Between 1962 and 1973, the Richmond Police Department–including Detective Dalton Rotruck "Ricky" Duling (1926-2010) who originally compiled the materials–surveilled metropolitan Richmond and Washington, D.C. residents and groups via photography and film. The collection holds a total of 156 films and 13 audio reels, with the average film reel containing 2-3 minutes of footage. Currently, 112 film reels are available in the digital collection. In 2024, VCU Libraries received a Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) Recordings at Risk grant to digitize these film reels and create a digital collection to make these materials available to the public.
This collection contains unprecedented footage of protests and pickets in Richmond, with the majority of films being in color and filmed from the street level, often embedded with demonstrators. Among noteworthy subjects and events captured are local meetings of the Black Panther Party, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign of 1968, marches and memorial activities following MLK’s assassination, student protests from Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Virginia Union University (VUU), and Virginia State College (VSC–now Virginia State University), and anti-war protests. The collection also includes footage of American Nazi Party rallies, Ku Klux Klan parades, and marches against school desegregation busing, providing scholars across disciplines and geographic locations with new opportunities to research aspects of the civil rights struggle in the South.
Not all of the reels held by VCU Libraries are available in the online collection presented below. Given the nature of police surveillance–the surveilling and recording of individuals and groups without any information tying them to criminal activity or charges–there are films in this collection that could bring undue scrutiny and harm to individuals who were never made aware of this surveillance. VCU Libraries has carefully considered each film, choosing to only include films of public activity in public spaces in the online collection, along with some materials where individuals knew they were being recorded by the Richmond Police Department without any legal proceedings involved (police events). The collection does include surveillance of private residences as well as businesses that have not been added to the digital collection. The entire collection is available via Special Collections and Archives at James Branch Cabell Library.
The footage available here is an invaluable resource for research into this period of Richmond history. They present how everyday citizens chose to use their voices for the causes they believed in. The films also often demonstrate how citizens reacted to being surveilled by the Richmond Police Department–with some individuals waving at the cameras, while others displayed negative hand gestures. These public protests also included participation from children, often accompanying a parent, creating an understanding of how civic engagement was practiced intergenerationally. In that vein, some children in the footage hold signs that they may or may not have written themselves, and who may have had their names shared to contemporary newspapers covering the event. Finally, this footage also gives historians an idea of how the RPD viewed dissent and protest, particularly with the amount of effort put towards surveilling peaceful gatherings, many of which were planned and orchestrated by Black Americans, student organizers, and civil rights activists.
Additional research information
The Richmond Police Department surveillance collection is available in the Special Collections and Archives housed in Special Collections and Archives at James Branch Cabell Library. The finding aid is available here.
Additional parts of the collection acquired from Detective Dalton Rotruck Duling are housed at The Valentine in Richmond, Virginia, with a finding aid available here. Many descriptions of materials link to contemporaneous newspapers articles to provide further context–many of these articles are from the Richmond Times-Dispatch archive, which can only be accessed with a VCU login at this time. For access to articles, please email libcompass@vcu.edu.
Copyright
This material is in the public domain in the United States and thus is free of any copyright restriction. Acknowledgment of Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries as a source is requested.
Credits
Digitization of these films was conducted by The MediaPreserve in 2024-2025, made possible by a Council on Library & Information Resources (CLIR) Recordings at Risk grant from the Mellon Foundation. Descriptive metadata for all items was created by Digital Initiatives Librarian Irina Rogova, with support from Katie Condon, Margaret Kidd, Staci Ross, Keahi Adolpho, and Amber Jones in 2025. Digital preservation work was completed by Senior Curator for Health Science Margaret Kidd in 2025.
-
Richmond Police Week Film Reel #01, 1962 May 14-19
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of multiple demonstrations of police equipment and other events as a part of Richmond Police Week, May 14-19, 1962. This footage appears to be of an outdoor display of "equipment, horses, and dogs" which occurred May 17-19 from 10AM-4PM on 6th Street between Broad Street and Grace Street (Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 1, 1962).
