SIDNEY POITIER October 23, 1971 The first black actor to win the Academy Award, Sidney Poitier, is pictured here inside Richmond’s Loew’s Theater at a benefit screening of Buck and the Preacher, a western in which he co-produced, directed, and starred. Buck and the Preacher told the story of African-Americans’ struggles in the American West after the Civil War. Their freedom continued to be contested … Continue reading SIDNEY POITIER

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Various Dates, 1969-1974 Before he became a global superstar, Springsteen was a young musician struggling to earn recognition. In 1968, Bruce and his band Child travelled to Richmond and played some free shows in Monroe Park. He spent most of his time with friends, drinking, smoking, playing music, and crashing at their houses. Bruce grew fond of the city, and even contemplated moving … Continue reading BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

GERTRUDE STEIN February 5-8, 1935 Avant-garde poet and novelist, Gertrude Stein, made multiple visits to Richmond in the the 1930s and 1940s. Known for her experimentation with narrative literary conventions, Stein hosted acclaimed artists like Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway at her Paris salon. The expatriate returned to the United States for a six-month lecture tour in 1934. Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas … Continue reading GERTRUDE STEIN

JEFFERSON DAVIS 1861-1865 People cheered and guns were fired on the 26th of May, 1861 as Jefferson Davis, the new President of the Confederate States of America, entered the new capital of the Confederacy by train. The Mississippian arrived after a long journey that included stops in Montgomery, Alabama, and Petersburg, Virginia. His arrival stirred the emotions of passionate secessionists and proud Richmonders. Observers recalled … Continue reading JEFFERSON DAVIS

BARACK OBAMA October 25, 2012 “It’s up to you, Virginia. You’re going to have to make a choice. It’s up to the young people here to decide what kind of future you want for yourselves.” President Barack Obama was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of 15,000 supporters at Byrd Park at the feet of the Carillon. Just 12 days before the election, President Obama rallied … Continue reading BARACK OBAMA