The Office of Historic Alexandria, along with community members and descendants, will unveil a new state historic marker honoring the legacy of Colored Rosemont, an African American neighborhood founded in 1926. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for September 13 at 3 p.m., near Wythe and West Streets, across from the Braddock Road Metro station.
Colored Rosemont was established during a period of segregation and became home to numerous African American families who built a close-knit community. The neighborhood was later dismantled due to discriminatory housing policies and lack of investment, leading to the displacement of its residents. The new marker seeks to recognize both the achievements and challenges faced by those who lived there.
“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 event will feature remarks from Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Dr. Krystyn Moon, representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, as well as stories shared by descendants who once lived in 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.”
In case of rain, organizers plan to move the ceremony indoors at the Alexandria Black History Museum located at 902 Wythe Street.
Additional information about Colored Rosemont can be found on the City’s website.
