New Film Brings Richmond 34's Quiet Courage to Life

Director hopes movie inspires viewers to continue civil rights progress

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new film about the Richmond 34, a group of Virginia Union students who staged a pivotal 1960 sit-in at Thalhimers department store in downtown Richmond, has wrapped production and is set for release this year. Director Rev. L.K. Harris spent years developing the project and meeting with surviving participants, aiming to bring this important story to a wider audience.

Why it matters

The Richmond 34 sit-in was a significant moment in the civil rights movement, but their story is not as well-known as other pivotal events. This film aims to shine a light on their quiet courage and inspire viewers to continue the fight for racial justice and equality.

The details

The Richmond 34 were a group of Virginia Union University students who staged a peaceful sit-in at the segregated lunch counter of the Thalhimers department store in downtown Richmond on February 22, 1960. Their actions helped galvanize the local civil rights movement and inspired similar protests across the South.

  • The Richmond 34 sit-in took place on February 22, 1960.
  • The new film about the Richmond 34 has wrapped production and is set for release this year.

The players

Rev. L.K. Harris

The director of the new film about the Richmond 34, who spent years developing the project and meeting with surviving participants.

The Richmond 34

A group of Virginia Union University students who staged a pivotal 1960 sit-in at Thalhimers department store in downtown Richmond, helping to galvanize the local civil rights movement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The world didn't know enough about this story.”

— Rev. L.K. Harris, Director (NBC12)

What’s next

The new film about the Richmond 34 is set for release later this year, and the director hopes it will inspire viewers in Richmond and beyond to continue pushing for civil rights progress.

The takeaway

This film shines a light on an important but lesser-known moment in the civil rights movement, highlighting the quiet courage and determination of the Richmond 34 students who helped catalyze change through their peaceful protest.