02/03/2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: February 3, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson,
and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Subject:
Recognition of Longstanding Black Community Leaders
and Neighborhood Council Contributors in Celebration of Black History Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Black History Month provides an opportunity for the City of Richmond to recognize the contributions of Black Leaders who have strengthened neighborhoods through decades of civic engagement, neighborhood council service, and community leadership.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing Doris Mason, A.J. Jelani,
J.C. Farr Jr., and Nat Nathaniel Bates as longstanding
Black community leaders and Neighborhood Council
contributors in celebration of Black History Month in the City of Richmond – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo
Martinez 510- 620-6503), Vice Mayor Robinson (510-
620-6568), and Councilmember Zepeda (510-620-6593).
AGENDA
REPORT
02/03/2026
DISCUSSION:
This item recognizes four longstanding Black community leaders whose decades of service have strengthened Richmond’s neighborhoods and civic life through the Neighborhood Council system and broader public service. Doris Mason, A.J. Jelani, J.C. Farr Jr., and Nat Nathaniel Bates each represent a deep commitment to neighborhood advocacy, community leadership, and resident engagement across multiple generations.
This recognition is presented in collaboration with the Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council (RNCC). The RNCC will formally celebrate this year’s Black History Month honorees at its February meeting, highlighting the importance of neighborhood-based leadership and civic participation.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation Honoring Doris Mason
Attachment 2 - Proclamation Honoring A.J. Jelani
Attachment 3 - Proclamation Honoring J.C. Farr Jr.
Attachment 4 – Proclamation Honoring Nat Nathaniel Bates