‘Excellence, grace and quiet strength’: Richmond trailblazer, one of its first Black women superintendents dies

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect that Lois Harrison-Jones was the first Black woman to serve as a Richmond Public Schools superintendent.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond is in mourning following the news that Lucille M. Brown, one of the first Black women to serve as Richmond Public Schools' (RPS) superintendent, has died.

Virginia Union University (VUU), Brown's alma mater, announced her death on Friday, June 6. The university described her as a "pioneering educator and a transformative leader whose impact spanned generations."

Brown held a variety of roles at RPS throughout her nearly four decades of service, ultimately becoming one of the first Black women to serve as its superintendent from 1991 to 1994. The first Black woman to do so was Lois Harrison-Jones, who took on the role in 1985.

"Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to student success left an indelible mark on the Richmond educational landscape," VUU said.

Richmond locals need look no further than Lucille M. Brown Middle School, so named after her, to find evidence of the influence she had on the River City.

"The school stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and commitment to educational excellence," the university said.

Beyond RPS, Brown was "deeply involved in community service." She served on the VUU Board of Trustees and the Board of Heroes Foundation. She also worked with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center.

"As we reflect on her life, we remember a woman who not only opened doors but held them open for others," VUU said. "Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched and the powerful example she set for future generations."

Hakim Lucas, VUU's president and CEO, shared a few words on Brown's legacy:

"Dr. Lucille Brown was the embodiment of excellence, grace, and quiet strength," Lucas said. "She championed access to quality education, broke through barriers with dignity, and uplifted our community with integrity. Her leadership left an indelible mark on Virginia Union and beyond." Hakim Lucas, VUU president and CEO

8News spoke with James JJ Minor, president of the Richmond branch of the NAACP, about Brown's passing. He emphasized that her absence is profoundly felt.

"The Richmond VA Branch NAACP sends our condolences to the family of Dr. Brown," Minor said. "The entire city of Richmond is in mourning."

RPS superintendent Jason Kamras shared a statement on his personal Instagram which read, in part:

"[Brown] relentlessly pursued excellence for over 40 years for the children of RPS. I am enormously grateful that I got to know Dr. Brown and benefit from her wisdom, counsel and friendship. I will forever be in her debt."

Jason Kamras, Richmond Public Schools' superintendent