News

Notes: Historic marker to honor displaced Alexandria neighborhood

By Ryan Belmore

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Thursday, Sept. 11, the 254th day of 2025. There are 111 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

🚨 You need to know

The city will unveil a state historic marker Saturday commemorating Colored Rosemont, an African American neighborhood that thrived for decades before being dismantled by discriminatory housing policies. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. near the intersection of Wythe and West streets, across from the Braddock Road Metro station.

Colored Rosemont was established in 1926 as a vibrant community where Black families built homes and raised children during segregation. By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was destroyed through discriminatory housing policies and systemic disinvestment that displaced residents from their homes.

“We are beyond thrilled for this sign dedication, which honors the important legacy of Colored Rosemont,” said Gretchen Bulova, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. “At the same time, this sign is a somber reminder of how racist housing policies and practices led to the displacement of a thriving African American community.”

Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Dr. Krystyn Moon, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources will offer remarks. Descendants who lived in the community will share personal stories about the neighborhood’s significance—the unveiling results from advocacy by Stanley Greene and collaboration with the Colored Rosemont Descendant Advisory Group.

Learn more about the Colored Rosemont Community History Initiative.

The City of Alexandria’s Office of Historic Alexandria, in partnership with community members and descendants, will lead the unveiling of a new state historic marker commemorating the legacy of Colored Rosemont, a vibrant African American neighborhood established in 1926. The unveiling ceremony will take place on September 13th at 3 p.m. near the intersection of Wythe and West Streets. (Credit: City of Alexandria)

What else to know

Today: Alexandria will commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with two events:

  • 9 a.m.-noon: Volunteer service project at Alexandria National Cemetery. More than 200 volunteers are expected to gather to clean headstones and beautify the grounds as part of a nationwide initiative by Carry The Load spanning nearly 70 national cemeteries. Registration is free at carrytheload.org or just show up Thursday morning.
  • 10-11 a.m.: Remembrance ceremony at City Hall. The ceremony will honor those who sacrificed and were lost, remember survivors and all who were affected, and show gratitude to first responders. The event will include a presentation of colors, remarks by Mayor Alyia Gaskins and public safety officials. ALXnow will provide coverage of this ceremony.

Also today at 10 a.m.: U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) will hold a remote media availability from the U.S. Capitol. As part of this availability, Sen. Warner will address the latest consequences of the Republican budget law and more. ALXnow will provide coverage.

Today at 1 p.m.: A significant economic development announcement for Northern Virginia is scheduled to be made. ALXnow will provide coverage.

Tonight at 6 p.m.: The Alexandria City School Board will hold a work session to discuss the proposal to transition Alexandria City High School students from school buses to the city’s DASH public transit system during budget discussions. ALXnow will provide coverage.

Hispanic Heritage Month: The City of Alexandria announced it will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with cultural events and colorful lights at City Hall. The month-long celebration will feature family-friendly festivals, performances, and cultural events showcasing Alexandria’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino community. City Hall will be illuminated nightly in the national colors of different Latin American countries, and Market Square will be decorated with their flags.

Last night: The special ARHA Board Meeting convened in executive session amid ongoing leadership changes at the housing authority. ALXnow will follow up on the meeting.

📈 Wednesday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Sept. 10, 2025.

  1. Dog dies in Old Town high-rise apartment fire
  2. Woman charged with using West End hotel room for prostitution
  3. Landlord of popular Del Ray beer garden files eviction lawsuit
  4. Northern Virginia juvenile jail to demolish concrete beds in cells
  5. Alexandria council approves 1st reading to permanently close 200 block of King Street

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Things To Do 

Live Music & Entertainment

City & School District Meetings & Events

City of Alexandria Today

  • City Government: Open
  • Flag Status: Full Staff (City) / Half-Staff (Governor’s Order for Charlie Kirk through Sept. 14)
  • Trash Collection: On Time
  • Recycling Collection: On Time
  • Yard Waste Collection: On Time

About the Author

  • Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].