The 23rd Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala Bulletin

The 23rd Annual

BULLETIN 2023 Theme: Black Resistance

e of tents

ssion & Directors

esident's Welcome

onsor - TD Bank

History Month Presidential

History Month Theme: e stress Ceremonies

en ' s Writing Contest & ners

Writing Contest

mes Farmer Scholarship

es Scholarship of Excellence

Scholarship of Merit

Mission

The mission of the Virginia Black History Month Association (VaBHMA) is to provide community activities that highlight the positive achievements of African Americans through the art of dance, music, theater, and education.

Structure

The vision of the VaBHMA is to be the premier event in the Northern Virginia area where people of all different cultures, backgrounds, and races can network, educate and celebrate the rich heritage of African American history.

VaBHMA is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Association operates as local chapter branches to encourage each Virginia City to Commemorate, Educate and Celebrate African American History.

VaBHMA Directors

Prayer Breakfast Coordinator

Tanya Alexander

Scholarship Team

Stacey Burnard, Xavier Richardson, Dr. Denise Lambert, Sylvester Rainey, Dr Sherry Springs,

Darrlynn Franklin

VIP Greeters

Jon Newell, Donald Craig

Donna Coursey, LaShunda Carter

Sponsorship/Partnerships

Dr Joann Credle, Ed D,

NOVA Annandale Black Student Alliance

Student Escort Coordinator

Pamela Lamar

Security Team

Eugene Kinard, Bill Hagerman, Thomas Williams

Entertainment Coordinators

Carolyn Stewart

Dinner/Pageant Coordinator

Betty Banks

Community Outreach

Nichole King-Campbell

VaBHMA 2024 Planning Director

Darrlynn Franklin, Meeting Coordinator

Karen Graves

GLAM Coordinator

Shakeita Collins, Danielle Wilson

Vendor Coordinator

Redeema Rock

VaBHMA PRESIDENT

William Jones

VaBHMA Treasurers

Cheryl Johnson, Donna Coursey

VaBHMA Chief of Staff

VaBHMA Chief of Staff Robert Hall,

VaBHMA Vice-President Donna Coursey, Ticket Sales & Seating Coordinator

Debra Graham

VIP Coordinator

Dr Susan Williams

Keynote Speaker Coordinator

Dr Susan Williams

Quantico Chapter President

Lavonne Robinson

Media Coordinator

Felisha Williams Battle

Guest of Honor Coordinators

Lisa Crittenden, Phebe Monise

Bonita Patillo, Pam Nephew

Education Directors

Eugene Williams, Pamela Nephew, Larry Marks, Sr.

Marketing Director

Yvonne Reed-Carlock

Broom Jumping Coordinator

Angele Covington, Lisa Donald

Decorators

Betty Banks, Jennifer Stith, Wanda Hill Warren

Membership Coordinator

Tangie Phair

rd Annual Virginia Black History Month r’s Black History Celebration We have a and entertainment planned for you this en working hard behind the scenes for veryone enjoys their time here with us.

nt to celebrate African American history achieved over the years They ask, why is it ect on those things that happened so long ent generation of how things were? Look cted the first African American to the office of President of the United States Why is there still a need to look back when the future looks so bright? We cannot go back and change things in the past, so why reflect on them?

My response has always been, that if you live long enough in this world to see a few sunrises and sunsets, you’ll come to the conclusion that there is nothing new under the sun History always seems to repeat itself. George Santayana, the famous philosopher, poet, and novelist famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it "

Dr Carter G Woodson, the Father of Black History Month put it this way, “if a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated ”

When I see young men walking with their pants hanging down so low that they can barely walk, or when I hear music that glorifies the degrading of black women the first thought that comes to mind is that “they do not know their history ”

One must understand that Black History does not start with "the dark night of slavery" that began in the United States some 400 years ago Black History begins thousands of years before when the Egyptians were building pyramids, recording their history in written stone, and living in cities way before other cultures were established

