For Immediate Release: September 8, 2025
Media Contacts: Jeanene Harris, Communications and Engagement Specialist, Office of Historic Alexandria, jeanene.harris@alexandriava.gov
Artura Jackson, Assistant Director, Division of African American History, Office of Historic Alexandria, artura.jackson@alexandriava.gov
State Historic Marker Dedication to Honor Alexandria Colored Rosemont Neighborhood
The City of Alexandria’s Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA), in partnership with community members and descendants, will lead the unveiling of a new state historic marker commemorating the legacy of Colored Rosemont, a vibrant African American neighborhood established in 1926. The unveiling ceremony will take place on September 13th at 3 p.m. near the intersection of Wythe and West Streets, across from the Braddock Road Metro station. Attendees can RSVP online.
Colored Rosemont was a thriving African American community where families built homes, raised children, and created a sense of belonging in Alexandria during an era of segregation. The term colored was often added to the names of neighborhoods to affirm segregation. By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was dismantled through discriminatory housing policies and systemic disinvestment. The new state historic marker acknowledges both the resilience of the families who lived there and the injustices that forced their displacement.
“We are beyond thrilled for this sign dedication, which honors the important legacy of Colored Rosemont,” said Gretchen Bulova, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria. “At the same time, this sign is a somber reminder of how racist housing policies and practices led to the displacement of a thriving African American community.”
The unveiling will bring together descendants of the community, City officials, and members of the public. Special remarks will be offered by Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Dr. Krystyn Moon, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Descendants who lived in the community will share first-hand stories, offering a personal reflection on the enduring significance of Colored Rosemont.
“None of this would have been possible without Stanley Greene’s resolute advocacy and the work of the Colored Rosemont Descendent Advisory Group,” said Audrey Davis, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria’s African American History Division. “Since 2022, City staff have collaborated with the advisory group on a Scope of Work outlining a permanent archival collection, the installation of this historic marker, and other public history resources. This dedication is only the beginning, as we continue to conduct and publish further research about Colored Rosemont and the displacement of its residents.”
The unveiling is free and open to the public. Media outlets are encouraged to attend and cover this important recognition of Alexandria’s African American history.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street.
Learn more about the Colored Rosemont Community History Initiative on the City’s website.
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About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.