Filming recently wrapped on a movie called The Richmond 34: The Silent Victory. In February of 1960, thirty-four Virginia Union University students staged a sit-in at Thalhimers, “an up-scale department store in downtown Richmond at the time.”
This movie dramatizes a little-known yet impactful part of Richmond history. Imagine shopping at a clothing store but not being allowed to try on the clothes or return them. That’s one example of the many injustices facing Richmond Black people in the sixties.
The students protested peacefully about Thalhimers’ discriminating policies, but police still arrested them. Their action sparked a path toward desegregation in Richmond as well as “the broader civil rights movement in Virginia.” In 2016, Virginia Union University honored the Richmond 34 with a historical marker.
The film’s producer, writer, and director is Reverand L.K. Harris. The Richmond Free Press described the film’s pre-production process.
While we wait for the film’s release, watch this video about the filmmakers’ journey and the history of The Richmond 34. You can also learn more by viewing What Does the Richmond 34 Case Teach us About the Judiciary?, which includes an interview with Elizabeth Johnson Rice, one of the Richmond 34.
The filmmakers anticipate the film will be released later this year.
