'He was the James Earl Jones of Pocahontas Island': Richard Stewart commemorated for his impact in Petersburg and beyond
PETERSBURG—Singing, clapping, "amens" and raised hands were intermingled with tears as over a hundred people gathered to memorialize the life of Richard A. Stewart on Saturday.
Stewart, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, April 13.
Along with it, a reminder to not take time with others for granted and to live fully, in service to others, just like Stewart did.
"He was a man of stature, a man that lived life to the fullest," said his niece Celestine Miller.
Every holiday since 2019, Stewart and his niece exchanged texts. In between holidays, they communicated with each other to say "I love you" and "I'm thinking about you." But this past Easter Sunday, only days before Stewart's passing, Miller, busy with life, forgot to text him.
"What I want to say is we got to learn to reach out to one another. You know, we can't wait until a day like this happens before we get together," Miller said.
Along with friends and family that gathered, there were also soldiers from his Army platoon present, coworkers from the Defense General Supply Center (DGSC), where he served for 41 years, and residents of Pocahontas Island. Stewart's impact on people was evident throughout the ceremony from those who came up to the podium to speak and to letters sent on his behalf--from senators and politicians down to the youth.
When he retired from working at the DGSC, he made it his mission to highlight Petersburg's history, opening up the Pocahontas Island museum, the first Black history museum in the city. By doing so, he put Petersburg on the national map by educating people near and far about how Pocahontas Island was one of the oldest free Black communities in the nation.
He was named the honorary mayor of Pocahontas Island by Roslyn Dance when she served as the city's mayor over two decades ago.
"He used that as a stepping stone to make sure the whole world came to Pocahontas Island," said Dance. "He was the James Earl Jones of Pocahontas Island."
Going into the museum was like hearing the stories first hand from the man who was born, raised and had ancestors in Pocahontas Island, from the man who poured his heart and soul into the museum, said Dance.
Stewart never failed to promote Pocahontas Island's history, even getting civil rights leader Al Sharpton to make a visit. He was a fixture in city council meetings, attending the council meeting up until the week before he died. He went up to the podium regularly to make a public comment about a concern or question he had about his neighborhood, making sure that city leaders did not overlook Pocahontas Island.
"And he never let us forget it," said Dance.
Nor did he forget the youth in the city. He was also present at every basketball, football, and sports game in the city, sitting on those stands. And the students' education wouldn't be complete without a visit to the museum, said school board member Hal Miles.
"What he taught our youth was if you don't know your history, then you don't know who you are or where you come from," said Miles. "Do not be ignorant to who you are."
One thing Stewart taught him, said Miles, was to stop giving away what you have for 30 pieces of silver. Instead, "do something with it. Make something out of it. Let it grow and teach your youth to do the same," he said. "I will miss him, but I will be in those stands."
Letters were also read from people who sent their condolences but could not attend the funeral. One of them came from Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) himself, in which he wrote that "The Commonwealth was a much better place because of him."
A fellow veteran from Fort Gregg-Adams' 80th division in the unit of infantry came to share about Stewart's impact and his "fighting spirit."
"We would like to say collectively: Well done my faithful soldier, well done," he said.
August 6th was designated by the city as "Richard A. Stewart Day" back in 2003.
In addition, Mayor Sam Parham presented a proclamation on behalf of Stewart. It reads:
Whereas the city Petersburg and its citizens have lost one of its most inspirational leaders, Richard A. Stewart, who dedicated his life to preserving the rich fabric and history of Pocahontas Island.
Whereas Richard Stewart was born on June 15, 1943, in Petersburg, Virginia and Pocahontas Island, where he returned following a career in the military and remained until he passed on April 13, 2023.
Whereas Richard Stewart created the Pocahontas Island Black History Museum, which showcases over 300 years of Black history with hundreds of artifacts and detailed historical records.
Whereas Richard Stewart served as the honorary mayor of Pocahontas Island, sharing captivating stories and valuable wisdom about life in the oldest existing free black community.
And whereas Richard Stewart, at state and city council meetings will be remembered for his steadfast work in the community, and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of Petersburg.
Whereas Richard Stewart's legacy will continue to inspire generations of Virginians, along with thousands of inspired visitors who traveled to meet him to honor history and appreciate the spirit of place on Pocahontas Island.
Now therefore I Samuel Parham, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Petersburg, do hereby proclaim Richard A. Stewart as a beloved and notable figure who leaves behind an immense legacy.
Furthermore, I do call upon all citizens of Petersburg to recognize Richard A. Stewart's contributions to the history of Pocahontas Island and the selfless dedication to preserving his legacy. We will honor his life by continuing to support and recognize the importance of Pocahontas Island as a mecca of our history here in the city of Petersburg.
Samuel Parham's Proclamation on behalf of Richard Stewart
You can watch the video of Stewart's funeral here.
Joyce Chu, an award-winning investigative journalist, is the Social Justice Watchdog Reporter for The Progress Index. Contact her with comments, concerns, or story-tips at Jchu1@gannett.com or on Twitter @joyce_speaks.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Pocahontas Island's Richard Stewart remembered for his impact in Petersburg and beyond