James Baldwin, the great 20th-century African American poet, novelist, playwright, and activist said, “If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go ” We were kings and queens, embodied with our own language and culture and living in the land that we had owned for centuries When you know your history, you walk differently, you talk and think about yourself differently, you dress differently, you speak with confidence, and you carry yourself with a sense of pride that no one can influence you to believe otherwise

Tonight you will hear some amazing stories of strength, endurance, and the sheer perseverance of African Americans in the face of adversity who continued moving forward So, sit back, listen, learn, and enjoy the moment You see, the reason we celebrate is to ensure the current generation carries the torch of knowledge and truth to pass it on to the next generation of African Americans

Sincerely,

Bill Jones President, VaBHMA

In memory of my uncle, mentor, friend, confidant, counselor, teacher and Pastor The Rev. Dr. George E. Thornton, Sr.

Presidential Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2023

During National Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Black Americans whose power to lead, to overcome, and to expand the meaning and practice of American democracy has helped our Nation become a more fair and just society This country was established upon the profound but simple idea that all people are created equal and should be treated equally throughout their lives.

It is an idea America has never fully lived up to, but it is an idea we have never fully walked away from either. The struggles and challenges of the Black American story to make a way out of no way have been the crucible where our resolve to fulfill this vision has most often been tested Black Americans’ struggles for freedom, equal treatment, and the right to vote; for equal opportunities in education, housing, and the workplace; for economic opportunity, equal justice, and political representation; and so much more have reformed our democracy far beyond its founding Black Americans have made a way not only for themselves but also have helped build a highway for millions of women, immigrants, other historically marginalized communities, and all Americans to more fully experience the benefits of our society

From the start, the Biden-Harris Administration has been committed to using the power of the Federal Government to address the longstanding disparities that have hampered the progress of Black communities. On day one of my Presidency, I issued an Executive Order to advance equity and racial justice in every policy we pursue I began by appointing the most diverse Cabinet in American history I have continued to nominate a historic number of Black judges to the Federal bench including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court

JOSEPH R BIDEN JR

During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, my Administration provided relief to hardworking families, which cut the rate of poverty in Black American communities by nearly a third and cut the rate of poverty among Black children by more than half My health care policies have dramatically increased health care access and reduced costs for Black American families and capped insulin bills for seniors at $35 per month per prescription

We are also working to address centuries of neglected infrastructure in Black American communities. My Administration is leading the replacement of lead pipes embedded in cities across America so that every child can safely turn on the faucet and drink clean water. We are expanding public transit and providing highspeed Internet to every neighborhood in the country so parents can get to work and children can do their homework in the comfort of their own homes

We are using every avenue to confront racial discrimination in housing and in mortgage lending and to help build generational wealth in Black communities We are working to ensure that any housing agency that receives Federal funds will reach beyond the simple promise not to discriminate and will instead take meaningful, affirmative steps to overcome historic patterns of segregation, giving every person a fair chance to live where they choose We are addressing the negative impacts of redlining and other forms of financial discrimination And we are working to end a discriminatory system of appraisals that assigns lesser values to Blackowned family homes than to similar homes owned by white families.

Presidential Proclamation

Additionally, we have invested nearly $6 billion in Historically Black Colleges and Universities We have also taken historic action to ease the burden of crippling student debt action which benefits so many Black students and families I am proud to have permanently authorized the Minority Business Development Agency and to have given it expanded authority to help grow Black-owned businesses I have set a goal to increase the share of Federal contracting dollars going to small disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent by 2025, which will bring up to an additional $100 billion in capital to these businesses

In May 2022, I signed an Executive Order promoting effective, accountable, and transparent community policing delivering the most significant police reform in decades Among other important measures that increase transparency and accountability, it raises policing standards by banning choke holds, restricting no knock warrants, and requiring body-worn cameras on patrols and during searches and arrests It creates a new national law enforcement database to track records of misconduct, and it aims to safely reduce incarceration, support rehabilitation and reentry, and address racial disparities in our criminal justice system Additionally, I signed three new hate crime bills, including the Emmett Till Antilynching Act which finally made lynching a Federal crime.

