3 10 24 https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/files/original/e7a36d34d6c4486fab4c61662b8f4aef.jpg 2f4ff36d761d1a6329921fe19ed212ca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1989 Birthplace Westmoreland County Occupation Football Player and Philanthropist Biographical Text Growing up in the Westmoreland County town of Colonial Beach, Torrey Smith learned the importance of responsibility as the child of a single mother. As the oldest, he helped care for and tutor his six younger siblings. He excelled in academics and sports at nearby Stafford High School, and attended the University of Maryland on a football scholarship. After graduating in 2010 with a degree in criminology and criminal justice, Smith was drafted as a wide receiver in the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. He helped the team win the Super Bowl in the 2012 season. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers, where he was the team's 2016 nominee for the National Football League’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for commitment to community involvement. He won another Super Bowl ring in 2018 playing a season with the Philadelphia Eagles. After a season with the Carolina Panthers, Smith announced his retirement in September 2019. Making Baltimore his home, Smith and his wife, Chanel, both the first in their families to attend college, wanted to make a difference in their community, especially with at-risk youth. They started the Torrey Smith Family Fund, which sponsors many dynamic initiatives, including back-to-school and after-school programs; teen mentoring; sports and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camps; charitable basketball games; and holiday meal and gift programs. A highlight of the organization's work is the Tevin Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, named to honor Smith's late brother. Each year the fund awards $5,000 scholarships to four college-bound students from low-income families in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. After learning that his childhood basketball court had been destroyed in a fire, Smith helped fund a new park with a playground, pavilion, and basketball and tennis courts that the town of Colonial Beach dedicated in 2019 as Torrey Smith Recreational Park. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7e3LpgU5U" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch</a> Torrey Smith's visit to the Library of Virginia to learn more about his family's roots. Bibliography Image courtesy of Torrey Smith. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Torrey Smith Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith has used his academic and athletic success to establish community programs that inspire and assist youth in achieving their educational goals. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy Sports and Media https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/files/original/b2ab8f805c349172f6a5e3bcd8ee2355.jpg 6b2b00ecb2a4772b21e4f1b1a350112d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Postwar United States Description An account of the resource The era immediately following World War II brought about vast changes, not only in foreign policy, but in economics and a changing civic landscape. The liberalism of the New Deal era grew into movements towards increasing civil liberties and economic opportunities, particularly for minorities and women. Protests became more and more common to the average American as groups demanded equal rights and voting equality. These movements were juxtaposed with Jim Crow laws and the reemergence of the KKK, which showed the darker side of life in the American South. The Cold War pitted the United States and its allies in the newly formed NATO against the ever-increasing and expanding Soviet Union and its fellow Communist regimes, particularly China, Korea and Vietnam. While this era is considered Postwar, it is in fact a move towards a new type of war, where campaigns are fought not only on the battleground, but in the political arena and social consciousness as well, fueled strongly by the increasing influence of television news. The fall of the Nazi regime opened the door to the Iron Curtain and Soviet dominance of Eastern Europe, and the defeat of Japan opened previously invaded lands to the chance to choose new leaders, many of whom sided with the tenants of Communism over those of Capitalism. The United States would spend much of this time period combating the “Domino Effect” to try and stem the spread of Communism, particularly in its own hemisphere with Cuba. At the same time, the United States invested millions into Western Europe through the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan to halt the spread of Communism further west. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1945-1970s Person An individual. Birth Date 1921 Birthplace Danville Death Date 1990 Occupation Stock Car Racer Biographical Text After working as a taxi driver and a moonshine runner, Wendell Oliver Scott (August 28, 1921-December 23, 1990) began racing professionally late in the 1940s. Owners of the Danville raceway approached Scott about racing, with hopes of increasing African American attendance at their events. The officials had consulted with local authorities, who reported that Scott had several speeding offenses and that he was the one moonshine runner that they could not catch. In 1959 Scott won the Sportsman Division championship at Richmond's Southside Speedway and NASCAR's Virginia State Sportsman Championship. In 1961, after nearly 200 wins, he decided to leave the Sportsman and Modified racing leagues and move to NASCAR's major division, the Grand National racing circuit. Racing in nearly 500 NASCAR Grand National (later Sprint Cup) events, Scott earned more than $180,000. He won one checkered flag, in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 1, 1963, but was denied the opportunity to publicly celebrate his only Grand National victory. At the conclusion of the race, Scott was scored a lap down and the second-place finisher, Buck Baker, was declared the winner. Scott contested the decision, and hours later NASCAR overturned the ruling, citing a scoring error. Although Scott never accepted the explanation, he handled the slight with dignity, as he did in scores of other instances of discrimination that he faced in his personal and professional life. A racing accident in Florida forced Scott to retire from competition in 1973. He finished his career with 147 top ten finishes in 495 Grand National starts. He was named to the National Sports Hall of Fame, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/trailblazers-2011" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2011</a> African American Trailblazers honoree, Library of Virginia. Bibliography Image Courtesy of Steerforth Press and reprinted from Hard Driving: The Wendell Scott Story by Brian Donovan. