August Moon Way
Video Courtesy of The 123 Agency
August Moon, born Alexander Randolph on August 7, 1937 in Blackwell during the Great Depression in the Jim Crow Era, was a fierce advocate for social justice. Throughout his life, he remained committed to his community in the Southside and he became affectionately known as the “Mayor of Hull Street”. As a devout Christian, he understood the importance of service as demonstrated by his membership in the US Navy, Crusade for Voters, Hull Street Merchants Association, Rainbow Coalition, United Struggle Movement, and Stop The Violence Campaign.
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Moon also enjoyed success as an entrepreneur and entertainer – releasing albums as “Mr. Wiggles”, operating recording studios and record labels, such as Sound of Soul, Urban Beat and Golden Triangle, owning venues such as Soul on Ice, Taste of Honey and Mr. Wiggles Restaurant best known for the “Wiggle Burger”, and producing hits such as “Seven Minutes of Funk” with The Whole Darn Family, which is one of the most sampled songs in hip hop music. He also hosted a radio show and public-access television show called “Tell It Like It Is” where he often reminded viewers that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
As a lover of hats, Moon wore many, as expressed through his many monikers, which also included “Little Red”, “Dickie Diamond”, "Chief Comrade", and “Mouth of the South”. He lived his life fully and his family finds peace in knowing that his rest was well-earned. He will be remembered as a loving and committed son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, mentor, dog lover of his adored poodle “Fluffy” – and so much more.
On August 3, 2024, The JXN Project was joined by City of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and City Council Members Ellen Robertson and Nicole Jones to unveil “August Moon Way” at the intersection of 12th Street and Hull Street in commemoration of the one-year anniversary since his passing – just in time for what would've been his 87th birthday on August 7th, which was officially designated as "August Moon Day" by Governor George Allen in 1997. In tribute to the late father of JXN’s co-founders, Enjoli Moon and Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, the honorary street sign was unveiled in the city’s Hull Street corridor, where he was born, raised, and anchored his life’s work.
During the ceremony, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras officially announced the August and Michon Moon Endowed Scholarship Fund, which is the first-ever endowment in the school system’s history. An initial investment of $10,000 was designated to support students who will attend the forthcoming Richmond High School of the Arts, formerly known as George Wythe High School.
