Richard Bowman, noted Charles City historian and civil rights leader, succumbs

Richard Bowman (center) is recognized for his contributions to providing equal education for all students during a February 2014 ceremony at Charles City High School.

Andre' Jones photo

Richard Bowman, a former Charles City supervisor who played a vital role in school desegregation in the county, died at the age of 86 on October 30.

Born in 1928, Bowman graduated from the original Ruthville High School in Charles City. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Army before returning to his native county to raise a family. Bowman became active in the equalization of education in 1958 when he attempted to enroll his children in Charles City High School, an all-white school at that time.

“Even though the federal ruling of Brown vs. the Board of Education was passed, the state of Virginia decided to take a different route and ignore the ruling, setting its own barriers,” Bowman said in a February testimony before Charles City students.

Bowman continued to fight, refusing to sign documents to enroll his children in Ruthville High School, an all-black school. He also refused to withdraw his application from Charles City High School, taking the matter all the way to the U.S. Fourth Appellate Court in Richmond and continuing to the U.S. Supreme Court. While the methodology used was not a proper plan to decide freedom of choice, it grabbed national media attention and sparked a movement that changed the lives of students and education in Charles City.

In 1970, black students joined Bowman’s movement, marching for two days from Ruthville to Charles City High School. The protest eventually led to state courts dismantling the process of enrolling a student in a school system, ending segregation in county schools and schools statewide.

Bowman’s movement and leadership led to him landing a role as a Charles City supervisor in 1972. He served until 1987, when he chose to retire. Bowman also served as a devoted deacon at Little Elam Baptist Church while serving on a variety of committees.

Throughout the county, many viewed Bowman as a historian whose knowledge is well valued by all. A beloved figure, his passing has impacted local officials.

“Mr. Bowman was truly an icon in Charles City County, and it’s a sad day that we lost him,” said District 2 supervisor and current board chairman Bill Coada. “He’s an inspiration to the impact of the county and especially to me.

“He was always there to talk to me when I needed advice,” he continued. “When he spoke, everybody listened.”

County Administrator Zach Trogdon said despite his short tenure in the county, Bowman’s influence has rippled through the county.

“You know somebody means a lot to the county when you hear nothing but good things about him,” commented Trogdon. “You can obviously tell his impact has influenced the advancement of this county in a positive manner. He will surely be missed for both his contributions and as a beloved figure.”

Bowman was involved in a variety of projects, including the building of the current school complex. Bowman was one to offer advice to all people, no matter the age.

Bowman’s stories often centered on journeys growing up in Charles City. From segregation to the use of current technology, he kept up to date. He often spoke at engagements, making sure that if a person left the county, they would never forget their roots. In February, he was honored by Charles City County Public Schools, all the while urging the younger generation to heed his advice.

“It’s still good to have hope,” he said. “Change has come and change will still evolve into a better situation. Remember that you can do things to cause positives to things that happen.”

One of Bowman’s last public appearances was at the August dedication of the Ruthville cornerstone at Charles City High School. While there, he spoke about attending the school and led those who also attended the facility in the school song.

Upon talking with Bowman, he yielded a piece of advice that carries on today with all who have ever had an opportunity to spend time with him.

“Even as time changes and things come and go, remember that God is always there with you.”