February 6, 2024
City Manager's Office
DATE: February 6, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Shasa Curl, City Manager
Subject:
City of Richmond Hosted Celebration of Life Event for
Former Mayor Irma Anderson in Conjunction with Black
History Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City of Richmond does not charge itself for use of its own facilities; there will be some staff time incurred in utilizing the Richmond Auditorium. Any costs associated with this event will be covered using the City Manager’s Office existing budget (01131013-400201).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In honoring the life and legacy of Former Mayor Irma
Anderson in conjunction with Black History Month, the
City Manager is requesting authorization to host a historic celebration of life event at the Richmond Auditorium for the community.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the waiver of fees associated with the use of
the Richmond Auditorium in the month of February 2024
to host a celebration honoring the life of Former Mayor Irma Anderson; AUTHORIZE City staff to support the
planning and hosting of the historical acknowledgement; and APPROVE the use of City funds to support the public event during Black History Month, in an amount not to
exceed approximately $12,000 – City Manager’s Office
(Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
AGENDA
REPORT
February 6, 2024
DISCUSSION:
On January 29, 2024, the City of Richmond received the somber news of the passing of former Mayor Irma Anderson. In recognition of Mayor Anderson’s dedicated service to Richmond and her impactful life, City staff would like to hold a celebration of life service scheduled for mid- to late-February 2024. This chosen timeframe holds special significance as February marks Black History Month, a fitting tribute to Mayor Anderson, who proudly served as Richmond’s first African American Mayor
While the details of the event are yet to be finalized, the proposed components for the day may encompass the following:
A formal acknowledgment by the City of Richmond, commemorating Irma L.
Anderson's historic role as the first African American woman mayor in Richmond.
This tribute may include proclamations, a slide show, and a public display featuring pictures and information about Mayor Anderson’s life and contributions. An opportunity for elected officials, organizations, and members of the public to share their memories and sentiments about the former mayor. This can be done either in-person or through pre-recorded videos.
Potential performances by local groups to add a celebratory dimension to the event.
A reception, complete with light refreshments and beverages.
City staff recommends hosting the event at the Richmond Auditorium during workday hours. While the estimated cost for the use of the space is approximately $6,610 (excluding a $3,000 refundable deposit), as a city-sponsored event, the City of Richmond would not charge itself for utilizing the facilities. Nevertheless, for transparency and information purposes, the estimated facility costs that would typically be charged are outlined below:
Items Total
Application $50
Kitchen Use $206
Hourly Event Rate (9 hours @ $642/hour) $5,778
Podium $36
Rectangle Tables (30 @ $4.00/table) $120
Round tables (30 @ $4.00/table) $120
Chairs (300 @ $1.00/chair) $300
ESTIMATED TOTAL $6,610
February 6, 2024
Considering the potential program for the service, City staff time would be dedicated to supporting both the planning and day-of activities. Understanding the daily operational needs of the City, the City Manager will be mindful of the impact on City staff. For instance, Auditorium staff may be required to assist in preparing the space and managing activities during the event. Staff may contribute to the development of a piece on Mayor Anderson, either for presentation during the service or for future broadcast on Richmond's television channel, providing a lasting tribute for the community and future generations.
It is important to note that any associated costs, including expenses for items such as food, beverages, decorations, etc., will either be covered using existing budgets from City departments or funds will be raised externally to support the event. In total, the City Manager seeks authorization to spend up to $12,000 on this historical commemorative event.
Irma Anderson had a commitment to public service. As the mayor of Richmond, she worked to create positive change, uplift the community, and champion the causes that mattered most to the residents she served. Her leadership was characterized by a deep sense of responsibility and an unyielding belief in the potential for progress and unity in the city she loved. City staff believes it is fitting and essential that we celebrate her life.
Mayor Anderson's unwavering commitment to public service, demonstrated during her tenure as the mayor of Richmond, remains a testament to her enduring legacy. She dedicated herself to fostering positive change, uplifting the community, and advocating for the causes that held significance for the residents she served. Her leadership was marked by a deep sense of responsibility and a belief in the potential for progress and unity within the city she loved. In coming together to celebrate the life of Mayor Irma Anderson, we aim to create a meaningful and respectful tribute befitting her legacy and contributions to the City of Richmond.
A WINDOW INTO THE LIFE OF FORMER MAYOR IRMA ANDERSON
Mayor Anderson was the youngest of three children born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Mayor Anderson attended high school in Boston where she was very active in school activities and became president of the student body, was the high school valedictorian and graduated with honors. She attended Cornell School of Nursing and was the second Black student to attend and graduate. In 1959 she came to Richmond, California with her husband the late Reverend Booker T. Anderson Jr., a
February 6, 2024
former Mayor and City Councilman for the City of Richmond and Pastor of Easter Hill United Methodist Church.
Mayor Anderson was employed by the Contra Costa County Health Department as a staff Public Health Nurse and worked in every classification advancing to the highest level as Director of Public Health Nursing. Mayor Anderson was the first Black Assistant Director and the first Director of Public Health Nursing in Contra Costa County.
She attended UC Berkeley School of Public Health, where she received her Master’s degree. During her professional career at Contra Costa County Health Department, she was actively involved with several professional organizations; she served on the National Credentialing Board of the American Nurses Association, served several terms as a governing Council member with the American Public Health Association, and also served on the Board of Local Directors, Public Health Nursing. Mayor Anderson also served as a non-salaried clinical instructor in Community Health for the UC School of Nursing in San Francisco. Upon retiring as Director of Public Health Nursing in 1992, Mayor Anderson ran for Richmond City Council. She was successful and became the first Black female City Councilmember on the Richmond City Council. In 1997 Mrs.
Anderson was re-elected to the Richmond City Council. In 2001, Mayor Anderson ran for the Richmond Mayor and was successful in becoming the first Black female elected mayor of a major California city.
During her tenure as Mayor, Mrs. Anderson was instrumental in developing a historic partnership with the West Contra Costa Unified School District dubbed Kids! First to cultivate and expand after-school programs throughout Richmond. The Kids! First partnership secured over $1.8 million dollars to begin 3 pilot after-school programs in the City. Additionally, Mrs. Anderson was successfully lobbying hard to secure Richmond its fair share of transportation dollars which include $12 million from the State for a Richmond Ferry Service in 2010. She was a part of the council that helped to renovate the Civic Center, continuing work on the Council’s commitment to the Civic Center Master Plan.
Mayor Anderson held a “Richmond Rises Above Violence Conference” and encouraged the City Council to adopt a public health approach to violence prevention. Subsequently, the City created an Office of Violence Prevention, which later became the Office of Neighborhood Safety, a nationally recognized violence intervention strategy.
During her tenure as mayor, Mayor Anderson served on numerous boards and commissions for the benefit of Richmond residents, more than could possibly be listed Mayor Anderson was inspired by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm who, in 1968,
February 6, 2024
became the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. Ms.
Anderson’s favorite quote from Shirley Chisholm was “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” The City of Richmond thanks Mayor Anderson for her service.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None