Equal access to the ballot box is the beating heart of our democracy Without it, nothing is possible; with it, anything is I restored the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, appointing top attorneys to oversee enforcement of civil rights laws, and the Department has doubled the voting rights enforcement staff Every agency of my Administration has been ordered to expand access to voter registration and election information These are all important steps, but I will continue to push the Congress to repair the damage to voting rights in this country by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement and Freedom to Vote Acts, to ensure every American has a voice in the democratic process

This year, on what would have been Dr. King’s 94th birthday, I was honored to be the first sitting President to deliver a sermon at Sunday service at his cherished Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. The life of Dr. King demonstrates that democracy is an enduring covenant that must be persistently renewed; nothing about it is guaranteed. During National Black History Month, we honor and continue the work of Black Americans who have created a more fair and inclusive democracy, helping our Nation move closer to the realization of its full promise for everyone. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R BIDEN JR , President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2023 as National Black History Month I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh

JOSEPH R BIDEN JR

ISSUED ON: January 31, 2023

Presidential Actions

ambassador, republic of Uganda 08

Opening Remarks

Ambassador santa mary laker kinyera

Ambassador Santa Mary Laker Kinyera is a Ugandan career diplomat who has served in Uganda’s Foreign Service for over 20 years She has worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ugandan Missions abroad in various capacities She has had extensive experience in the Service, specializing in bilateral peace and security matters; economic and regional integration matters

During her career, she has represented Uganda at different multilateral and regional fora including the East Africa Community (EAC), African Union (AU) and InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and United Nations (UN)

Over the years, she rose up the diplomatic ranks from Third Secretary to the level of Ambassador and is currently the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Uganda Embassy in Washington, D.C.

In 2014-2015, Ambassador Santa Kinyera served at the United Nations (UN) in New York, as the Advisor to the 69th President of the UN General Assembly on Third Committee matters (Committee on Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs) This Committee addresses issues relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, and the right to self-determination; as well as important social development questions related to youth, family, criminal justice, and international drug control, among others She was part of the Team that worked hard to formulate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for

U N’s Agenda 2030

Ambassador Santa Kinyera has also participated in various peace initiatives under the auspices of the African Union and IGAD, for the resolution of the conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia In 2000, she was a member of the Inter-ministerial Team set up for the return of Ugandan children abducted to Sudan by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)

Ambassador Santa Kinyera has served her previous diplomatic postings in Copenhagen, Denmark; Ankara, Turkey and New York, USA.

She holds a Masters Degree of Social Science, in Development and International Relations (Aalborg University - Denmark); a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management (Uganda Management Institute), and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree (Makerere University - Uganda). She also holds a Mastery Certificate in Negotiation from Harvard Business School.

She is married, with 4 children.

Miss Black Virginia, USA 2023

Miss Quayle Agurs

Ms. Quayle Agurs is a graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Communications. She has also earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) degree in Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

After graduating from Hampton University, Ms Agurs was provided the unique opportunity to work as an Editorial Reporter in New York City at several world-renowned magazine publishing companies such as Essence Magazine, InStyle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Cosmopolitan Australia in Sydney, Australia

In addition to her media and communications experience, Ms Agurs works as a full-time higher education professional and a part-time travel enthusiast Ms Agurs currently serves as the Coordinator of Civic Engagement at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she works with undergraduate students to gain impactful opportunities through different cultural experiences, learning from community service, and volunteerism.

In her spare time, Ms. Agurs serves as the Founder of the “Secure the Student” organization which provides financial assistance to students attending Virginia colleges and universities Secure the Student is a 501c3 taxexempt nonprofit organization that provides much-needed food and housing assistance to low-income and homeless college students while pursuing their academic education

One of her many hobbies is to assist women with strengthening their confidence, and self-assurance in traveling solo for much-needed vacations to foreign countries to further their international cultural experiences

In August of 2022, Ms. Agurs made the decision to compete in a state-wide scholarship pageant and was crowned Miss Black Virginia USA 2023. As Miss Black Virginia, Ms. Agurs will serve as a community leader, an advocate for the underprivileged, and a volunteer for nonprofit causes that are important to her mission in life.

