Browse Items (17 total)

With decades of meritorious service in the United States Navy, Captain Janet H. Days is the first African American to command Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station.

Norfolk

Dana Olden Baldwin was a community physician whose entrepreneurial spirit created a thriving African-American business district in Martinsville.

Martinsville

Brigadier General Sheila Baxter was the first female and the second African-American brigadier general in the Army Medical Service Corps.

Franklin

For his bravery during battle in the American Civil War, Sergeant William H. Carney was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Norfolk

After a decorated career as a military and commercial pilot, William E. Bailey continues to work for increased diversity in the aviation profession and to expand educational opportunities for African Americans.

Accomack County

Charles Spurgeon Johnson battled racism early in the twentieth century as a preeminent sociologist, author, educator, and college president.

Bristol

Brigadier General Gwen Bingham was the first woman to serve as quartermaster general of the United States Army.

Prince George County

Elizabeth Van Lew oversaw an effective and significant Union spy network during the Civil War.

Richmond

Appointed a captain in the Confederate army, Sally Tompkins managed a hospital in Richmond during the Civil War.

Richmond

Captured by Shawnee Indians in 1755, Mary Draper Ingles escaped and made her way hundreds of miles to return home.

New River Valley