A Three-Day Tour Through Virginia's Student Civil Rights History

Virginia played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, with its campuses, communities, and student activists shaping the fight for equality. This three-day tour through the state offers an immersive journey into the history of student-led efforts that challenged segregation, discrimination, and injustice. 

DAY ONE: FARMVILLE

Farmville has been called the birthplace of the student Civil Rights Movement—learn why at the Robert Russa Moton Museum. As the fight for desegregation was heating up in the in the middle of the 20th century, the country saw a good deal of community activism and civil disobedience including walkouts, sit-ins, protests, and boycotts.

One such walkout occurred in 1951 and was led by a young student: 16-year-old Barbara Johns. Frustrated at the poor conditions at her school, Johns rallied a group of students at the all-Black Robert Russa Moton High School and went on strike. 

Her actions garnered the attention of NAACP lawyers Spottswood Robinson and Oliver Hill, which led to lawsuits being filed against the School Board of Prince Edward County. The case would later be incorporated into Brown v. Board of Education, making Farmville a key destination to learn about school integration and the overturning of Plessy v. Ferguson.

In 1993, the building that formerly housed Moton High School was closed, but the school was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998.

After your museum visit, you'll probably be hungry. For lunch, stop at the Fishin’ Pig for southern fusion-style food, combining great seafood and BBQ.

For some outdoor adventure, make your way to the Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat. The state's largest aerial adventure park lets you whirl through the treetops on 20 zip lines and navigate 60 obstacles.

Cool down and check in to the Hotel Weyanoke. A Farmville staple since 1925, the downtown hotel offers a number of eateries, a seasonal rooftop bar, and a fitness center. 

Ready for dinner? Walk to Charley’s Waterfront Café. The restaurant, located in a historic tobacco warehouse, overlooks to Appomattox River. 

DAY TWO: FARMVILLE TO RICHMOND

Grab breakfast at Uptown Coffee House & Cafe before traveling east to Richmond.

When you arrive at the Virginia State Capitol, you should see some figures you recognize at the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial. The statue pays homage to Barbara Johns and the 1951 Moton student strikers.

Make your way to Jackson Ward to explore the galleries of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, which celebrates the rich culture and moving histories of Black American people in Virginia and their contributions to Virginia and America.

After the museum, head to Mama J’s Kitchen for some lunch. The family-owned eatery has been feeding Richmonders quality meals since 2009. 

Round out your afternoon with a visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is open 365 days a year and is the permanent home to "Rumors of War," a towering statue by Kehinde Wiley. Make sure to see it—find it by the Arthur Ashe Boulevard entrance—before exploring the VMFA's expansive collections. 

Ready for some shopping? Stroll through Carytown, aka the “Mile of Style." Explore nine blocks of small businesses to work up an appetite, then dinner is served. Drive to Lillie Pearl for twists on American favorites and a creative bar menu of specialty cocktails.

Ready to relax? There are so many lodging options in Richmond, from an artsy downtown escape to a hotel stay for the history books.

DAY THREE: RICHMOND

Enjoy coffee, breakfast, and community at Urban Hang Suite, a social cafe nestled between bustling Richmond neighborhoods.

Your next stop is the home of Maggie L. Walker, now the Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site. The prominent Richmonder was born in July 1864 to Elizabeth Draper, a formerly enslaved woman. Walker became the first known woman to serve as President of a bank in the United States and was a leader in the Black community. 

Next, take a drive around the city to explore the various historical markers honoring those who fought tirelessly to bring justice and equality to all.

The first stop is Broad Street between 6th and 7th Streets, the site is that of former Thalhimers department store. On February 20th, 1960, several Virginia Union University students entered the Whites Only lunch counter and after being refused service, stayed until the business closed. They were arrested for their nonviolent protest, but their convictions were overturned in 1963. The group became known as the Richmond 34.

The next markers, located at the Lewis F. Powell Jr. United States Courthouse, honor Oliver Hill and Spottswood Robison. The Civil Rights attorneys were involved in the Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward case, which was one of five cases consolidated into Brown v. Board of Education which deemed the segregation of public schools unconstitutional.

The final marker, located at 1400 Hull Street, recognizes Richmond born activist and trailblazer, Dorothy Height. Height was a paramount advocate for both civil and women’s rights and was awarded both the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.

To expand your Virginia Civil Rights exploration, check out these spots on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.