Browse Items (24 total)

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.

Richmond

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

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.

Danville

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.

Westmoreland County

News anchor Stephanie Rochon raised breast cancer awareness through her award-winning “Buddy Check 6” news segments.

Richmond

A cofounder of Black Entertainment Television, Sheila Crump Johnson is a dynamic philanthropist who supports education and the arts.

Hampton

Robert Walter Johnson was a driving force behind the integration of the sport of tennis.

Lynchburg

A success in the classroom and on the gridiron, Super Bowl champion Michael Robinson encourages students to strive academically and participate in community service.

Richmond

Marcellus Spencer “Boo” Williams, Jr., created a nationally known summer youth basketball program and led the way in developing a state-of-the-art community sports facility in Hampton.

Hampton

Leland D. Melvin inspires young people and encourages them to aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Lynchburg