-
Voting Rights March in Richmond, Film Reel #01, 1965 March 15
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of some 300 individuals marching from Virginia Union University to the Virginia State Capitol in support of voting rights legislation. Footage is filmed on VUU campus, Lombardy Street, and Broad Street. An object covers the top right corner of the frame throughout most of the footage. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Voting Rights March in Richmond, Film Reel #02, 1965 March 15
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of some 500 individuals gathering on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol in support of voting rights legislation. Towards the end of the footage, they appear to pray and sing. An object covers the top right corner of the frame throughout most of the footage. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Voting Rights March in Richmond, Film Reel #03, 1965 March 15 ; Richmond Police Week Film Reel #02, 1965 May 9-15
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of the March 16, 1965 voting rights march from Virginia Union University to the Virginia State Capitol, as well as a judo and K-9 demonstration by police officers during Richmond's Police Week beginning May 9, 1965. The voting rights march appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Richmond Police Week Film Reel #01, 1965 May 9-15
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contain footage of a judo demonstration by police officers during Richmond's Police Week beginning May 9, 1965. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, members of the "juvenile, traffic, and patrol divisions, including K-9 and cadet forces" would be participating in the school programs scheduled for the week (Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 9, 1965). Writing on the reel states that this "show" took place at a school on Fendall, likely referring to J. E. B Stuart Elementary (renamed Barack Obama Elementary School in 2018) at 3101 Fendall Ave in Richmond, Virginia.
-
Dwight D. Eisenhower at Virginia War Memorial Film Reel, 1965 September 14
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of former United States of America President Dwight D. Eisenhower visiting the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on September 14, 1965. Eisenhower was in Virginia supporting the campaign of Linwood Holton for Virginia Governor. During the trip, he spoke to a 6,000 person rally at the South Portico on the Virginia State Capitol grounds, attended a 500 person luncheon at the Hotel John Marshall, and laid a wreathe at the World War II Memorial--now the Virginia War Memorial--with Virginia Adjutant General Major General Paul M. Booth, chairman of the World War II Memorial Commission John J. Wicker Jr., as well as Dr. Louis H. Williams, Robert P. Buford, and Holton and his wife Virginia Harrison "Jinks" Rogers Holton (Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 15, 1965).
-
Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) Student Picket in Richmond Film Reel, 1965 October 20
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a student picket in front of the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) administration building which took place on October 20, 1965 between 8AM and 9:15AM. Several dozen students picketed with signs supporting three RPI students who had been denied enrollment due to having long hair and beards. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Anti-Vietnam War Protest in Washington, D.C., 1965 November 27
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a daytime anti-Vietnam War picket protest in front of the United States White House held on November 27, 1965. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.. Footage focuses on those picketing, with specific emphasis on potential protest coordinators who wear orange armbands. Also included is footage of cars, police officers, and counter-protestors.
-
American Nazi Party Counter-Protest to Anti-Vietnam War Protest in Washington D.C. Film Reel, 1966 March 26
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of an American Nazi Party rally in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. There is footage of speakers, including John Patler, and panning shots of the crowd. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Ku Klux Klan in Richmond Film Reel, 1966 June 11
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan robes and hoods in an unidentified location on June 11, 1966. The original 16mm film reel has damage which translated to the digitized copy presented here. The damage includes a camera registration issue, as well as frames not being properly aligned to perforations, which leads to "jumps" in footage or multiple frames being seen at once, as well as a soft focus throughout.
-
Thomas C. Wansley Trial in Lynchburg Film Reel, 1967 March 14
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a crowd of approximately 200 individuals gathered outside the Lynchburg Courthouse on March 14, 1967, for the trial of Thomas Carlton Wansley. There is footage of individuals speaking to the crowd as well as uniformed police officers guarding the doors of the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants. All uniformed police officers appear to be white.
-
Anti and Pro Vietnam War Protest at Richmond Federal Building Film Reel, 1967 April 29
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This real contains footage of a protest in opposition to the Vietnam War in front of the Richmond Federal Building in downtown Richmond on April 29, 1967. About 100 individuals participated in the march. Individuals march holding signs or flowers, wearing business clothing. Several children participated in the march as well. This appears to be a group of majority white participants. Towards the middle of the reel, there is footage of a pro-war counterprotest of approximately seven individuals, all of whom appear to be white.
