‘He made Virginia better’: Richmond mourns the loss of trailblazing former Mayor Henry Marsh III
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond said its final goodbye today to one of its most influential leaders, Henry Marsh III, the city’s first Black mayor and a dedicated civil rights attorney. Marsh, who died last week at the age of 91, was remembered as a fearless trailblazer, a passionate advocate for justice and a man who never lost sight of the fight for equality. From political allies and longtime friends to community members who admired him from afar, those who attended Marsh’s funeral reflected on the lasting impact he had -- not only on Richmond but on Virginia and beyond. “He made Richmond and Virginia better because of his life,” said Jean Boone, a close friend who worked alongside Marsh during his career. Marsh’s legacy is deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. Born in Richmond in 1933, he grew up witnessing firsthand the injustices of segregation. Determined to fight systemic racism, he pursued a career in law, earning his degree from Howard University’s School of Law before returning to Virginia to take on cases that would help dismantle racial discrimination. As a civil rights attorney, Marsh played a pivotal role in challenging segregation in public schools and other institutions across Virginia. His legal work contributed to major victories in the fight against discrimination, solidifying his reputation as a champion of justice. His political career began in 1966 when he was elected to Richmond City Council -- a groundbreaking achievement during an era when Black political representation was rare. Just over a decade later, in 1977, Marsh made history again by becoming Richmond’s first Black mayor. His tenure was marked by a relentless commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities, even as he faced strong opposition from political adversaries. After serving as mayor for four years, Marsh transitioned to state politics where he continued his fight for equality in the Virginia State Senate. His legislative career spanned nearly four decades, from 1982 until his retirement in 2014. For those who knew him personally, Marsh was more than a political figure -- he was a mentor, a friend and a man of immense character. Boone, who first met Marsh while working on his mayoral campaign, recalled his boundless energy and enthusiasm that never faded, even as he grew older. “He liked to make things happen, and he enjoyed the fruits of making things happen,” she said. Even in his later years, Marsh remained sharp-witted and full of life. Boone remembered seeing him in a wheelchair last year, yet his spirit remained unchanged. “He was always about business but with joy laced in it,” she added with a smile. Others who attended the funeral also spoke of Marsh’s influence on their lives. Edmunds Rennolds, a longtime friend and former client, recalled how Marsh represented him in court during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He described Marsh as a man of deep compassion and brilliant strategy. “He was very smart, very strategic, and very compassionate,” Rennolds said. “He seemed genuinely motivated to improve life for everyone in Richmond -- Black or white.” Rennolds admired Marsh’s natural leadership and unwavering dedication. “He had a strong impulse to take on the leadership role. And it was inspiring... I was inspired anyway,” he said. Marsh’s impact on Richmond and Virginia is undeniable. His work as a lawyer, activist, and public servant has left an indelible mark on the region. His leadership helped pave the way for greater representation of Black officials in government, and his efforts in the courtroom contributed to the broader fight for racial equality. Although he is no longer here, Marsh’s legacy lives on in the policies he helped shape, the communities he uplifted and the leaders he inspired. “He was a good man,” Boone said. “Of course, he was flawed -- we all are -- but his heart was always in the right place. And he never stopped fighting for what was right.” As Richmond lays its first Black mayor to rest, the city also celebrates a life well lived -- a life dedicated to justice, progress and the unwavering belief that change is always possible.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond said its final goodbye today to one of its most influential leaders, Henry Marsh III, the city’s first Black mayor and a dedicated civil rights attorney.
Marsh, who died last week at the age of 91, was remembered as a fearless trailblazer, a passionate advocate for justice and a man who never lost sight of the fight for equality.
From political allies and longtime friends to community members who admired him from afar, those who attended Marsh’s funeral reflected on the lasting impact he had -- not only on Richmond but on Virginia and beyond.
“He made Richmond and Virginia better because of his life,” said Jean Boone, a close friend who worked alongside Marsh during his career.
Marsh’s legacy is deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. Born in Richmond in 1933, he grew up witnessing firsthand the injustices of segregation. Determined to fight systemic racism, he pursued a career in law, earning his degree from Howard University’s School of Law before returning to Virginia to take on cases that would help dismantle racial discrimination.
As a civil rights attorney, Marsh played a pivotal role in challenging segregation in public schools and other institutions across Virginia. His legal work contributed to major victories in the fight against discrimination, solidifying his reputation as a champion of justice.
His political career began in 1966 when he was elected to Richmond City Council -- a groundbreaking achievement during an era when Black political representation was rare.
Just over a decade later, in 1977, Marsh made history again by becoming Richmond’s first Black mayor. His tenure was marked by a relentless commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities, even as he faced strong opposition from political adversaries.
After serving as mayor for four years, Marsh transitioned to state politics where he continued his fight for equality in the Virginia State Senate. His legislative career spanned nearly four decades, from 1982 until his retirement in 2014.
For those who knew him personally, Marsh was more than a political figure -- he was a mentor, a friend and a man of immense character.
Boone, who first met Marsh while working on his mayoral campaign, recalled his boundless energy and enthusiasm that never faded, even as he grew older.
“He liked to make things happen, and he enjoyed the fruits of making things happen,” she said.
Even in his later years, Marsh remained sharp-witted and full of life. Boone remembered seeing him in a wheelchair last year, yet his spirit remained unchanged.
“He was always about business but with joy laced in it,” she added with a smile.
Others who attended the funeral also spoke of Marsh’s influence on their lives. Edmunds Rennolds, a longtime friend and former client, recalled how Marsh represented him in court during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He described Marsh as a man of deep compassion and brilliant strategy.
“He was very smart, very strategic, and very compassionate,” Rennolds said. “He seemed genuinely motivated to improve life for everyone in Richmond -- Black or white.”
Rennolds admired Marsh’s natural leadership and unwavering dedication.
“He had a strong impulse to take on the leadership role. And it was inspiring... I was inspired anyway,” he said.
Marsh’s impact on Richmond and Virginia is undeniable. His work as a lawyer, activist, and public servant has left an indelible mark on the region. His leadership helped pave the way for greater representation of Black officials in government, and his efforts in the courtroom contributed to the broader fight for racial equality.
Although he is no longer here, Marsh’s legacy lives on in the policies he helped shape, the communities he uplifted and the leaders he inspired.
“He was a good man,” Boone said. “Of course, he was flawed -- we all are -- but his heart was always in the right place. And he never stopped fighting for what was right.”
As Richmond lays its first Black mayor to rest, the city also celebrates a life well lived -- a life dedicated to justice, progress and the unwavering belief that change is always possible.
