Herbert H. Southall Jr. is proud to carry on the legacy of his father and to uphold the traditions of the Astoria Beneficial Club, a Richmond men’s club started 117 years ago to help eliminate the barriers to full citizenship for African-Americans.

The mission continues today as the organization works“to inspire men to a higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing” through activities promoting racial equality and building a stronger community.

Mr. Southall, a 1956 graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School and electronics designer who retired as a manager from Lucent Technologies in New Jersey, was selected as the 2018 Astorian of the Year.

He was presented with the award Nov. 18 in a ceremony at The Grace Center in North Side.

“I was really surprised,” says Mr. Southall, who has been a member of the Astoria Beneficial Club for 30 years and serves as its financial secretary and on several committees. “When you do your job, you don’t expect to receive an award.”

What makes the award even sweeter for Mr. Southall is that his late father, Herbert H. Southall Sr., former president of the Southern Aid Life Insurance Company in Jackson Ward, won the same high honor in 1963.

“My father would have been very proud that I participated in the club,” he says.

Historically, the Astorians are known in Richmond for their community betterment projects, including the push for voting rights and voter registration, paving the way for the City of Richmond to hire African-Americans and promoting equal pay for African-American teachers in Richmond.

The organization also commissioned the statue of Richmond native Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a nationally known tap dancer and entertainer, at the intersection of Adams and Leigh streets in Jackson Ward where Mr. Robinson had paid to put a stoplight in the 1930s to protect young African-American children crossing the street.

The Astorians also played a key role in the placement of “The Headsman” statue on Brown’s Island that commemorates the African-American boatmen who contributed to the commercial development along the James River in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, the Astorians’ major initiative, Parental Assistance Leadership Services, or PALS, encourages youngsters at Fairfield Elementary School in the East End through members spending time as mentors, lunch buddies and helping with homework.

With its long history of civic involvement and helping its members, the Astorians are looking to recruit the next generation of Astorian men.

“Our new president, Jonathan G. Johnson, is young and looking to recruit (young men) with the need or desire to express their civic responsibility and to help make that happen in Richmond,” Mr. Southall says.

“It’s vitally important to be able to help make life a lot better in our community.”

Meet this week’s Personality and Astoria legacy award winner, Herbert H. Southall Jr.:

No. 1 honor: Named 2018 Astorian of the Year by the Astoria Beneficial Club.

Date and place of birth: June 2 in Richmond.

Neighborhood of residence: Glen Allen.

Education: Maggie L. Walker High School, Class of 1956; New Jersey College of Engineering, Technology Division (now New Jersey Institute of Technology), 1967.

Family: Two sons, a granddaughter and three great-grandchildren.

How I got the news that I was award winner: I was told during a committee report at our monthly meeting, to my surprise.

What this award means to me: I am greatly humbled and honored to be recognized for just doing what I was elected to do as financial secretary of the Astoria Beneficial Club.

What motivated me to become an Astorian: Astoria was part of my life growing up because my Dad was a longtime member and a past president of the club. But it was my Mom who motivated me to become a member after returning to Richmond with my job.

Astoria is important to me because: It is a group of dedicated men who are passionate role models who push for a positive change in various sectors of the community. This also includes the support of the Astorian Wives organization.

How I start my day: With prayer.

A perfect day for me is: Completing my list of tasks and requests for the day and working outside in the fresh air.

How I unwind: Watching sports on TV.

At the top of my to-do-list: To make my office neat, which is almost an impossible task.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn.

Most people would never imagine that: I was a member of the old Richmond Community Orchestra, which was the core group for the Richmond Philharmonic, and played the viola for more than 25 years.

A quote that I am inspired by: “Plan your work, then work your plan”—Author unknown.

The best thing my parents taught me: Be yourself, but be a good person.

Person who influenced me the most: There are many. First of all, my parents who were nurturing and supportive, and along the way, so many great teachers in Richmond. They are too numerous to name.

The book that influenced me the most: Because of my background, any technical publications and articles are my choice, while “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale is at the top of my all-time favorites.

If I’ve learned one thing, it is: Help others and treat everyone with fairness and respect as you would want to be treated.

My next goal: Continue to praise God and live life to its fullest.