WHEREAS, in 2018, the 2nd Street Festival, one of Richmond's premier annual events, celebrated the 30th anniversary of "Reuniting the Jackson Ward Community" and offering consistent support for the neighborhood with ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Richmond; and

WHEREAS, the 2nd Street Festival began in 1989 as a gala to mark the release of a video called 2 Street; it was one of the first organized neighborhood street parties, coinciding with the City of Richmond's goal to revitalize Second Street and the surrounding Jackson Ward area; and

WHEREAS, several local organizations were the prime movers in developing and promoting the 2nd Street Festival; Nina Abady, who was director of Downtown Presents in 1989, insisted that a free public event be included in the 1989 video-promotion festivities; and

WHEREAS, from its beginnings under one tent in front of the Hippodrome Theater, the festival celebrating 2 Street, as the neighborhood once known as "the Harlem of the South" is sometimes fondly called now, has grown into a four-city-block celebration offering Richmonders and visitors alike the chance to reunite with old friends, reminisce, and reflect on memories of the Historic Jackson Ward and familiar places; and

WHEREAS, the 2nd Street Festival continues to celebrate the rich culture of Richmond's vibrant African American community, the legacies of generations of families who still call Richmond home, the evolution of this historic neighborhood through decades of change, and a renewed sense of purpose for a promising future; and

WHEREAS, more than 45,000 people are expecting to throng the streets of Jackson Ward during the 2nd Street Festival, held on October 6 - 7, 2018, with artists and concerts showcased on four stages throughout the event; and

WHEREAS, the 2nd Street Festival, which is organized by Venture Richmond Events, LLC, promotes the continued rebirth of Jackson Ward and encourages homeowners and businesses to invest in and be a part of a burgeoning neighborhood; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the 2nd Street Festival hereby be commended on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Brian K. Jackson, chair and chief executive officer of Venture Richmond, as an expression of the House of Delegates' congratulations and admiration for its work to promote the 2nd Street Festival and one of the Commonwealth's most historic and vibrant African American communities.