Rhythm and Blues is a tribute to the rich musical and cultural history of Richmond’s Jackson Ward, a neighborhood once known as both “The Harlem of the South” and “Black Wall Street.”

The series explores the people and places that made the neighborhood a center of Black culture and entertainment, from the legendary Hippodrome Theater and the Miller’s/Eggleston Hotel to Richmond native Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. It also honors artists including Louis Armstrong and Sam Cooke, whose music and influence are woven into the broader story of the era.

Creating this series became as much an educational journey as an artistic one. Through researching the performers, landmarks, and stories behind each piece, I gained a deeper appreciation for Jackson Ward’s role in Richmond’s history and its connection to a much larger cultural legacy. Rhythm and Blues is my way of celebrating that history while honoring the artists, entrepreneurs, and community that helped shape it.