated schools, devoted much of his work to dismantling racial segregation in schools, government and the workplace.
After a single term as mayor, Marsh was elected to the Virginia state Senate in 1991 and represented the 16th District for 22 years before resigning.
