By Virginia Union University
Yesterday, near the bell tower on the campus of Virginia Union University (VUU), Virginia Delegate Delores McQuinn (D-70) held a press conference and remembrance ceremony to honor victims of COVID-19. Attendees included City of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Delegate and House Minority Leader, Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and other lawmakers, government officials and community faith leaders.
“We have all seen and felt the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation, in our communities and even in our own homes,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University. “We are fortunate to have leaders like Delegate McQuinn and other government and community leaders who see the importance of honoring those who are victims of COVID-19 as well as their families and others who have been impacted mentally, physically and financially.”
To date, more than 19,000 Virginians have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, McQuinn sponsored House Joint Resolution NO. 605 designating March 14, 2021 and every year after as “Victims of COVID-19 Remembrance Day” in Virginia. Yesterday’s remembrance ceremony at VUU concluded with 19 bell tolls to memorialize those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Along with VUU, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Centenary United Methodist Church each rang their bells as a tribute to victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
