Virginia Union University students speak at Richmond City Council meeting and reflect on groundbreaking passing of City approval

September 29, 2025

By: Karyn Cook

RICHMOND, VA —  Virginia Union University students made their voices heard on September 22 as five student leaders spoke at a Richmond City Council meeting in support of the Gateway North Project Special Use Permit (SUP)- an initiative that will bring new housing and retail space to the city’s North Side. City Council voted unanimously to pass Ordinance 2025-173, authorizing the use of property at North Lombardy Street and Brook Road for the development of Gateway North, a mixed-use complex including 100 apartment units primarily for VUU students.  

Approximately 31 Virginia Union studentsattended the meeting in support of the initiative. The students who spoke emphasized the urgent need for housing solutions and the larger impact of the project on oth the university and the Richmond community. “Virginia Union University is more than a campus, it’s a symbol of resilience,” said Kei’Shaun Hardy, former student trustee and a religion and philosophy major. “Founded on the grounds of Lumpkin’s Jail, once known as the Devil’s Half Acre, it rose from suffering to become a vision born of faith. In 2025, we can no longer look like what we’ve been through—we must create opportunities for our students, our neighbors, and future generations.” Hardy later reflected on the experience:

“Speaking at City Council was powerful. I hope our speeches strengthen the relationship between VUU and city leadership, paving the way for increased support, investment, and visibility for our students and initiatives.” 

The project marks a historic moment for the university—it will be the first off-campus development in its 165-year history and the first of its kind by a Black developer in the area. Gateway North will be a model in HBCU-led urban development and economic growth.

Jenyia Andrews, Miss Junior and a health sciences major with a minor in physics, also addressed the council. “Speaking at City Council was such a rewarding experience,” she said. “The planning process required collaboration and intentional thought to ensure our voices represented Virginia Union well.” She expressed hope that the city would recognize the strength and unity of VUU students. “From my speech, I hope the city sees the importance of supporting student-led initiatives and continues to strengthen its partnership with VUU.” 

Senior Jasira Lemaitre, SGA Vice President of External Affairs and a criminal justice major, called the experience “revolutionary and inspiring.” “It felt great to be a young Black woman speaking before the City Council in support of my historically Black university,” she said.  Lemaitre is hopeful for what this project can do for future students. “This project not only expands VUU’s footprint, but it can potentially provide much-needed affordable housing for our graduate students and soon-to-be professionals,” she added.  

“Speaking at City Council was an empowering moment,” said James Johnson, current Mister Maroon and Steel. “The preparation and collaboration that went into the presentation made me hopeful that our words will open doors for greater opportunities and support for our students.”

Gateway North will include 80 one-bedroom apartments, 20 two-bedroom apartments along with 10,000 sq. ft. of community-scale retail and 50 parking spaces. It is planned to be a hub for connection with VUU students and the surrounding community, and to align with the Richmond 300 plan, a city-wide master plan that aims to prioritize equitable growth throughout the city over the next 20 years. 

Cameron Cosby, a 2025 graduate now enrolled in VUU’s Master of Social Work program, brought a non-traditional student perspective. “As a student with children the same age as many of my peers, I often take on challenges to be an example for younger students,” Cosby said. “It felt good to stand beside them, advocating for VUU’s future. We may be a small campus in Virginia, but we have big history, big contributions, and a big community. The students were met with support from the council as every council member asked to be listed as a patron of the special use permit.  

City Council President Cynthia Newbille directly acknowledged the students during the session. “I want to especially thank the Virginia Union students,” she said. “We look forward to seeing you not just this evening, but ongoing—as you remain vigilant in terms of the legislation coming before  our city and our community and making sure we have opportunity to hear your voices so I wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you."   

The Gateway North approval is only the beginning of what’s ahead for Virginia Union University. With this historic milestone, new developments are already in the pipeline—initiatives that will further expand VUU’s footprint, create opportunities for students and neighbors, and strengthen our role as a catalyst for economic empowerment in Richmond. As the University continues to grow beyond its historic campus, the voices and leadership of VUU students will remain at the heart of every step forward, ensuring that each new project reflects our mission of faith, resilience, and community transformation.

Click here to watch out students in action during last week's City Council meeting. Like, share, follow, and engage with us on all of our official VUU social media platforms.