History
CELEBRATING A RICH PAST:
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FUTURE
Organized August 8, 1901
The remarkable tradition of the Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc. began on August 8, 1901 by 22 men who believed in firm religious values, high moral standing, intellectual growth, civic and social responsibility. Astoria also became a club of vision and recognized that the barriers to full citizenship eventually could be eliminated with patience, planning and timely action.
Astoria has earned a significant place in Richmond’s history because of the vision of its founders. They believed that the barriers to full citizenship could be eliminated with patience, planning and timely action. Their vision became the guiding light for a rich history of pioneer efforts to gain voting rights, equal opportunity employment and to end segregation of public eating facilities. The Astoria creed has inspired outstanding men from every walk of life to "higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing" for almost a century.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Astoria is proud of its long history of contributions that help to make Richmond a community of hope and cooperation today and tomorrow. Among its accomplishments over the years:
CIVIL RIGHTS
BENEVOLENCE
SPECIAL COMMUNITY PROJECT SUPPORT
· Richmond Community Hospital
· Canal Walk, Brown's Island
· Headsman Statue, Browns Island
· Batteau Boatmanís Statue
CLUB OF VISION
Astoria remains a club of vision. The Parental Assistance Leadership Service (PALS) Program mentors and encourages Richmond Public School children through a unique partnership between the Fairfield Elementary School, parents and the Astoria Beneficial Club. PALS recognizes that solid citizenship starts when children are young and club members volunteer as room fathers and lunch buddies to help students learn to appreciate themselves and their potential. It helps children to strive for a future of achievement and opportunity.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FUTURE
Organized August 8, 1901
The remarkable tradition of the Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc. began on August 8, 1901 by 22 men who believed in firm religious values, high moral standing, intellectual growth, civic and social responsibility. Astoria also became a club of vision and recognized that the barriers to full citizenship eventually could be eliminated with patience, planning and timely action.
Astoria has earned a significant place in Richmond’s history because of the vision of its founders. They believed that the barriers to full citizenship could be eliminated with patience, planning and timely action. Their vision became the guiding light for a rich history of pioneer efforts to gain voting rights, equal opportunity employment and to end segregation of public eating facilities. The Astoria creed has inspired outstanding men from every walk of life to "higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing" for almost a century.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Astoria is proud of its long history of contributions that help to make Richmond a community of hope and cooperation today and tomorrow. Among its accomplishments over the years:
CIVIL RIGHTS
- Paved way for City of Richmond to employ African American residents
- Promoted equal pay for Richmond Public School teachers
- Promoted voter rights and voter registration
- Instrumental in Richmond Police Department employing African American police officers
BENEVOLENCE
- Annual college scholarship awards to high school seniors
- Erected Bill "Bojangles" Robinson statue
- Annual financial contributions to the NAACP, United Negro College Fund, United Way Services and Virginia Union University
SPECIAL COMMUNITY PROJECT SUPPORT
· Richmond Community Hospital
· Canal Walk, Brown's Island
· Headsman Statue, Browns Island
· Batteau Boatmanís Statue
CLUB OF VISION
Astoria remains a club of vision. The Parental Assistance Leadership Service (PALS) Program mentors and encourages Richmond Public School children through a unique partnership between the Fairfield Elementary School, parents and the Astoria Beneficial Club. PALS recognizes that solid citizenship starts when children are young and club members volunteer as room fathers and lunch buddies to help students learn to appreciate themselves and their potential. It helps children to strive for a future of achievement and opportunity.