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wendell Scott Subject The topic of the resource African American Trailblazers Description An account of the resource Wendell Oliver Scott was the first African American to drive in the highest level of stock car racing and remains to date the only African American to have won a major NASCAR race. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 African American Trailblazers Honoree Sports and Media https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/files/original/47d86906fd2ed25b2c86d6e94471f3ea.jpg 4e56bf69f3f2344141538d157d2d2ec6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1940 Birthplace Accomack County Occupation Aviation Pioneer and Philanthropist Biographical Text William E. Bailey graduated from Accomack County’s segregated high school at the age of 15 and went on to study at Virginia State College (later Virginia State University). There he excelled in wrestling and in 2003 was named to the VSU Sports Hall of Fame. Before graduating in 1960, he entered the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and in March 1962 he joined the army as a second lieutenant. At a time when few African Americans served as army aviators, Bailey was a combat pilot during the Vietnam War. He received many honors, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. Before retiring with the rank of colonel, he also served as a pilot assignment officer at the Pentagon and as the personal pilot for General William Westmoreland and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. Following his retirement Bailey became a commercial pilot for Continental Airlines. During his four decades in military and commercial aviation, he trained more than 1,000 students. A mentor to African-American students, he strives to increase diversity in the field of aviation and has assisted aspiring pilots through programs supported by the Organization of Black Airline Pilots. Bailey stresses the importance of pursuing higher education. As a member of the VSU Foundation's board of trustees, he has worked tirelessly to cultivate endowments and scholarships and helped establish the Bailey Family Endowment, which has provided more than $150,000 in financial aid to VSU students. In 2016 Bailey was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVnijJV7ddA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch</a> William Bailey's speech at the 2017 Strong Men and Women in Virginia History awards ceremony on February 3, 2017. Bibliography Image Courtesy of Bill Bailey. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource William E. Bailey Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource 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. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy Military Sports and Media https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/files/original/34c10e443d202e6bf9e9d507308cee94.jpg d3144b576b8ffcf6f168dae2b3865c3f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1945 Birthplace Richmond Occupation Athlete and Entrepreneur Biographical Text Born in the Halifax County town of Clover, Willie Edward Lanier graduated in 1963 from Richmond's Maggie Walker High School as a star football player. He attended Morgan State University, in Baltimore, where he became a two-time Small College All-American. A second-round pick of the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs in the 1967 draft, Lanier became the first African American to play middle linebacker, the position often described as the quarterback of the defense as the leader of the defense on the field, in 1970 he helped spur the Chiefs to an upset win in Super Bowl IV. Nicknamed "Contact" because of his aggressive tackling, Lanier was named to league all-star teams each year between 1968 and 1975 and missed only one game during his last ten seasons. He received the NFL's Man of the Year Award in 1972 for his community volunteer work. Lanier retired in 1977. One of football's greatest linebackers, he was elected to the National Football League Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and named by the NFL in 1994 as one of the top seventy-five players ever to play the game. The Richmond Times-Dispatch Touchdown Club of Richmond's award for the best small-college football player in Virginia is named for him. Since retiring from the game and returning to Richmond, Lanier has become a successful business executive. Active in many charitable causes, he lives in Midlothian and directs the Lanier Group LLC investment firm. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/trailblazers-2012" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2012</a> African American Trailblazers honoree, Library of Virginia. Bibliography Image Courtesy of Willie Lanier Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Willie Lanier Subject The topic of the resource African American Trailblazers Description An account of the resource Willie Lanier broke through racial barriers in professional football by becoming the first African American to play middle linebacker, the position that directs the defense on the field. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 African American Trailblazers Honoree Business and Entrepreneurship Sports and Media