The Birth of The Planet

The Richmond Planet Newspaper was founded by 13 Black men in 1883 in Richmond Virginia. Under the editorial leadership of John Mitchell Jr. “The Planet” served the community by highlighting the progress and trials of Reconstruction. It also fought against the many injustices leveled against the newly freed African American citizens. With a focus on the many lynchings rampant in the country after Emancipation. In the spirit of John Mitchell Jr and “The Planet” The Richmond Planet Foundation seeks to empower individuals thru historical storytelling to embrace history, encourage thinking, participate and focus on Human Equity, Public Education, Economic Responsibility. As director John Mitchell, great great nephew of John Mitchell Jr., uses the platform to host panels, tours and events that fill in the blanks in the historic record by infusing oratory, poems and music into the mix.