Sometimes the right questions can be influential.

We started asking questions when we learned that Mayor Dwight C. Jones was planning to hold an invitation-only reception to honor the five Richmonders who formed the first African-American majority on City Council.

Is there a reason, we asked, that this is a private, invitation- only event for what appears to involve the public?

Is there some reason the mayor is spending tax dollars to hold this event at a private venue, The Hippodrome Theater, as opposed to City Hall?

The result: A change and opening of the program to the public.

Before the Free Press went to press Wednesday night, we were notified that the event scheduled for Feb. 25 will be open to the public at 7 p.m., following an invitation- only reception honoring Henry L. Marsh III, Willie J. Dell, Walter T. Kenney, Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson and the late Claudette Black McDaniel.

We’re still puzzled why the relatively tiny — and costly — private theater is considered the most “appropriate” venue for a reception that can be held in a fine public space such as the spacious Observation Deck on the 18th floor of City Hall.

It is laudable that Mayor Jones is holding an affair to honor the council members who reshaped the political landscape of Richmond, and that he has joined with City Council to recognize them by designating commemorative street signs.

We ought to recognize the heroes in our midst, both past and present, and do it in a way where we can teach our children and they can teach theirs so that the true history of this city will never again be buried.

We just think the people should be involved as much as possible when we celebrate those on whose shoulders we all stand.