-
Ku Klux Klan March in Richmond Film Reel #01, 1967 July 8
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of individuals gathered in a parking lot, where two individuals receive and inspect Ku Klux Klan robes. The footage is undated, and appears to be filmed in a parking lot near 521 E. Southside Plaza in Richmond, Virginia. However, it appears that this group was preparing for a march in downtown Richmond and at the Virginia State Capitol grounds reported to have occurred on July 8, 1967. Some group members appear in both reels of the event. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Ku Klux Klan March in Richmond Film Reel #02, 1967 July 8 ; March on the Pentagon Film Reel #07, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan robes and hoods (with their faces showing) marching on Broad Street and at the Virginia State Capitol grounds. The footage is undated, however it appears that this occurred on July 8, 1967. Some group members appear in both reels of the event. This appears to be a group of majority white participants. The final clips of the footage appear to be from the March on the Pentagon on October 21, 1967.
-
Ku Klux Klan Car Caravan in Richmond Film Reel, 1967 July 9
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of individuals participating in a Ku Klux Klan car caravan in the Richmond area. Cars drive down two unidentified streets, with United States of America and/or Confederate flags on their cars. The footage is undated, however it appears that this occurred on July 9, 1967.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #01, 1967 September 15
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of cars parked on streets, police officers at Richmond City Jail, and protesters (adults and children) in front of the jail on September 15, 1967. Individuals protested the jailing of Black power activist Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) as he fought extradition to Maryland. Another angle of this footage is available via Youtube. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #02, 1967 September 15-16
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage protesters in front of the Richmond City Jail on September 15, 1967, as well as footage outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) habeas corpus hearing on September 16, 1967. Individuals protested the jailing of Al-Amin as he fought extradition to Maryland. The individuals entering and exiting the courthouse appears to be a group of majority Black participants. Towards the end of the footage, there is blurry footage of spectators across the street from the courthouse, the majority of whom appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #03, 1967 September 16
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) habeas corpus hearing on September 16, 1967. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
March on the Pentagon Film Reel #01, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1967, of a demonstration against the Vietnam War. Footage of the crowd on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Reflecting Pool. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
March on the Pentagon Film Reel #02, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
Please note, this footage contains protest signs that include photographs of human corpses.
This reel contains footage filmed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1967, of a demonstration against the Vietnam War. Footage of the crowd near the Lincoln Memorial and around the Reflecting Pool. It also contains footage of a counter-protest and of speakers at a podium. This appears to be a group of majority white participants. -
March on the Pentagon Film Reel #03, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1967, of a demonstration against the Vietnam War. Footage of the crowd on the steps of Lincoln Memorial. It also contains footage of the crowd marching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
March on the Pentagon Film Reel #04, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed at the Pentagon and Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1967, of a demonstration against the Vietnam War. Footage of the crowd in both locations. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
March on the Pentagon Film Reel #05, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1967, of a demonstration against the Vietnam War. Footage of the crowd on the steps of Lincoln Memorial. It also contains footage of the crowd marching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
March on the Pentagon Film Reel #06, 1967 October 21
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed at the Pentagon and Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1967, of a demonstration against the Vietnam War. Footage of the crowd in both locations. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Protest in Support of James Marvin Shea, Jr. in Richmond Film Reel, 1967 November 9
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond Parcel Post Building at 1102 E. Main St., which also served as the induction center during the Vietnam War. Footage features a group of protestors supporting Dr. James Marvin Shea Jr.'s refusal to accept the draft. Towards the end of the footage, Shea is seen talking to individuals outside, potentially journalists. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Sgt. Peppers Peace March in Richmond Film Reel #01, 1967 December 15
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel of police surveillance footage is of a protest march in downtown Richmond, around the area of the Carpenter Theatre on N 6th Street between Grace Street and Broad Street, on December 15, 1967. The first sign carried reads "Sgt. Peppers Peace March," likely in reference to the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band which was released by The Beatles in May of 1967. The protest was in opposition to the Vietnam War. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Sgt. Peppers Peace March in Richmond Film Reel #02, 1967 December 16, 18, 19
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel of police surveillance footage is of a protest march in downtown Richmond, around the area of the Carpenter Theatre on N 6th Street between Grace Street and Broad Street, on December 16, 18, and 19. A sign carried in other footage of this march (see Reels #1 and #3) reads "Sgt. Peppers Peace March," likely in reference to the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band which was released by The Beatles in May of 1967. The protest was in opposition to the Vietnam War. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Sgt. Peppers Peace March in Richmond Film Reel #03, 1967 December 20-21, 23
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel of police surveillance footage is of a protest march in downtown Richmond, around the area of the Carpenter Theatre on N 6th Street between Grace Street and Broad Street, on December 20, 21, and 23. The first sign carried reads "Sgt. Peppers Peace March," likely in reference to the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band which was released by The Beatles in May of 1967. The footage was recorded over a span of a few days, noticeable by changing days on protest signs. The protest was in opposition to the Vietnam War. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Chief Col. John M. Wright Jr. Retirement Celebration Film Reel, 1967 December 29
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a retirement celebration for Chief Col. John M. Wright Jr. from the Richmond Police Department. Wright worked in the department from 1920 to 1967. The Wright Family Papers are available via the Library of Virginia. An announcement of Wright's retirement ran in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on October 3, 1967. An announcement of this event ran in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on December 30, 1967.
