Richmond Committee Approved Street Renaming for Vicky Hester

A city committee voted to honor the late LGBTQ+ advocate and business owner with a commemorative street designation.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in LGBTQand

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an ornate iron street lamp in front of a brick building, representing a community honor. — The Richmond City Council committee unanimously approved an ordinance to rename a city block in honor of LGBTQ+ advocate Vicky Hester. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Richmond City Council Land Use, Housing and Transportation committee unanimously approved an ordinance to rename the 00 block of S. Auburn Avenue in honor of Vicky Hester. Hester, who owned Babes of Carytown, was recognized for her significant contributions as a community leader and advocate.

Why it matters

The honorary naming serves as a tribute to Hester's legacy of local service, including her weekly food donations to the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond. It marks a formal recognition of her impact on the Richmond community and the LGBTQ+ population.

The proposed ordinance designates the 00 block of S. Auburn Avenue in Carytown for honorary renaming. Vicky Hester, the owner of the local bar Babes of Carytown, passed away in September 2025 at the age of 71.

The players

Vicky Hester

She was a Richmond community leader and the owner of the bar Babes of Carytown who died at age 71.

Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond

This is a local religious institution that received weekly food donations from Vicky Hester for its pantry.

Richmond City Council Land Use, Housing and Transportation committee

This municipal body oversees land use ordinances and voted unanimously to recommend honoring Hester.

The details

If the full Richmond City Council passes the ordinance, a commemorative sign will be added to the existing street signs at the location. The proposal highlights Hester's role as a prominent figure in the local area throughout her life.

Vicky Hester passed away in September 2025.
The committee voted to recommend the ordinance on September 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

The move reflects a broader trend of cities memorializing local figures who have shaped neighborhood culture and identity. This shift acknowledges the specific importance of community-led advocacy in defining urban historical narratives.

Residents in the Carytown neighborhood may soon see new commemorative signage installed on the 00 block of S. Auburn Avenue. The proposal does not change the legal address for residents or businesses on the street.

The takeaway

Honoring local figures through street naming provides a lasting way to preserve the memory of community advocates. Residents can participate in future City Council meetings to stay informed about municipal recognition efforts.