She also plans to use her platform to further her involvement and activism in educational assistance, food insecurity, and health & wellness for children Her overall mission is to use her God-given talents and experiences to encourage women and girls to lead, be fearless, and live authentically in their professional and personal endeavors

In August 2023, Ms Agurs will compete in the “Miss Black USA” Scholarship Pageant, a national competition where she will contend with 25 or more talented and professional black women from across the nation Contestants will be judged in the areas of Evening Gowns, Personal Fitness, Questions & Answers, Talent, and a Personal Interview

The pageant will be nationally televised on the Fox Soul network and consistently receive positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets. The Miss Black USA organization is the first and largest scholarship pageant for women of color Ms Agurs’ goal is to identify sponsors as she competes for the national title to assist in pursuing her Doctorate in Education

To become a sponsor and support her run to the national title you can send your donations through (Zelle) at [missblackva2023@gmail com] and to donate to the Secure the Student organization please visit their website at www securethestudent org for details

VaBHMA Sponsor

Linda McGuiga Retail Market President

Terry Kenny Market President

Hugh Allen Regional President

Brandon Ranier Vice President, for the Capital Region within TD Bank

African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores. These efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction

The 1950s and 1970s in the United States was defined by actions such as sit-ins, boycotts, walk outs, strikes by Black people and white allies in the fight for justice against discrimination in all sectors of society from employment to education to housing Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all

Systematic oppression has sought to negate much of the dreams of our griots, like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, and our freedom fighters, like the Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr , Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer fought to realize. Black people have sought ways to nurture and protect Black lives, and for autonomy of their physical and intellectual bodies through armed resistance, voluntary emigration, nonviolence, education, literature, sports, media, and legislation/politics. Black led institutions and affiliations have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success

In an effort to live, and maintain and protect economic success Black people have organized/planned violent insurrections against those who enslaved them, such as in Haiti,, and armed themselves against murderous white mobs as seen in Memphis, TN (1892), Rosewood, FL (1923), and New Orleans, LA (1900) Additionally, some Black people thought that the best way to resist was to self-liberate as seen by the actions those who left the plantation system, of Henry Adams and Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, when

Resistance

they led a mass exodus westward in 1879 and Bishop Henry McNeal Turner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who organized emigration to Liberia

Black faith institutions were spaces where Black communities met to organize resistance efforts, inspired folk to participate in the movements, and offered sanctuary during times of crisis To promote awareness of the myriad of issues and activities media outlets were developed including radio shows, podcasts, newspapers (i e Chicago Defender, Chicago Bee, the Afro, The California Eagle, Omaha Star, the Crisis, etc ) Ida B Wells used publications to contest the scourge of lynching. These outlets were pivotal in sharing the successes and challenges of resistance movements.

As societal and political forces escalate to limit access to and exercise of the ballot, eliminate the teaching of Black history, and work to push us back into the 1890s, we can only rely on our capacity to resist The enactment of HR 40, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the Breathe Act, and the closure of the racial wealth gap is not the end They too will require us to mobilize our resources, human and material, and fight for “freedom, justice, and equality”; “selfdetermination”, and/or “social transformation”

This is a call to everyone, inside and outside the academy, to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected

Master of Ceremony Mike Hemminger

Michael Hemminger is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government He moved to Virginia in 2016 and currently serves as the President of the NAACP Arlington Branch He has previously served as the 3rd Vice President of the local branch of the NAACP and is a member of the criminal justice committee. He played a leading role in calling for oversight at the county’s jail due to the alarming rates that Black men are dying while at the jail. Mike was also selected to participate in the class of 2023 Leadership for Arlington, Virginia

Michael is a community organizer who is passionate about making a difference every day Prior to purchasing his first home, he was a member of the Columbia Heights Civic Association for years and served as the appointed member of the Form-Based Code Advisory Committee He also participates in the Civic Federation as a delegate from the NAACP and is also a member of the Legislation Committee and the Civil Rights Working Group