-
Chief Col. John M. Wright Jr., Mary P. Phillips, and O.D. Garton Retirement Celebration Film Reel, 1967 December 29
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a retirement celebration for three individuals from the Richmond Police Department. The only named individual on the reel is Chief Col. John M. Wright Jr., who worked in the department from 1920 to 1967. The Wright Family Papers are available via the Library of Virginia. Two other individuals also appear to be receiving accolades and gifts in the reel. One is Mary P. Phillips, who worked as executive secretary to Chief Wright and his predecessor Chief O.D. Garton. An announcement of their retirements ran in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on October 3, 1967. The second is Detective Sgt. Clifford L. Brown, a homocide investigator. An announcement of this event ran in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on December 30, 1967. Their order of appearance in the footage is Wright, Phillips, Brown.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #04, 1968 February 23
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from H. Rap Brown's hearing in regards to his $10,000 bond in Virginia on February 23, 1968. At the February 23 hearing, Brown's bond was revoked and he was ordered to return to New Orleans to face federal charges. This reel contains footage of individuals approaching, entering, and leaving the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #05, 1968 February 23
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from H. Rap Brown's hearing in regards to his $10,000 bond in Virginia on February 23, 1968. At the February 23 hearing, Brown's bond was revoked and he was ordered to return to New Orleans to face federal charges. This reel contains footage of individuals leaving the courthouse, as well as individuals speaking with the press. It ends with footage following a specific car on the highway. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of journalists and news reporters appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #06, 1968 February 23
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from H. Rap Brown's hearing in regards to his $10,000 bond in Virginia on February 23, 1968. At the February 23 hearing, Brown's bond was revoked and he was ordered to return to New Orleans to face federal charges. This reel contains footage of an individual, likely Brown's attorney Charles Mangum, speaking with the press, as well as various individuals gathered at the courthouse after the ruling. It ends with footage following a specific car on the highway. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of journalists and news reporters appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #07, 1968 February 23
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from H. Rap Brown's hearing in regards to his $10,000 bond in Virginia on February 23, 1968. At the February 23 hearing, Brown's bond was revoked and he was ordered to return to New Orleans to face federal charges. This reel contains footage of individuals leaving the courthouse, as well as Brown's attorney William M. Kunstler giving remarks to the press. It ends with footage of Brown leaving the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of journalists and news reporters appear to be white.
-
Anti-Fair Housing Protest at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Film Reel #01, 1968 April 6
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of individuals protesting against a conference on fair housing in front of the Hotel Jefferson in Richmond, Virginia on April 6, 1968. There are approximately ten individuals in the protest. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Anti-Fair Housing Protest at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Film Reel #02, 1968 April 6
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of individuals protesting against a conference on fair housing in front of the Hotel Jefferson in Richmond, Virginia on April 6, 1968. There are approximately ten individuals in the protest. This appears to be a group of majority white participants.
