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.
Featured Woman
Maggie Lena Walker was an African-American businesswoman and teacher. Walker was the first African-American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president in the United States. As a leader, Walker achieved successes with the vision to make tangible improvements in the way of life for African Americans.
Featured Man
Stan Maclin (December 27, 1953–January 11, 2021) was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of nonviolence to effect social change. He became a Mennonite minister, advocated diversity and inclusion, and worked with the local chapter of Virginia Organizing to bring immigrant groups together to combat anti-immigration legislation. He promoted criminal justice reform to eliminate lengthy mandatory sentencing, and taught on empowerment and reentry after incarceration. In response to police shootings of unarmed Black men, Maclin co-founded Americans Resisting Minority and Ethnic Discrimination in 2016. The peaceful rallies he organized during the summer of 2020 led to establishment of the People's Equality Commission of the Shenandoah Valley, which provides a collective platform for citizens to combat institutional racism.
Featured Woman
Mary Bowser was born in Richmond as a slave of the Van Lew family. Elizabeth Van Lew paid for her education in the North and granted her freedom prior to the Civil War. Bowser returned to pose as a servant in the Confederate White House and assisted Van Lew's pro-union intelligence ring.
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.
