Bryce Robertson’s passion for uplifting his community has driven his work since his time as a student government leader at Atlee High School in Hanover County. His commitment to this cause remains steadfast, and he is determined to inspire others to join his mission.

“We have a lot of work to do in Richmond,” Robertson said. “My hope is that we can make an impact with young people. They are the future, and any way we can support them is important.”

Robertson was born in Richmond, but a move to Hanover as a young student influenced his devotion to contributing to his community. In addition to his work with the Richmond Crusade for Voters, he serves on the Richmond City Board of Zoning Appeals and mentors middle school-age kids.

While pursuing a pre-med degree at Cornell University, Robertson formed a bond with a fellow student facing the challenges of navigating the U.S. immigration system. This connection shed light on the often-overlooked obstacles of obtaining permanent residency.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, he made the bold decision to pursue a career in law.

He enrolled at Villanova University, joined an immigration law firm and worked for the Justice Department before returning to Richmond to start an immigration law firm. His passion for working in underserved communities led him to be selected as a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fellow when working with the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Society. Early in his career, the U.S. Small Business Administration named him Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his efforts in developing a volunteer-based web solutions company that supports small businesses.

Robertson’s tenure with the Crusade comes when the policies and standards that have made strides to level the playing field are under attack. He maintains that an independent judiciary is a primary shield in the fight.

“We need to use the levers of democracy that we do have,” he said. “Use the courts. We also need to make sure that our elected officials hear us. We need to hold them accountable.”

In his role with the Crusade, Robertson often reminds community members of a striking example of the power of the vote. In 2017, the Virginia State Board of Elections was forced to decide the 94th District race by drawing a name out of a hat due to a tie in the vote count.

Meet a passionate community activist who cautions citizens never to underestimate the power of their ballot because every vote truly does count and this week’s Personality, Bryce Robertson:

Volunteer position: President, Richmond Crusade for Voters.

Occupation: Attorney, with a focus on financial services and immigration advocacy.

Date and place of birth: Feb. 19 in Richmond

Where I live now: Church Hill.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in government, Cornell University; J.D., Villanova University School of Law.

Family: Mother, Dr. Bridgett Robertson; father, Brian Robertson; brother, Bradford Robertson. 

Richmond Crusade for Voters is: A historic civic organization dedicated to voter education, advocacy and mobilization, ensuring that all citizens, particularly African Americans and marginalized communities, have a voice in the electoral process and agency in our political landscape.

When and why founded: Founded in 1956 during the Civil Rights Movement with the backdrop of Massive Resistance and the Stanley Plan, the Crusade fought to protect voter rights, combat voter suppression, register Black voters, and advocate for political empowerment in Richmond, laying the groundwork for lasting change.

Founders: Dr. William S. Thornton, Dr. William Ferguson Reid and John M. Brooks.

When elected president: November 2024.

Why I accepted the position: To continue the organization’s legacy of empowering communities and protecting voting rights, in particular as it relates to the Black community. My goal is to build on this foundation, fostering new relationships with the organization and promoting an active membership.

Length of term: Two years.

Previous president: Former Richmond City Council member, Marty Jewell.

No. 1 goal or project as president: Lifting the needs of Richmond’s Black and historically disenfranchised voters, especially through strengthening voter education efforts and engagement ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election. I want to see increased voter turnout and support awareness of critical issues impacting Richmond residents.

Strategy for achieving goals: Leveraging digital tools and social media for greater impact and voter education; strengthening partnerships with local organizations and universities; increasing engagement with our youths through new outreach programming; providing town halls and forums with our elected officials so that our community is informed.

No. 1 challenge facing Richmond Crusade for Voters: As 2025 has ushered in a heightened political climate, we want to make sure that we are engaging and mobilizing, especially younger voters, while countering misleading information that suppresses voter participation.

Expectations for Mayor Danny Avula: Mayor Avula must continue to collaborate and engage with our community, prioritizing policies that support equity in education, housing, and economic development while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Expectations for Richmond City Council: Our City Council must actively engage their constituents, promptly address community concerns through consistent communication and advocate for policies that benefit all Richmond residents, especially in our historically marginalized communities.

Expectations for Richmond School Board: Our School Board needs to implement policies that ensure equitable access to quality education for all our young people throughout the city. RPS can and should continue to improve school infrastructure and support both students and educators in fostering a strong academic environment.

Strategy for getting out the vote for the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial race: Expand voter registration drives in historically low-turnout areas; ensure that community members have the right information concerning the restoration of rights; partner with faith-based and other organizations and community groups; increase early voting awareness and disseminate the right information about absentee ballots; use digital campaigns to combat misleading information about voting rights.

Why mobilize voters early: Civic engagement is a continuous effort, and it’s never too early! By educating and engaging voters year-round, we ensure that communities are informed about policies that impact them and are prepared to make their voices heard at the ballot box in November. Our organization’s goal is to reach all the voters in our community as early, swiftly and effectively as possible and as soon as possible.

What voters can do: Every vote counts. Every voter matters. Staying informed, registering, and showing up to vote are important actions. Create change by encouraging friends and family, challenging misinformation, and holding elected officials accountable.

How the Crusade plans to keep Richmonders engaged: Hosting events, candidate forums and opportunities for individuals to meet their political leaders.Strengthening engagement through social media and newsletters; building new partnerships with schools and universities to encourage youth involvement; increasing membership, mobilizing our youth by meeting them where they are electronically and digitally; providing a voice for the voiceless in our communities.

How I plan to encourage young and new voters: Expand outreach through an ambassadorship program with local high schools, colleges, and universities; create digital content that resonates with younger demographics; host voter registration and education events tailored to young voters and establish mentorship programs that connect young activists with seasoned advocates.

A perfect day for me: Any day spent making a tangible impact, whether through community advocacy, mentoring a young person, or helping someone exercise their right to vote for the first time.

Something about me that people may not know: I speak five languages: English, Spanish, French, German and Swedish.

A quote that inspires me: “The fight for human rights is unending. We must never stop fighting for freedom and equality for all.” — Henry L. Marsh III.

How my friends describe me: A fighter, who searches out opportunities to uplift the underserved.

Most influential person: My mother, an educator, who instilled in me the belief that “knowledge is power” and that education is the key to progress and empowerment.

Most influential book: “The Souls of Black Folk,” by W.E.B. Du Bois.

Current read: “One Person, No Vote” by Carol Anderson, a potent exploration of modern voter suppression tactics and the importance of voting.

Next goal: To expand the Richmond Crusade for Voters’ impact in the city of Richmond and solidify new partnerships with local organizations to enhance the work we do.