February is Black History Month. Learn more about Black history in Virginia, as well as ways to celebrate.
“Fort Monroe in Virginia was the site where the first Africans were brought in shackles to the Americas as slaves, and later Fort Monroe served as the first legal safe haven for freedom seekers before the Emancipation Proclamation. Throughout American history, Black Virginians have shown resilience and perseverance through political, social, and cultural oppression, from slavery, through Jim Crow and massive resistance, and have risen above to shape our lives today in countless ways.
Virginia was home to many distinguished and impactful Black Americans, including civil rights pioneers Oliver Hill, Spottswood Robinson, Booker T. Washington, Dr. Robert Russa Moton, Maggie L. Walker, Dorothy Height, and Mary W. Jackson, to name a few. Black Virginians continue to shape the economic, cultural, political, and landscapes of Virginia and the country. Today we recognize the historical obstacles and injustices that have been overcome, the work yet to be done, and stand in celebration for the successes of those who dared to challenge odds and barriers, and we remain committed to a bright future of opportunities for all.”
- Governor Glenn Youngkin
Throughout the month of February, notable Black men and women of Virginia's history will be featured.
Biography
Rev. Cozy Bailey is the President of the Prince William County Chapter, NAACP, and currently serves as the Associate Minister of First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia. He has served as an ordained minister since June 2010 which was preceded by his twenty-year service as a deacon. Rev. Bailey served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) This tenure, he earned several accolades. He served in Operation Desert Storm, received the Navy Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit before later retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Rev. Bailey received his bachelor’s degree from the Naval Academy and he later obtained his master’s degree from Boston University both while actively serving in the military. Rev. Bailey is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Biography
Senator L. Louise Lucas has been involved in social, civic and political activities most of her adult life and has served in elective office for 26 years. Senator Lucas began her federal career in 1967 as an Apprentice Shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in 1971 where she then became the first woman Shipfitter. Lucas began her public sector career path as Interim Executive Director of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) in 1985, and was appointed Executive Director in 1986.
The senator was first elected to the Virginia General Assembly in November 1991 and continues to serve the citizens of Virginia's 18th Senatorial District
Featured Man
Gregory Hayes Swanson, a Danville native, was a 26-year-old practicing lawyer when he filed a federal lawsuit to gain admission to UVA to pursue a master’s in law. The law faculty had supported his entry, but the UVA Board of Rectors opposed it. After he won his lawsuit, he was admitted in 1950, setting a precedent for racial integration at the University. Swanson was the first African-American student admitted to the University of Virginia.
To view the archived featured list of notable black men and women of Virginia featured on Virginia.gov click the button below.
Check out the resources below to learn more on Black history in Virginia.
In observance of Black History Month, the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy honor distinguished Virginians, past and present, as Strong Men & Women in Virginia History for their important contributions to the state, the nation, or their professions.
Below is a brief featured list of Black history attractions that provide great resources for learning more about Black history in Virginia.
Featured Attractions
Celebrate Black History Month in Virginia by participating in a variety of events.
