Today Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced appointments to the History and Culture Commission, which will advise the mayor on issues of historical and cultural significance within the city. Early work of the commission will center around memorializing the deep history of Shockoe Bottom as the area where enslaved Africans were brought hundreds of years ago and providing direction on implementing the recommendations of the Monument Avenue Commission. “In order to move forward in creating more equitable spaces and opportunities for all Richmonders, we must ensure the stories we tell uplift and empower, not tear down or divide,” said Mayor Stoney. “We must reclaim our complete history and dismantle the systemic racism and inequities that resulted. I am confident this commission will provide appropriate and rightful guidance in this important task.” Commission members include: Jamie O. Bosket, President of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture Melanie Buffington,