VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The City of Virginia Beach has instituted a program to install signs recognizing the rich history of its 14 historic African American neighborhoods.

Initiated by Councilmember Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, the program’s initiative is to help preserve the past, while also recognizing the resilience of these neighborhoods and their residents.

At the end of fiscal year 2023-24, council members were provided a $150,000 budget to use at his or her discretion for a project in their district. Rose-Hammond elected to use her funds in benefit of historic African American communities throughout the city.

The money is coming from the City Council reconciliation budget process.

The signs are currently under construction. The first four signs are going in the Beechwood, Burton Station, New Light and Queen City communities. Plans call for additional funding in future budget cycles to construct or improve signs at all 14 historic African American neighborhoods.

Beechwood
Beechwood
Beechwood
Images of the sign construction provided by the City of Virginia Beach

A dedication for the Beachwood neighborhood sign was held on Sunday, Nov. 17 at First Court Road and Pleasure House Road. The second sign dedication was held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Burton Station.