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2021 Year in Photos

1/6/2022, 6 p.m.
The year 2021 was a tug of war between the life changes precipitated by the COVID-19-related shutdowns of 2020 and …
A marijuana plant being grown at the Green Leaf Medical facility in South Side has reached the flowering stage, producing tiny crystals called tricomes that are harvested for medicinal oils THC and CBD. The facility was the second medical marijuana dispensary to open in the state. Photo by Sandra Sellars

The year 2021 was a tug of war between the life changes precipitated by the COVID-19-related shutdowns of 2020 and efforts to return to a pre-COVID way of life.

Richmonders started 2021 with high hopes for a return to normalcy with the newly introduced vaccines becoming more widely available and eagerly taken, first by older adults and those with underlying health conditions, and by year’s end vaccine approval for children ages 5 and older.

As long lines formed with people ready to roll up their sleeves for the vaccine, hope turned to hesitancy in some quarters, and struggles continued over vaccine, booster and mask mandates as conditions for employment and returning to in-person university learning and to K-12 classrooms.

The economic hardships, social disruptions and uncertainty caused by the pandemic helped fuel a rise in gun violence and deaths in Richmond and around the nation, particularly in communities already strained by poverty. Vigils and funerals were held in Richmond and Henrico for victims claimed by violence. Some somber ceremonies were held virtually in the wake of the more highly transmissible delta and omicron variants of the virus late in the year.

Still, throughout 2021, people sought to engage in “normal” school and sporting activities and birthday, graduation and holiday celebrations with some pandemic-related adjustments built in.

A hotly contested election for Virginia governor drove voters to the polls statewide in nearly record numbers during the fall and drew campaign visits to Richmond by former President Obama and other national figures.

And the racial reckoning borne out of the murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020 continued into 2021. The six-story statue and pedestal honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, a symbol of white supremacy since its erection in 1890, was removed from Richmond’s Monument Avenue.

In telling the whole story, officials also unveiled and dedicated a new Emancipation and Freedom Monument on Brown’s Island on the James River in Downtown.

Richmond Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and Regina H. Boone and freelance photographers Clement Britt and Randy Singleton captured the ups and downs of 2021 through their work. Here are some of the highlights.

Massive rows of cars line up Jan. 30 outside Richmond Raceway in Henrico County, where area health department officials administered the new vaccine to seniors and people with underlying healthCOVID-19 conditions.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Massive rows of cars line up Jan. 30 outside Richmond Raceway in Henrico County, where area health department officials administered the new vaccine to seniors and people with underlying healthCOVID-19 conditions.

Jada Foreman, an Atlee High School junior and track field star, poses Feb. 26 with the many pairs of track shoes she carries around so she can be ready for any situation. The 17-year-old won five individual events in the Region 5B track & field meet, helping lead the Hanover County school to win the title.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Jada Foreman, an Atlee High School junior and track field star, poses Feb. 26 with the many pairs of track shoes she carries around so she can be ready for any situation. The 17-year-old won five individual events in the Region 5B track & field meet, helping lead the Hanover County school to win the title.

More than 200 white flags representing the number of Richmonders who had died at that point from COVID-19 were placed outside New Kingdom Christian Ministries on Dill Avenue in Highland Park in early March. The church held a candlelight vigil March 6 outside the church in memory of loved ones lost. Several people spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Others watched the ceremony virtually.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

More than 200 white flags representing the number of Richmonders who had died at that point from COVID-19 were placed outside New Kingdom Christian Ministries on Dill Avenue in Highland Park in early March. The church held a candlelight vigil March 6 outside the church in memory of loved ones lost. Several people spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Others watched the ceremony virtually.

Retired nurse Juliette Stephens Hamilton, left, stands on her front porch in Washington Park as well-wishers offer drive-by greetings to celebrate her 103rd birthday on March 25. Ms. Hamilton welcomed guests and drivers alongside Brenda Dabney Nichols, president of the Washington Park Civic Association, who helped organize the “Parade Drive-By Celebration” with members of Ms. Hamilton’s family.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Retired nurse Juliette Stephens Hamilton, left, stands on her front porch in Washington Park as well-wishers offer drive-by greetings to celebrate her 103rd birthday on March 25. Ms. Hamilton welcomed guests and drivers alongside Brenda Dabney Nichols, president of the Washington Park Civic Association, who helped organize the “Parade Drive-By Celebration” with members of Ms. Hamilton’s family.

