2009 African American Trailblazers Ceremony

The Library of Virginia celebrated African American History Month by honoring men and women who have played an integral part in Virginias history. The 2009 African American Trailblazers in Virginia History reception was held at the Library of Virginia on Thursday, February 26, 2009. Daphne Maxwell Reid, actress and film producer, served as hostess for the evening.

In observance of African American History Month, the Library of Virginia, in partnership with Capital One Financial Corporation, is pleased to honor eight distinguished Virginians as African American Trailblazers in Virginia for their contributions to the state and nation. The men and women featured as Trailblazers offer powerful examples of individuals who refused to be defined by their circumstances. Their biographies are a testament to the determination and perseverance displayed by extraordinary people during challenging times. Through education, advocacy, entertainment, or armed rebellion, these individuals demonstrate how African Americans have actively campaigned for better lives for themselves and their people. It is these many contributions that the African American Trailblazers program seeks to share.




For 2009, the African American Trailblazers in Virginia are * Dangerfield Newby (18201859), Culpeper Co., member of John Browns raiding party * Amaza Lee Meredith (18951984), Lynchburg and Petersburg, architect * Oliver White Hill (19072007), Richmond, attorney and civil rights leader * Edna Lewis (19162006), Orange Co., chef and author * Evelyn Thomas Butts (19241993), Norfolk, principal in case to invalidate the poll tax * Claudia Alexander Whitworth (born 1927), Roanoke, newspaper publisher and humanitarian * John Cephas (born 1930), Caroline Co., bluesman and international performer * Leland Melvin (born 1964), Lynchburg, astronaut

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Library of Virginia
• Daphne Maxwell Reid
• Dangerfield Newby
• Amaza Lee Meredith
• Oliver White Hill
• Edna Lewis
• Evelyn Thomas Butts
• John Cephas
• Leland Melvin