Richmond is rife with historical importance for the state, country and the world, but not all that history is treated with equal care and consideration. For all the lives and legacies that have fallen or risk falling between the cracks of a changing capital, the Richmond Story House seeks to uncover and elevate those stories.

Founded in 2017 by Rachel Pater, Richmond Story House, a nonprofit organization, is days away from a fundraiser and information event on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and RSH Board President Kimberly Pleasants is excited about the event.

“It’s going to be the first public fundraiser that we’re doing,” Ms. Pleasants says. It will give the organization a unique opportunity to “talk with people about what we do and the programs they can help with,” she says.

Ms. Pleasants’ enthusiasm is well founded. On Oct. 12, 2018, RSH celebrated the launch of its downloadable audio history tour of the life of Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew, recognizing her 200th birthday with Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney. Today, RSH is putting the finishing touches on a downloadable audio tour of the Church Hill Tunnel, the old Chesapeake & Ohio Railway tunnel that runs under Church Hill. It is scheduled for release this spring.

RSH also is accepting stories of LGBTQ+ parents through the end of December, with a compilation of selected stories to be published in book format, while others will be featured on the RSH website.

“I’m excited to help the people of Richmond, especially those who may feel their stories don’t matter, to tell their stories,” Ms. Pleasants says.

These audio tours are one part of Richmond Story House’s operation, which includes writing and story- telling workshops that equip marginalized people with the skills and confidence to share stories about themselves and their lives in a safe and welcoming space. The workshops are hosted at RSH’s headquar- ters at 401 N. 23rd St. and elsewhere, including locations ranging from the Richmond Justice Center to the Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13, a women’s prison in Chesterfield County.

RSH also has developed partnerships with groups and organizations like the Peter Paul Development Center, the St. Stephen’s Youth Group, Hospice of Virginia, East End Library and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum.

All this work contributes to a central, single goal for RSH — hearing, finding, collecting and putting a spotlight on mar- ginalized voices, communities and stories. As Ms. Pleasants puts it, “changing the timeline of Richmond history.”

Besides serving as board president, the Shockoe Bottom resident also serves as part of the Writers of Color and Rivah City Sisters workshops, where people of color are provided the space and inspiration to explore themselves and their surroundings. She also is working on her first novel, “Sanctuary.”

All these activities are happening during what Ms. Pleasants sees as “a really exciting time for Richmond and Richmond Story House,” and a great chance for those unheard and unacknowledged to speak out and be heard.

“The city is changing,” Ms. Pleasants says. “We just want to be a part of people telling their stories and getting it out there.”

Meet a voice for the unheard and this week’s Personality, Kimberly Pleasants:

Occupation: Sales representative.

No. 1 volunteer position: Board president for Richmond Story House.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 25 in Richmond.

Current residence: Shockoe Bottom.

Education: Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: My cat, Gloria — and my Granny, mom, stepfather, sisters, brother and nieces.

When Richmond Story House was founded: 2017.

Reason for founding: Rachel Pater, the founder, wanted to collect and hear stories from underserved people in Richmond.

RSH’s mission: Unearthing and amplifying stories in our community.

Why I am excited about this organization: I’m excited to help the people of Richmond, especially those who may feel their stories don’t matter, to tell their stories. It’s changing the timeline of Richmond history.

When and why I became involved with RSH: I became interested in Richmond Story House after taking a three- series class in 2018. Rachel Pater asked if I would be interested in joining the board. So, Rachel, Theresa Ronquillo and myself began our excellent adventure!

Resources RSH offers: We offer workshops at the Rich- mond Justice Center and Unit 13 in the women’s prison, and general workshops, workshops for writers of color and Rivah City Sisters writing meet-ups and walking tours. Check out our website!

Storytelling is: The simplest, most difficult thing to do. Telling your story, whether on paper or out loud, gives the world a chance to know you.

Our biggest support comes from: Our merry band of board members.

Our biggest challenge: Doing all of the things we plan and finding the money to do it.

Outlook at start of day: Let’s do this!

A quote that I am inspired by: “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” — Toni Morrison.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love sitting at Libby Hill Park and cheering for the people who do the stairs.

At the top of my “to-do” list is: Finishing my book.

If I could just blink my eyes and make a wish, it would be: To be Oprah Winfrey’s godchild!

Best late-night snack: Sleep.

Favorite recreational activity: Reading a book at Libby Hill Park.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Everyone is equal.

The one thing I can’t stand: People who chew loudly.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother, Brenda Gordon.

Book that influenced me the most: “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen.

What I’m reading now: “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

My next goal: To get RSH to the next level and to marry Questlove.