Andre Tolleris waves a banner to the honks of drivers passing by the Lee statue on Monument Avenue after a jury found a former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd on April 20. The Lee statue on Richmond’s Monument Avenue had become a rallying point for large protests against police brutality and racial injustice following Mr. Floyd’s death in May 2020.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Andre Tolleris waves a banner to the honks of drivers passing by the Lee statue on Monument Avenue after a jury found a former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd on April 20. The Lee statue on Richmond’s Monument Avenue had become a rallying point for large protests against police brutality and racial injustice following Mr. Floyd’s death in May 2020.

Pallbearers accompany the casket shared by Sharnez Hill, 30, and her 3-month-old daughter, Neziah Hill, after their funeral May 8 at United Nations Church in South Side, where hundreds of mourners paid their final respects. The mother and daughter were shot and killed April 27, and three other people, including 11- and 15-year- old girls, were wounded outside the Belt Atlantic Apartments in South Side by young men shooting at each other across the apartment complex courtyard.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Pallbearers accompany the casket shared by Sharnez Hill, 30, and her 3-month-old daughter, Neziah Hill, after their funeral May 8 at United Nations Church in South Side, where hundreds of mourners paid their final respects. The mother and daughter were shot and killed April 27, and three other people, including 11- and 15-year- old girls, were wounded outside the Belt Atlantic Apartments in South Side by young men shooting at each other across the apartment complex courtyard.

Cruz Sherman, founder of Men in Action, leads a prayer outside the apartment complex as those assembled hold up three fingers in honor of the infant who was killed. The stop the violence rally was held May 1.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Cruz Sherman, founder of Men in Action, leads a prayer outside the apartment complex as those assembled hold up three fingers in honor of the infant who was killed. The stop the violence rally was held May 1.

Members of the Elegba Folklore Society pour libations honoring the ancestors during a performance June 18 at Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park as part of the city’s 64th Annual Festival of Arts. It was one of several area events marking the first year of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Members of the Elegba Folklore Society pour libations honoring the ancestors during a performance June 18 at Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park as part of the city’s 64th Annual Festival of Arts. It was one of several area events marking the first year of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

Valedictorians at Richmond’s public high schools celebrated during a group photo June 12 at Byrd Park. They are, from left, Te’Vonya Jeter of Huguenot; Aissatou Barry of Richmond Community; Airheiz Cabrera of Armstrong; Harold Aquino-Guzman of George Wythe; Terri Lee of Franklin Military Academy; Mary Jane Perkins-Lynch of Thomas Jefferson; and Abena Williams of Open High. Not pictured in A’Nya Davis of John Marshall.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Valedictorians at Richmond’s public high schools celebrated during a group photo June 12 at Byrd Park. They are, from left, Te’Vonya Jeter of Huguenot; Aissatou Barry of Richmond Community; Airheiz Cabrera of Armstrong; Harold Aquino-Guzman of George Wythe; Terri Lee of Franklin Military Academy; Mary Jane Perkins-Lynch of Thomas Jefferson; and Abena Williams of Open High. Not pictured in A’Nya Davis of John Marshall.

Talisha Braxton of New York, left, talks with her boyfriend, Burney Hatchett III, from within their tents set up outside the vacant Richmond Coliseum on July 11. Homeless people who had been living outside the Coliseum were moved by Richmond Police and other officials before workers began installing a fence around the Downtown venue in preparation for its demolition.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Talisha Braxton of New York, left, talks with her boyfriend, Burney Hatchett III, from within their tents set up outside the vacant Richmond Coliseum on July 11. Homeless people who had been living outside the Coliseum were moved by Richmond Police and other officials before workers began installing a fence around the Downtown venue in preparation for its demolition.