Michael led the way on a Civil Rights report for Arlington County by calling attention to many of the systemic disparities within his community. Motivated by his belief that mass incarceration is the greatest civil rights injustice of our era, he has spent all of 2020 as a member of Arlington County’s Legal Working Group. As part of the 2022 Restorative Justice - Safety Advisory Team, the group developed strategic policies and practices to implement Restorative Justice, which is an alternative to the harmful criminal justice system we know today

Michael was a precinct captain in one of Arlington’s few historically Black neighborhoods and has served on the 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee of Virginia in his capacity as a member of the National Committee for the Virginia Young Democrats

Michael is also a nationally appointed officer serving on the rules committee for the Young Democrats of America (YDA) organization. Michael is a founding member of the Black Leaders of Arlington, a group focused on championing local issues in the Black Community.

In 2020, Michael became a Housing Commissioner in Arlington County, and most recently, Michael is a graduate of the 2021 Arlington Neighborhood College whose main focus is community leadership, building unity, and action planning

Despite Michael's broad commitments to the community, it’s not uncommon to hear him relentlessly advocating for fairer housing practices, more inclusive land and zoning use, and more affordable units on the Housing Commission Michael is a member of the Housing Commission Homeownership Sub-Committee and co-chairs the subcommittee for the Status of Aging Properties in Arlington. In 2022, Michael was elected as Deputy Chair for the Arlington County Democrats.

Above all, Michael sees these opportunities for civic engagement as a privilege and a platform to lift all voices and build a community that is truly more inclusive and equitable for all Michael is deeply devoted to his community and uses every spare minute of his time to make life better for his fellow community members

Mistress of Ceremony

Ms. Darrlynn Franklin

Ms Darrlynn Franklin currently serves as the President of the Alexandria Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and has been a member Executive Committee since 2017.

Darrlynn was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas where she learned the importance of serving her community. She has been a resident of Alexandria, Virginia for the last 12 years After graduating from High School, she attended the University of Kansas where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration Furthering her education, she attended American University in Washington, DC where she received her Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Public Policy

Today, Darrlynn is committed to the city of Alexandria where she enjoys being heavily involved in the community She is a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church, where she serves as co-lead of the Criminal Justice pillar within the Social Justice Ministry of the church She also serves as Secretary of the Alexandria Independent Community Policing Review Board which receives concerns from the community regarding policing in Alexandria; reviews of their Police Department investigation concerning certain incidents and complaints

Darrlynn is also a board member of Agenda Alexandria, a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed debate discussions on a wide variety of local issues. Darrlynn is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

In 2016, the Virginia Black History Month Association decided to move its premier event to the city of Alexandria It was then that Darrlynn became a member of the association, and worked tirelessly as an advisor to the President to ensure the smooth transition of the event to northern Virginia

She has a distinguished career as a Senior Lead Proposal Manager for Lumen Technologies Group where she also serves as the Secretary of the Alliance for Black Technology Professionals (ABTP) which supports diversity in the workplace

She is also an active member of the distinguished Association for Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and the Women in Technology organization whose mission is to gain greater recognition and stature for women in technology

Guest of Honor Dr. Betty Kilby Fisher Baldwin

Author, Speaker, and Civil Rights Pioneer, Dr. Betty Kilby Fisher Baldwin is our Guest of Honor

As a 13-year-old in rural Warren County, Virginia in the 1950s, Dr Betty Kilby Fisher Baldwin was a plaintiff in the case of Betty Ann Kilby v Warren County Board of Education, one of many desegregation cases that followed the landmark Brown case

Despite the Brown ruling, many states protested the controversial ruling and kept their schools segregated in the 1950s.

