More than a dozen new community service projects will begin Saturday, Jan. 11, as part of Mayor Danny Avula’s “Inaugural Day of Service.”

The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a ceremonial swearing-in at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, featuring performances by the school’s cheer squad and Richmond poet laureate Joanna Lee. The event is free, but registration is required.

“I’m thrilled to host my ceremonial swearing-in at MLK Middle School,” Avula said in a statement announcing the day’s plans. “Thanks to RPS for allowing us to gather in the neighborhood I’ve called home for two decades.”

After the ceremony, Avula’s Inaugural Committee and the City of Richmond will host service projects across all nine council districts, with residents encouraged to participate.

The projects include the restoration, maintenance and protection of Libby Hill Park, Maury Cemetery and the Gilpin Community Garden, youth education support such as preparing materials for a SOL-focused field trip program and organizing the Book Bank at the Children’s Museum and other community projects.

Organizations including Southside ReLeaf, SOAR365, Celebrate RVA, Friends of Grace Street Park and Little Hands Virginia will contribute to or lead these projects.

“We’ve worked with several different departments and offices at City Hall, with Richmond Public Schools, City Council, the Community Foundation and with nonprofits and community groups all across the city to put together a really meaningful list of opportunities for folks to serve the community,” said Jonathan Chan, operations director for the Inaugural Committee.

The Day of Service will end with a ticketed celebration from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts hosted by the Inaugural Committee, and will feature food, music from the No BS! Brass Band, VCUArts Music and special guests. 

For more information, including registration for the swearing-in and service projects, as well as tickets for the inaugural celebration, visit dannyformayor.com/inauguration.