More than 9,000 people watch a colorful fireworks display at The Diamond on July 3 following the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Fourth of July weekend home stand against the Binghamton Rumble Po- nies of New York.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

More than 9,000 people watch a colorful fireworks display at The Diamond on July 3 following the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Fourth of July weekend home stand against the Binghamton Rumble Po- nies of New York.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9808 in Mechanicsville lead a three-volley salute during a twilight memorial ceremony July 28 held at the Sons and Daughters of Ham Cemetery near Bandy Field in Henrico County. The ceremony, held on National Buffalo Soldiers Day, honored Moses Bradford Jr., a Buffalo Soldier who served in the 25th Infantry during the Spanish-American War. He is buried in the cemetery.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9808 in Mechanicsville lead a three-volley salute during a twilight memorial ceremony July 28 held at the Sons and Daughters of Ham Cemetery near Bandy Field in Henrico County. The ceremony, held on National Buffalo Soldiers Day, honored Moses Bradford Jr., a Buffalo Soldier who served in the 25th Infantry during the Spanish-American War. He is buried in the cemetery.

Two 12-foot bronze statues comprising the Emancipation and Freedom Monument are unveiled and dedicated during a ceremony Sept. 22 before several hundred people at Brown’s Island in Downtown.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Two 12-foot bronze statues comprising the Emancipation and Freedom Monument are unveiled and dedicated during a ceremony Sept. 22 before several hundred people at Brown’s Island in Downtown.

An emotional state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, head of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission that spearheaded the creation of the monument, is comforted by Gov. Ralph S. Northam as Delegate Betsy B. Carr, left, applauds the unveiling. Many in the crowd also shed tears during the ceremony.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

An emotional state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, head of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission that spearheaded the creation of the monument, is comforted by Gov. Ralph S. Northam as Delegate Betsy B. Carr, left, applauds the unveiling. Many in the crowd also shed tears during the ceremony.

The huge statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee is carefully lowered to the ground by workers, where it was cut in half for transport by truck to state storage. Gov. Ralph S. Northam had ordered the state-owned statue to come down in July 2020, but court challenges held up its removal until Sept. 8, 2021.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

The huge statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee is carefully lowered to the ground by workers, where it was cut in half for transport by truck to state storage. Gov. Ralph S. Northam had ordered the state-owned statue to come down in July 2020, but court challenges held up its removal until Sept. 8, 2021.

Former President Obama fires up a crowd of nearly 3,000 people Oct. 23 during a campaign rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. The former president was among a bevy of national figures who stumped in the state to boost voter turnout for the former governor. Mr. McAuliffe lost the election on Nov. 2 to political neophyte and Republican Glenn A. Youngkin.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Former President Obama fires up a crowd of nearly 3,000 people Oct. 23 during a campaign rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. The former president was among a bevy of national figures who stumped in the state to boost voter turnout for the former governor. Mr. McAuliffe lost the election on Nov. 2 to political neophyte and Republican Glenn A. Youngkin.

Keisha Spearman, 45, uses her cellphone camera to document her daughter, London, 5, getting her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Fairfield Middle School in Henrico County on Nov. 13.The Henrico and Richmond school districts partnered with area health districts to host inoculation clinics for youngsters ages 5 to 11 after federal officials gave the green light for the vaccine to be administered to children.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Keisha Spearman, 45, uses her cellphone camera to document her daughter, London, 5, getting her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Fairfield Middle School in Henrico County on Nov. 13.The Henrico and Richmond school districts partnered with area health districts to host inoculation clinics for youngsters ages 5 to 11 after federal officials gave the green light for the vaccine to be administered to children.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, center, listens as Virginia elected officials detail how Jackson Ward was dissected by the construction of Interstate 95. With him on the walking tour of the Richmond neighborhood on Dec. 3 are from left, U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine.

Photo by Clement Britt

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, center, listens as Virginia elected officials detail how Jackson Ward was dissected by the construction of Interstate 95. With him on the walking tour of the Richmond neighborhood on Dec. 3 are from left, U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine.

Award-winning musician and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams is overcome with emotion Dec. 11 as he is made an honorary member of the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band and presented with a framed band uniform by NSU President Javaune Adams- Gaston. Mr. Williams delivered the commencement address to the university’s fall graduates. He also was awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony at NSU’s Joseph G. Echols Hall.

Photo by Randy Singleton

Award-winning musician and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams is overcome with emotion Dec. 11 as he is made an honorary member of the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band and presented with a framed band uniform by NSU President Javaune Adams- Gaston. Mr. Williams delivered the commencement address to the university’s fall graduates. He also was awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony at NSU’s Joseph G. Echols Hall.