One of those schools was Warren County High School, which barred Dr Kilby Fisher Baldwin from attending, even though it was close by Instead, black students in Front Royal, Virginia were required to travel more than an hour to attend a separate black high school She described how her father appalled by the distance his children traveled for their education heard about the Brown decision and chose to fight to desegregate the local Warren County High School

A Virginia judge ruled in Kilby's favor to desegregate Warren County High School in 1958, but the state closed the school for six months under its Massive Resistance laws--Virginia's attempt to delay school integration During that time, Kilby recalls, her family received abusive phone calls and shots were fired at their house In January 1959, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the state's Massive Resistance laws and ordered Warren County High School to open and integrate

Today, Dr Kilby Fisher Baldwin is a speaker and the Author of "Freedom Road", Warren County's History from 1836 to 1986; "Wit, Will, and Walls", her historical autobiography where she shares her journey of fighting for education as well as her climb up the corporate ladder and she Co-Authored with Phoebe Kilby “Cousins” the story of their journey of confronting the past to a path of reconciliation

Dr Kilby Fisher Baldwin is featured in several documentaries, “Wit, Will and Walls, the Betty Ann Kilby story” by Moore Films and “From Betty to Barack” by Dones Media Netflix Documentary “Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis “Episode 2

Dr Kilby Fisher Baldwin earned her Doctorate of Humane Letters from Shenandoah University; Masters, in Business Administration (MBA); from Nova University; Bachelor of Business Administration from Shenandoah University; and Associates in Business Management from Lord Fairfax Community College

Dr. Kilby Fisher Baldwin is also a mother and grandmother who lives with her husband, Pastor David Baldwin, in Texas.

Guest of honor Brandon Rainer

Brandon Rainer is the Vice President for the Capital Region within TD Bank and is based in Washington, DC As the Retail Market Manager, he is responsible for providing strategic direction and sales leadership to TD Bank’s retail banking services Brandon also serves as the CoChair for Diversity and Inclusion within TD Bank for the Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia footprint

Brandon joined TD Bank in 2011 as the East Coast Sales Manager of Remarketing Services and has worked throughout several lines of business during his tenure He has more than 18 years of corporate experience, which has yielded him to become a highly accomplished leader who excels at analyzing the lucrative sales, business processes, and operational needs of a region; while building the brand to attain competitive market leverage.

Brandon attended East Carolina University where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He also has a Master Degree in Business Management along with certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Change Management, and Business Transformation

He is a member of numerous professional organizations including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the East Carolina Alumni Association, the American Bankers Association, The National Urban League, the Washington Board of Trade, the DC Chamber of Commerce, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

Brandon is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated and a lifelong community advocate that truly believes in giving back and lifting others up as he continues to climb

Guest of Honor Jessica Knight Henry

Jessica Leroyce Knight Henry is the granddaughter and namesake of Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown, the Navy’s first black aviator. As a child, she was fortunate to bear witness through family, friends, and events honoring her grandfather, to learn about who he was and the indelible mark that he left on the life of others.

Jessica grew up in Hattiesburg, MS, and graduated from Millsaps College. She is a political professional and an active volunteer with numerous service commitments in

the Washington, DC area and her home state of Mississippi She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world

She began her career in politics in 2005 with the “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) operations for the Virginia Coordinated Campaign in the Hampton Roads region and helped lead Tim Kaine to his historic gubernatorial victory

Currently, Jessica is the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). She was an integral part of the team that “flipped the Senate” in 2020 where she was the Political and Engagement Director.

Prior to joining the DSCC, Jessica was the National Development Director and part of the senior leadership team that launched Supermajority, a non-profit organization that works to build women’s political power

Devoted to her love for politics, she worked for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) as their Deputy National Finance Director and Director for the DNC Women’s Leadership Forum, as well as serving as the former Executive Director for the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee (CBC PAC)

Her tenure also includes work at the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), where she managed the LCV Action Fund Political Action Committee and served as Development and Operations Director for a national, nonpartisan civic engagement group focused on increasing the rate of voter registration in communities of color.

Today, Jessica resides in Washington, DC with her husband Shanon Henry and their daughter Daisy, where she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.

"Leon" Keynote Speaker

2022 was another memorable year for Leon! Leon starred in the action the movie “A Day to Die” opposite Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo released worldwide with premieres in New York.LA, Dubai, and Egypt i. Leon can currently, be seen in the Showtime Drama “City on A Hill” and just completed work on Amazon Studios' upcoming Donald Glover series “Swarm ”

In 2020 Leon starred in Hallmark’s #1 movie of the year, “Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas” which received rave reviews! In 2019 Leon starred in the movie “Her Only Choice”, an International Press Academy nominee for Best Movie Made for TV currently streaming on Netflix Leon also co-starred and executive-produced the award-winning, international TV series “40 & Single”.

