FLYING SQUIRRELS ANNOUNCE SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES TO HONOR THE RICHMOND 34

Earlier this week, the Richmond Flying Squirrels made a series of groundbreaking announcements focusing on their 2021 efforts to honor the legacy of Richmond’s civil rights heroes’ The Richmond 34.

In a press conference that featured Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, President of Virginia Union University Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President of Virginia State University Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, the leadership of the Flying Squirrels (Todd “Parney” Parnell, Anthony Opperman, and President Lou Debella), and Elizabeth Johnson Rice, who was a member of the Richmond 34, the Squirrels announced the retirement of the number 34 and several other progressive initiatives to promote social justice, inclusion, and the end of racism in our community.

At the press conference, the Squirrels announced:

• Retirement of the No. 34 by the Flying Squirrels organization
• Richmond 34 Legacy mural at The Diamond
• Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend
• Richmond 34 Legacy campaign
• Career advancement & mentorship program for Virginia State University and Virginia Union University students

On February 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested following a peaceful sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond. The Richmond 34 sit-in ultimately led to the integration of Thalhimers and influenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Flying Squirrels will permanently retire the No. 34 from on-field use to honor the Richmond 34’s legacy. It is the second number retired by the team, joining Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, which was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997.

Standing on the field during the press conference, Ms. Johnson Rice, who will serve as a community ambassador for the Flying Squirrels, said she felt it was “divine intervention” that the Richmond 34 and the Squirrels came together in this fashion. “I’m elated to be a part of them as their ambassador,” Johnson Rice, 80, said of the Squirrels. “I’m calling myself the goodwill ambassador because I’m going to be spreading goodwill wherever I go. This thing about racism, we’re going to get it gone.”

A Richmond 34 Legacy mural was painted by Richmond-based painter and sculptor Andre Shank. The mural stretches across the top of the outer rim of The Diamond.

Also announced was a career advancement and mentorship campaign for Virginia State University and VUU students, and a Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend during the 2021 season.

The weekend will feature an “End Racism” T-shirt giveaway in collaboration with Richmond artist Noah Scalin and Marc Cheatham of The Cheats Movement.

The “End Racism” design will also be incorporated into the throwback Negro League uniforms worn by the Squirrels during Legacy Weekend.

“Noah Scalin and I are honored to be a part of such a historic weekend,” Marc Cheatham of The Cheats Movement said. “The fight for social justice and equality is ever ongoing. We believe community partners must be proactive in advocating for an inclusive and welcoming future. The Flying Squirrels are committed to diversity and inclusion. They are standing in solidarity with the community against racism and injustice, and their actions prove a commitment far greater than one weekend. It is an honor to partner with them and play a role in this tremendous effort.”