The Bill "Bojangles" Robinson Project
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Program Presiding Mr. Keith W. Hicks Past President and Chairman Special Projects Committee Invocation Mr. Ronald Ford Chaplain Greeting Mr. Harry D. Reid, Sr. and Purpose Past President Dance Tribute Felecia Mann Owner-Happiness Dance Studio Introduction of Rev. Dr. Paul Flowers Speaker Pastor-Antioch Baptist Church Speaker Mr. Gary Flowers Booking Black w/ Gary Flowers The Gary Flowers Show Walking The Ward Closing Remarks Mr. Fennon Henderson Astoria President Benediction Mr. Ronald Ford Chaplin Refreshments Astoria Special Project Committee Mr. Joseph Clark Mr. Ronald Ford Mr.Alan J. Foster, Sr. Mr. James Haymes Mr. Fennon Henderson Mr. Keith W. Hicks Mr. Jonathan G. Johnson Mr. Kirk C. Jones Mr. Harry D. Reid, Sr. Mr. Marvin R. Tart, Sr. Astorian Ambassadors Mr. Harry D. Reid, Sr. Mr. Herbert Southhall, Jr. The Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Statue “Welcome to the Neighborhood” Erected June 30, 1973 By Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc. and the citizens of Richmond, Virginia Located at Adams & Leigh Streets Richmond, Virginia The Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Project After an enormous amount of work by the committee, the unselfish cooperation of many individuals, organizations, local companies and the City of Richmond, Virginia Government, the project was ready for dedication on June 30, 1973. It is significant to note while our Richmond City has long enjoyed fame as the city of many statues, the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson statue was the first statue memorializing a prominent African American. The Bill “Bojangles” Robinson project is indeed symbolic of the spirit of the Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc., celebrating a rich past, while making a difference in the future. It is hoped that in the years to come, residents and tourists alike will visit Robinson Square and the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson statue will be a cause of reflection and inspire civil pride, civil commitment, and participations in each neighborhood civics’ life. The Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc. Proudly Presents The Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Commemorative Service 51th Anniversary Saturday, June 22, 2024 10:00 A.M. Adams & Leigh Streets Richmond, Virginia The Original “Bojangles” Committee Carroll W. Anderson, Chair Marion N. Roberson, Vice Chair George Taylor, Rec. Secretary Herbert H. Johnson, Fin. Secretary J. Carroll Beard, Treasurer Wesley T. Carter Richard W. Foster Willie L. Loving Bernard L. Jones Powell B. Williams The Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Project During a regular Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc. meeting in April 1972, Carroll Anderson presented a proposal to erect a statue in tribute to Richmond, Virginia native Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The intent purpose was to serve as an inspiration to future generations that they too might make meaningful contributions to the community and inspire civic pride. The proposal was referred to the Board of Governors and approved in June 1972. Within a month the Astorian general membership voted and approved the measure which resulted in the establishment of the “Bojangles” Memorial Fund Committee. This represented the singled largest project in the Astoria Beneficial Club, Inc., history. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was born Luther Robinson in Richmond, Virginia, on May 25, 1878, at 915 N. Third Street. Robinson started his career as a vaudeville performer, transitioning to Broadway and to Hollywood films in the 1930s and 1940s. He became a Broadway legend, his tap-dance style and cheerful personality made Robinson a favorite of both black and white audiences alike. In 1936, along with financier James Semler, they cofounded the New York Black Yankees baseball team, based in Harlem. The team was a part of the Negro National League until 1948, when Major League Baseball first integrated. He donated the first traffic control light north of Broad Street, at Adams and Leigh Streets, for the safety of the students of Armstrong High School. A public park in Harlem bears Robinson's name as well as the statue at Adams and Leigh Streets, in Richmond, Virginia honoring a native son and a way of honoring Bill “Bojangles” Robinson many philanthropic, civic contributions, and participation in the neighborhood's civic life. He died in New York City on November 25, 1949, but his enduring legacy remains. In 1989 a joint U.S. Senate/ House resolution declared “National Tap Dance Day” to be May 25th, the anniversary of Bill Robinson’s birth. Sss |