Leon is one of the stars of the provocative series “A Luv Tale” which premiered in 2021 as well as a re-occurring role on CBS’ “Blue Bloods.”

Leon has played a wide variety of memorable roles from his debut in Madonna’s most famous video “Like a Prayer,” to the lead role in Disney’s blockbuster hit “Cool Runnings”. He was the hero in New Line's urban sports drama “Above the Rim,” and appeared in Tri-Star's action hit “Cliffhanger,” is his most love-hate role, Russell in 20th Fox hit “Waiting to Exhale”

He starred in the NAACP Best Picture Award-winning“Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored,” and HBO’s first original series “OZ” Leon continued to shine in musical roles such as Robert Townsend’s “The Five Heartbeats” (voted the #1 African American film by AOL), the Emmy Winning mini-series “The Temptations,” as lead singer, David Ruffin, and the NBC authorized biography of “Little Richard” both earning him NAACP Best Actor nominations.

AOL named Leon as one of the sexiest black actors of all time

Other credits include Bafta Winner Leila Djansi’s films, “And Then There Was You”, “Where Children Play," and “Cover” directed by Bill Duke.

Leon’s band, “Leon & The Peoples” released the band’s second album, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” on Spectra Music label with two top 20 Billboard singles and rave reviews The group's music can be heard on all music streaming platforms and make sure to catch them live as they perform their reggae soul sound around the country!

Leon works behind the camera as well, directing and producing short films, music videos as well as commercials and TV development with his New York-based production company Motion Mob Films.

Mr. Tony Small Main Entertainment

From being selected as one of the White House Millennium Committee’s top Community Playwrights/Composers to receiving the first opera commission as Composer and Librettist/Lyricist from the Smithsonian and Sultanate of Oman where the world-renowned Denyce Graves served as Artistic Director, Tony has served as an Interdisciplinary Arts Guru and Resident Artist worldwide for over 30+ years

He has won national composer/lyricist awards in 4 genres including Jazz, Gospel (Stellar), Classical and Musical Theatre He has also curated and managed world-class multidisciplinary, cultural, Edutainment, and STEM + Arts = STEAM programs in four major cities including Chicago, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and the Greater Washington DC (that includes Maryland and Virginia serving over 20,000+ youth each year 2008-2010).

Tony is a graduate of the Tony award-winning BMI Musical Theatre Project whose graduates have produced some of Broadway’s most amazing works – A Chorus Line, Little Shop of Horrors, Nine, Ragtime, Avenue Q, Next To Normal, and The Book of Mormon (New York Times calls “The Harvard of Musical Theatre) and the National Arts Strategy Ivy League Executive Program at the University of Pennsylvania

As a piano prodigy at 4 years of age, Tony began playing hymns for the church at the tender age of 6 and became the paid Music Director at 11 for the adult and youth choirs; today he has over 30+ years of ecumenical expertise from serving as Music Minister/Worship Arts Director for churches with 5,000+ memberships in 6 denominations; thus hired also as an Ecumenical Music Director and consultant to create original music and conduct mass choirs for celebratory Sacred and especially Martin Luther King community day programs across the country

Tony’s classical music skills were honed by starting private lessons at the age of 5, ongoing recital performances and then being selected an Illinois state classical piano runner-up by performing Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude in high school Tony continued classical piano studies at Anderson University where he was the first African America male pianist to be featured in the yearly honor’s recital his sophomore year performing the Grand Scherzo by Gottschalk and Impromptus #2 in E-Flat Major/Allegro by Schubert.

It was many years later that Tony fully understood the deliberate intentions of his private piano instructor Gail Steward to not only expose him to a healthy repertoire of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Schumann but also from classical musicians of color that included Cantos de España by Albéniz, Gottschalk the Mulatto and works that matched Tony’s interest in post-modern works through Scriabin or one of his favorites Sergei Prokofiev’s Concerto in D-Flat.

