Browse Items (373 total)

Mamie Evelyn Locke was the first African-American woman elected mayor of Hampton and the third African-American woman elected to the Senate of Virginia.

Hampton

A respected lawyer and jurist, Leroy Rountree Hassell Sr. was the first African American to serve as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Norfolk

Fulfilling her passion for public service, Melody C. Barnes has been working to shape domestic policy in Washington, D.C., for more than 20 years.

Richmond

Concerned about the plight of the working poor in Richmond, Rebekah Peterkin organized Sheltering Arms Hospital to provide free medical care.

Richmond

At a time when married women had few rights, Elizabeth Bray Allen Smith Stith used her own funds to establish a free school for poor children.

Isle of Wight County

As a member of the House of Delegates for more than twenty years, Dorothy S. McDiarmid championed the rights of women and children through legislation.

Fairfax County

The first African American woman to become a certified public accountant in Virginia, Ruth Coles Harris was also the founding director of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University.
Recipient of the VABPW Foundation Business…

Richmond

As director of the Virginia Indian Program, Karenne Wood ensures that the history, traditions, and contributions of Virginia's Indians are incorporated into Virginia's historical narrative.

Fluvanna

Vivian W. Pinn works to expand women's health programs and leadership roles for women in the field of medical research.

Lynchburg

Nikki Giovanni uses her poetry to raise awareness of social issues, particularly those of gender and race.

Blacksburg