Richmond, Virginia, witnessed the passing of a historical figure and trailblazer this Friday. Henry Leander Marsh III, who was the city's first Black mayor and a prominent figure in the civil rights legal realm, died at the age of 91.
According to VPM, Henry L. Marsh III, a key figure in civil rights and the first Black mayor of Richmond, has passed away at the age of 91, leaving a legacy of profound impacts on the city and state.
Marsh's death marks the end of an era for Richmond, where he spent decades fighting for equality and justice, both as a politician and as an attorney.
Born in Richmond on December 10, 1933, Henry Marsh grew up to be a local and national role model. He attended Maggie L. Walker High School and then Virginia Union University, preparing for a career that focused heavily on civil rights and public service.
Following his undergraduate education, Marsh pursued a law degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C., an institution known for its history of civil rights activism. In 1961, after completing his law education, Marsh co-founded Hill, Tucker, and Marsh, a Richmond law firm that would become integral in numerous civil rights battles across Virginia.
Marsh was deeply involved in litigation related to civil rights issues throughout his career. One of his notable cases was Quarles v. Philip Morris, part of his broader effort to dismantle the vestiges of segregation in American society.
His legal battles often targeted the practice of "Massive Resistance," a policy adopted by Virginia to prevent school desegregation following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. According to U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, Marsh’s legal prowess "really transformed Virginia," with countless cases bearing the imprint of his law firm, Hill, Tucker, and Marsh.
Marsh's legal career paralleled a successful entrance into politics. Elected to the Richmond City Council in 1966, he quickly climbed its ranks to become vice mayor by 1970 and then mayor in 1977, under a system where the mayor was selected by council colleagues.
He held the mayoral office until 1982, continuing to serve on the city council until 1991. That year, Marsh took on a new challenge by transitioning to state politics, successfully securing a seat in the Virginia Senate. During his 22 years in the state Senate, representing diverse locales including Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, and portions of Richmond, Marsh maintained his commitment to rights and community service, until his retirement in 2014.
Even beyond his political tenure, Marsh remained active in public service roles. Appointed as a commissioner of Virginia's Alcoholic Beverage Control board by then-Governor Terry McAuliffe, he continued to lend his expertise and leadership to the state.
Marsh lived much of his life in Church Hill North, just blocks from a local elementary school that was named in his honor in 2021, a testament to his lasting impact on the community. The loss of his wife, Diane Harris Marsh, in 2020 preceded his passing. He is survived by his three children Dwayne, Nadine Marsh-Carter, and Sonya M. Craft, along with six grandchildren, all of whom share his dedication to public service and justice.
Reflecting on Marsh's extensive contributions, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine remarked, “My heart is heavy with grief and full of gratitude that I had the chance to know Henry Marsh—a truly exceptional person.” Kaine added, “I’m honored to have called him a friend and mentor."
As tributes pour in, Marsh's legacy is celebrated not only for his groundbreaking role in politics and law but for his unyielding pursuit of justice and equality. The Virginia Senate Democrats called him "an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and service to his community."
Henry L. Marsh III's passing has left a void in the heart of Richmond and the broader community of Virginia. His pioneering role as Richmond's first Black mayor, impactful legal career, and continued public service have created a lasting legacy recognized across the nation. His life's work has undoubtedly paved the way for many, echoing through generations as an enduring symbol of commitment to justice and equality.