Since the 1990s, gentrification has targeted inner city neighborhoods, particularly those with lower income populations. This trend isn’t limited to major U.S. cities; Richmond also has experienced its impact, where new development often takes precedence over preservation.

Most apparent are the demographic shifts of gentrification — increasing white populations and decreasing black populations. According to the U.S. Census, Richmond’s black population was just over 50% in 2010 but fell to 40.5% by 2020 while the white population grew by 31% by 2020.

Reduced crime, improved infrastructure and job opportunities are often touted as benefits of gentrification. The adverse effects — lack of affordable housing and displacement of long-term residents — highlight the racial inequities of gentrification in South Side,

Church Hill, Jackson Ward and Carver. New development and new residents erase the cultural landscape of these historically black neighborhoods.

As a longtime resident of Carver, Jerome Legions, Jr. has a deep personal connection to the neighborhood. He has witnessed firsthand how gentrification has led to the demolition of older structures and the erasure of the spirit of his historically black neighborhood. His passion for preserving the history of Carver is evident in his efforts to save the Moore Street School, a national and Virginia-registered landmark.

“Carver is a historically middle class African American neighborhood,” Legions said. “We need to preserve our history. If we don’t save those buildings, you’ll never know we were here.”

Legions is passionate about preserving the community feel of his neighborhood. Frustrated by Black flight, he believes the Black community in Richmond isn’t committed to protecting the historical value of Black neighborhoods.

“Black people either don’t want to move to Carver or can’t move to Carver,” he said. “We couldn’t find the money to renovate our grandmother’s house, but we found the money to move to Brandermill, Chesterfield, Henrico or Hanover.”

Meet the Moore Street School Foundation Board President, working to preserve the history of his community and this week’s Personality, Jerome Legions Jr.:

Volunteer roles: I am president of Moore Street School Foundation, president of Carver Area Civic Improvement League, acting chair of Richmond City Democratic Committee, Secretary of Embrace Carver Elementary School and president of Richmond Citizens Coalition.

Occupation: I’m semi-retired. I was a benefits analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield and have a lawn care business.

Date and place of birth: I was born on Aug. 9 in Philadelphia.

Where you live now: The Carver/Sheep Hill Community.

Education: Virginia Union University, majoring in English.

What is the Moore Street School Foundation? We are a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to rehabilitate and preserve the decaying Moore Street School into a performing arts training center for all ages and create an event and meeting place.

When Moore Street School Foundation founded and by whom: It was founded on March 24, 2021, by Jerome Legions, Mark Dray, Kim Gray, James Pickren and Nell Meshcheryakov.

History of Moore Street School: The school, a unique testament to the post-Civil War era, was built between 1886 and 1887 as a 16-classroom, two-story brick school by the City of Richmond. It was a pioneering effort to provide education for African American children in the neighborhood of Brook Avenue. Five schools were constructed at that time, but it’s the only one still standing, along with Stonewall Jackson School in The Fan.

Architectural structure of Moore Street: It was finished in the Italianate style, with a combination of wood framing and load-bearing brick masonry.

The building is a beautiful structure designed by Colonel Wilfred Emory Cutshaw. It retains excellent exterior and interior integrity. The interior of Moore Street School still contains its original plaster walls, wood floors, detailed trim, paneled doors and high, pressed tin ceilings.

Location of Moore Street School: It’s in the 1100 block of Moore Street, attached to Carver Elementary School.

When it closed: Until approximately 1999.

Building ownership: Richmond Public Schools.

Why it is vacant: I speculate that with the maintenance requirements, RPS decided to surplus the building.

RPS’ plans for the historic building: They are negotiating with the Moore Street School Foundation.

When you became involved with the Moore Street School Foundation: As the civic association president, it was necessary to preserve and program this building instead of having it deteriorate.

When and why you accepted position of board president: I talked with people who agreed that the building was worth saving for historical and architectural value. I felt that I needed to take a go at it.

Because it was my idea, I was voted to be the president.

Length of term: It hasn’t been determined. However, I think the board will keep me on as president until there is some solid movement in the restoration efforts.

No. 1 goal: We want to fully rehabilitate the building and keep as much of the architectural details intact.

Strategy for achieving that goal: The board members — Mark Olinger, David Thalhimer, Nell Meshcheryakov, history and the city’s collective history: When I tell the story of the Carver/Sheep Hill community, the narrative is that this area is historically a middle to working-class neighborhood with a strong African American experience. That experience is reaching its sunset. I know it sounds a little gloomy, but 75% of the neighborhood is investment property, and I am willing to bet that the 25% is the African Americans aging in place. Therefore, it is paramount that landmarks be salvaged, preserved and programmed to tell the story of places that nurtured the residents as well as provided opportunities to survive and thrive.

How to get involved with the Moore Street Foundation: Attend events, donate, sponsor!

Find out more about how you can help at moorestreetschool.org.

Upcoming events: We have a couple of mini concert fundraisers taking place featuring Mingee Jang on Sept. 7, Quentin Walston on Oct. 12, and Phoenix Everlast Bank on Dec. 7.

Dream dinner party guest: Patti LaBelle, heck it is a dream dinner party, right? She would show up with a suitcase full of spices and we would be up in the kitchen peeling sweet potatoes and singing “On My Own,” “New Attitude” and “You Are My Friend.”

Best late-night snack: Pineapple.

Something you love to do that most people would never imagine: Teach Aikido. I have an amazing group of fellow Aikido practitioners.

A quote that inspires me: “Never give up a chance to shut up.” That has been my New Year’s resolution for the last three years.

Most influential book: “The Code of the Samurai” by A. L. Sadler. It talks about using your time on Earth wisely.