Captain Janet H. Days
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
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.
2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
Dana Olden Baldwin
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Dana Olden Baldwin was a community physician whose entrepreneurial spirit created a thriving African-American business district in Martinsville.
2018 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
Sheila R. Baxter
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Brigadier General Sheila Baxter was the first female and the second African-American brigadier general in the Army Medical Service Corps.
2015 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
William Harvey Carney
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
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.
2015 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
William E. Bailey
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
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.
2017 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
Charles Spurgeon Johnson
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Charles Spurgeon Johnson battled racism early in the twentieth century as a preeminent sociologist, author, educator, and college president.
2017 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
Gwen Bingham
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Brigadier General Gwen Bingham was the first woman to serve as quartermaster general of the United States Army.
2013 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree
Elizabeth Van Lew
Virginia Women In History
Elizabeth Van Lew oversaw an effective and significant Union spy network during the Civil War.
2001 Virginia Women in History Honoree
Sally Louisa Tompkins
Virginia Women In History
Appointed a captain in the Confederate army, Sally Tompkins managed a hospital in Richmond during the Civil War.
2001 Virginia Women in History Honoree
Mary Draper Ingles
Virginia Women In History
Captured by Shawnee Indians in 1755, Mary Draper Ingles escaped and made her way hundreds of miles to return home.
2004 Virginia Women in History Honoree