A City Council committee advanced legislation on Tuesday that would pay tribute to two Richmonders with honorary street names.

The 1000 block of East Clay Street, in front of the Valentine, would be named in honor of Bill Martin, the museum's longtime director who was killed in December after being struck by a vehicle near City Hall. The 2300 block of Rosewood Avenue would be named after James "Jimmy Lee" Bracey, the founder of an influential youth track and field organization known as the West End Striders.

In Richmond, honorary street namings do not change postal addresses on the block, but a sign is posted noting the recognition. The practice has been common in the city, although the City Council has in recent years debated how frequently it should occur. 

Martin's nomination was supported by Sports Backers, Historic Richmond, the Valentine and the city administration. Marlon Levy, CEO of VCU Health, also wrote a letter of support on behalf of his organization.

"Bill’s devotion to the Valentine and to the people of Richmond was evident in his openness, his mentorship and his innovative, forward thinking," Levy wrote. "His transformative leadership as a museum director and Richmond resident were invaluable to the city, and renaming this section of Clay Street is a fitting and lasting tribute to his impact."

Bill Martin was known as the Valentine’s leader. He was also a quiet champion for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community.

“Bill was doing this work before anybody else.”

The RichmonderIan Stewart

Bill Martin’s death remains under investigation by Richmond Police

“There are some things that we’ve requested regarding some subpoena data that we’re waiting on.”

The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong

Bracey, in addition to founding the West End Striders, spent more than 50 years mentoring local youth.

A Maggie Walker alumnus, he enlisted in the Air Force before returning to Richmond, where he worked at the Federal Reserve as well as in local schools.

The Byrd Park Civic Association, as well as the Randolph Neighborhood Association, endorsed the honorary naming of the block, where Bracey lived for many years, and several of Bracey's friends and students spoke in favor of the proposal during the committee meeting.

"The West End Striders and some of the work that Mr. Bracey did in the community was absolutely some of the most impactful work in the neighborhood and community, and changed so many lives," Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) said. "He was a shining example of the type of leader that we want to see and support in the city and just a real change maker."

The committee passed both pieces of legislation unanimously. Both will need to be passed by the full City Council at its next meeting to take effect.

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.