-
Memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Virginia State Capitol Film Reel #01, 1968 April 7
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a gathering at the Virginia State Capitol on April 7, 1968, in mourning of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4. The majority of individuals wear dress clothes/church clothes. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Virginia State Capitol Film Reel #02, 1968 April 7
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a gathering at the Virginia State Capitol on April 7, 1968, in mourning of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4. The majority of individuals wear dress clothes/church clothes. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Virginia State Capitol Film Reel #03, 1968 April 7
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage of a gathering at the Virginia State Capitol on April 7, 1968, in mourning of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4. The majority of individuals wear dress clothes/church clothes. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #08, 1968 April 8
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) bond hearing on April 8, 1968. Al-Amin had been transferred from New Orleans to Richmond the previous day, and according to papers looked emaciated and limped into the courtroom, as he had just ended a hunger strike. Judge Merhige denied the bond. There was a heavy presence of Richmond police and state troopers both inside and outside the courthouse, likely due to ongoing unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. four days prior. This reel contains footage of individuals outside the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of uniformed police officers appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #09, 1968 April 8
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) bond hearing on April 8, 1968. Al-Amin had been transferred from New Orleans to Richmond the previous day, and according to papers looked emaciated and limped into the courtroom, as he had just ended a hunger strike. Judge Merhige denied the bond. There was a heavy presence of Richmond police and state troopers both inside and outside the courthouse, likely due to ongoing unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. four days prior. This reel contains footage of individuals outside the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of journalists and uniformed police officers appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #10, 1968 April 8
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) bond hearing on April 8, 1968. Al-Amin had been transferred from New Orleans to Richmond the previous day, and according to papers looked emaciated and limped into the courtroom, as he had just ended a hunger strike. Judge Merhige denied the bond. There was a heavy presence of Richmond police and state troopers both inside and outside the courthouse, likely due to ongoing unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. four days prior. This reel contains footage of individuals outside the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of journalists and uniformed police officers appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #11, 1968 April 8
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) bond hearing on April 8, 1968. Al-Amin's had been transferred from New Orleans to Richmond the previous day, and according to papers looked emaciated and limped into the courtroom, as he had just ended a hunger strike. Judge Merhige denied the bond. There was a heavy presence of Richmond police and state troopers both inside and outside the courthouse, likely due to ongoing unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. four days prior. This reel contains footage of individuals outside the courthouse. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of journalists and uniformed police officers appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #12, 1968 April 8 and 11
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond City Courthouse (known as the United States Post Office and Customhouse) from Jamil Al-Amin's (H. Rap Brown) bond hearing on April 8, 1968. Al-Amin's had been transferred from New Orleans to Richmond the previous day, and according to papers looked emaciated and limped into the courtroom, as he had just ended a hunger strike. Judge Merhige denied the bond. There was a heavy presence of Richmond police and state troopers both inside and outside the courthouse, likely due to ongoing unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. four days prior. This reel contains footage of individuals outside the courthouse. The end of the footage, the camera follows several cars on a highway and continues to film them while parked. It is likely this is footage from April 11, 1968, when previous (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) SNCC chairman Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael) traveled to Richmond for Al Amin's hearing on that day. Footage on Reel #13 in this collection matches this footage and is labeled "Stokely Carmichael and his group at the federal reformatory in Petersburg, VA, 4-11-68". This appears to be a group of majority Black participants, though the majority of uniformed police officers appear to be white.
-
Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) Trial in Richmond Film Reel #13, 1968 April 11
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Federal Reformatory in Petersburg, VA, on April 11, 1968, where Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) was being held after the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected his bond request. The footage films several cars and individuals in them, including previous (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) SNCC chairman Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael), who traveled to Richmond for Al-Amin's hearing. There is also footage at an unidentified gas station.
-
Police Court Hearing for Elliott Hatcher in Richmond 1968 May 2 ; Virginia Union University (VUU) Protest in Support of Elliott Hatcher Film Reel #01, 1968 May 5
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed outside of the Richmond Police Court on May 2, 1968, likely showing individuals gathering for Elliott Hatcher's sentencing. It also contains footage filmed in Monroe Park on May 5, 1968, during a protest in support of Hatcher. This appears to be a group of racially diverse participants.
-
Virginia Union University (VUU) Protest in Support of Elliott Hatcher Film Reel #02, 1968 May 5
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed in Monroe Park on May 5, 1968, during a protest in support of Elliott Hatcher. Footage of the crowd at the park as well as one speaker is featured. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants.
-
Virginia Union University (VUU) Protest in Support of Elliott Hatcher Film Reel #03, 1968 May 5
Richmond (Va.). Police Department
This reel contains footage filmed in Monroe Park on May 5, 1968, during a protest in support of Elliott Hatcher. Footage of the crowd at the park as well as individuals preparing to speak are featured. This appears to be a group of majority Black participants.