July 28, 2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: July 28, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Subject:
Proclamation Honoring the Life and Legacy of Joe Lee
Fisher Sr.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Joe Lee Fisher Sr. dedicated his life to serving the
Richmond community through business leadership,
journalism, neighborhood advocacy, mentorship, and
public service. The City of Richmond honors his lifelong commitment to empowering residents, preserving local
history, promoting economic opportunity, and
strengthening the community through decades of civic
engagement.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION honoring the life and legacy of Joe Lee
Fisher Sr. and recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the City of Richmond – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-
620-6503) and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510-620-
6568).
DISCUSSION: Joe Lee Fisher Sr. devoted more than seven decades to strengthening the Richmond community through entrepreneurship, civic leadership, journalism, and AGENDA
REPORT
July 28, 2026
neighborhood service. After moving to Richmond with his family in 1944, he built a life centered on creating opportunities for others while contributing to the City's economic and social development.
As a successful small business owner, Joe operated multiple barber shops, a clothing store, and a real estate business that helped many Richmond families achieve homeownership and build generational wealth. His commitment to economic empowerment created opportunities for residents and supported the vitality of local businesses.
Through his work as associate publisher of the Richmond Post, Joe celebrated community leaders, documented Richmond's history, highlighted neighborhood achievements, and amplified the voices of organizations and individuals working to improve the city. He also dedicated countless hours to neighborhood advocacy through the Coronado Neighborhood Council, public safety initiatives, National Night Out events, and efforts to advance civic participation and representation.
Known affectionately as "Papa Joe," he was a respected mentor, historian, and man of faith whose generosity, wisdom, and encouragement touched generations of Richmond residents. His legacy lives on through the businesses he built, the families he helped, the history he preserved, and the lasting impact he made on the civic, economic, spiritual, and cultural life of Richmond.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATTACHMENT 1 – Proclamation Honoring the Life and Legacy of Joe Lee Fisher Sr.