Driving Change Through Creative Leadership: 
The Arthur Ashe Boulevard Story

Presented by:
Dontrese Brown, 2024 RVA Community Maker Honoree

Arthur Ashe Boulevard (AABLVD) is more than just a street; it embodies a legacy of resilience, activism, and cultural significance. As the first African American to win the men’s singles at Wimbledon and the US Open, Arthur Ashe’s name carries immense weight, representing excellence, equity, and social justice. The transformation of this iconic street in Richmond, Virginia, into AABLVD, marks a pivotal moment in history, shaping the narrative of the city and inspiring generations to come.

Attendees will enjoy a light continental breakfast and networking!

Attendees should expect the following takeaways:

• Identity and Representation: The naming of AABLVD provides a powerful example of the role of design in shaping identity and representation within the built environment. By honoring Ashe’s legacy through street naming, the boulevard is a testament to the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse voices and contributions to urban design.
• Community Engagement: The process of renaming and redesigning AABLVD highlights the significance of community engagement in shaping public spaces. Through collaborative efforts between city officials, community leaders, and residents, this reflects the community’s collective vision and values, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among all stakeholders.
• Historical Preservation: AABLVD showcases the intersection of modern design and historical preservation, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with the surrounding area’s rich cultural heritage. Incorporating Ashe’s life and legacy elements pays homage to the past while embracing the future, creating a dynamic and vibrant urban environment.
• Social Impact: The redesign of AABLVD underscores the potential of design to drive social change and promote inclusivity. By reimagining public spaces as platforms for storytelling and cultural expression, the boulevard becomes a catalyst for dialogue, education, and empowerment, inspiring individuals to confront systemic inequities and strive for a more just and equitable society.

About our Presenters:

Dontrese is a strategic thought leader and change agent with deep expertise in community collaboration and designing justice into our built environment. He is masterful in navigating transformational change through a uniquely diverse interdisciplinary combination of business and marketing acumen, creative design, strategic planning, and an intentional commitment to community development and social justice. He is a servant leader committed to inspiring and developing people to achieve their fullest potential while fostering a culture of excellence through a compelling vision of respect, integrity, and empowerment while squarely focused on driving results and making a positive impact.

A sought-after speaker on design and innovation, strategic leadership, and aligning purpose with passion, Dontrese serves as the Board Chair for Urban Hope and the Richmond Public Library Foundation, and the board of directors for BridgePark R.V.A., Richmond Arts Institute, and Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC).