Virginia Grant

VIRGINIA GRANT

Gainesville Black Professionals Closes a Gap in Gainesville Story by: Jacki Donaldson

Virginia Grant felt unsettled after making Gainesville her home seven years ago. The city’s population of about 130,000 people — more than 80% of them white — seemed divided and cliquish to the newcomer, and as a result, she felt disconnected. “Part of me wanted to move away,” she said. “And part of me wanted to stay.” Virginia, who was born in New York and grew up near Ocala before moving to South Florida, turned inward and realized that she had not done enough to learn about the city. “I had not truly navigated Gainesville,” she said. “I did a selfcheck and told myself that I needed to get to know the city before checking out.” Virginia did not check out. Instead, she immersed herself in the fabric of Gainesville. Her most compelling revelation came from two programs she attended that taught her about the city and county governments. Her behind-the-scenes visits to various departments convinced her that Gainesville community leaders do want people to feel like they belong. “But many people were not feeling connected,” Virginia said.

She recalls thinking that perhaps a gap in communication existed and maybe she could help bridge the gap. In October 2016, Virginia, who has a master’s degree in mental health counseling and works full-time as a therapist, launched Gainesville Black Professionals (GBP), Inc., a non-profit organization that creates a space where black professionals can connect and network with one another, learn about events and activities, and relax. “We don’t typically get that in Gainesville because it is a predominantly white community,” she said. Membership in GBP is not exclusive to black professionals, however.

“Our push is for diversity, and if we want to promote diversity, we must model what we are asking for,” Virginia said. “For example, we don’t want to sponsor a mixer or a gala that is all black, and we do not want SYNERGY magazine to feature only black professionals. We aim to be the frontrunners of diversity, and we do not believe we can continue to exist in silos.” Virginia kicked off GBP with a gala during her first year as executive director. The gala was a huge success with multiple sponsors and 150 attendees. The gala’s warm reception told Virginia that she was on to something. “People were buying into the potential and were investing in it,” she said. Her next event, a mixer, drew a crowd of 125 people. Virginia now has a team of ambassadors to help her deliver quarterly mixers, “Hello Gainesville” podcasts, a monthly article in the Business Report of North Central Florida, Men and Women of Vision and Purpose awards, and now, SYNERGY magazine.

“That feeling of disconnect is partly because no one has been showcasing the impact of the black community,” Virginia said. “We can’t live in Gainesville and not showcase the black community.”

GBP has made significant strides during the past two years, and members now total about 1,500. “We have formed a strong group in a short time,” Virginia said. Still, she has more work to do.

“Gainesville has about 130,000 people,” she said. “Do the math. We have not done anything yet.” Virginia, who is continually working to increase membership, awareness, and reach, said that her long-term vision includes helping to draw more black professionals to Gainesville, connecting them while they are here, and empowering those who move out of town to expand the reach of GBP. Virginia, who has one daughter, Iyana, and two grandsons, Eli and Isaiah, is thankful she stayed in Gainesville, which has turned out to be a supportive community. “I have always received a lot of support,” she said. “And support is what keeps us going.”