Today, as a versatile artist, Tony has had cameo actor appearances on BET shows and HBO’s WIRE television series -- that featured his Baltimore Booker T Washington Boys’ Choir on the soundtrack He is a veteran musical theatre director from Urinetown at John Hopkins University to the WIZ and his original musical debuts on stages across the country Tony’s original musicals, artworks, operetta, and Holiday performances have been featured yearly at the Kennedy Center for 10 years -- from the Terrace Theatre to Orchestra Hall

Tony founded the TAP (Teen Arts Program) and residential camp that received the nation’s highest honor for America’s Top 50 out-of-school Arts and Humanities Award from President Obama’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities in 2016. His original creations have been featured at the nation’s most celebrated stages and include 4 musicals, 3 Holiday musicals, 1 Cultural anthology, 1 Easter cantata, 1 opera, The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Underground Song exhibit premiere with Bill Nye The Science Guy and a national FOX TV feature of his 911 memorial United America song and video

Notable awards include: the 2009 National Meet The Composer Award, the 2008 American Composer Forum Award Winner for his Shine Through Musical, the 2008 Stellar for ”I Am” recorded by Maurette Brown Clark (Grammys of Gospel), 2007 Maryland State Arts Composer Award, and a 2000 White House millennium/NEA Composer/Playwright Residency (America’s top 55 Community Artists) served in Durham North Carolina at the Hayti Heritage Foundation in partnership with Duke University’s Zoology Department.

Tony currently serves as Director for the Pallotti High School Arts Academy He served as Regional Artistic Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington for 14 years where he also held positions as Director of Cultural Arts, STEAM Director, and Director of SPEARS (Strategic Partnerships in Education, Arts, Research & STEM)

He has served as a Consultant for Philadelphia’s national Sacred Arts Places pilot, Artistic Director for the Historic Madame Walker Theatre Center in Indianapolis, Director of Worship Arts & Outreach at Sherman St Church in Indiana, Executive Director for the Bethel Outreach Center in Baltimore, Lecturer of Fine Arts at Chicago Loyola University, Training Director for the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Linkages Program (a national STEM pilot) and partnership with Chicago Loyola University’s Center for Urban Research, Artistic Director for the La St WIZ Factory (serving over 300 youth from the notorious Cabrini housing projects), Founding Director of the Urban League’s Camp Smart (North Chicago/Waukegan) and as an Arts Educator in Chicago public and private schools

Artist Residencies include Baltimore School of the Arts (TWIGS Middle School Choir Director), Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts (8 Baltimore public schools from 2005-07 utilizing Tony’s Edutainment/STEAM curricula), Baltimore and Chicago Arch-Diocese Schools, Baltimore Parks, and Recreation, Morgan State University Summer Arts Camp (Baltimore, MD), Y.E.P.A.W. - Youth Performance Arts Workshop (Akron Ohio and Cape Town, South Africa), Howard Street Alternative School for high school for juveniles (Chicago, IL), City Lights (Chicago’s oldest after-school program) and YMCA/YWCAs in Chicago and Indianapolis.

All of Tony’s original works and a plethora of other artists are being published and marketed through his “Small World Edutainment and Publishing” company in 2022

Opening Prayer

Rev. Professor Quardricos Bernard Driskel

Pastor of the Historic Beulah Baptist Church | Alexandria, VA

The Reverend Professor Driskell is a graduate of Morehouse College, Harvard University Divinity School, and The George Washington University Reverend Professor Quardricos Bernard Driskell is a pastor, policy expert, educator, and federal lobbyist

Reverend Professor Driskell, affectionately called “Reverend Professor” by his students, is also an Adjunct Professor of Legislative Affairs at The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management He lectures on the politics of Congress, human sexuality, race, and religion

Reverend Professor Driskell’s credits include a significant role in the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 Signed into law by President Barack Obama, this critical regulation was designed to help fund the acceleration of research into preventing and curing serious illnesses, improving mental health service delivery, and bringing innovations and advances to significant patient legislation

Reverend Professor Driskell has recently been appointed Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for the Autoimmune Association. He was thrice awarded “Top Lobbyist” by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) and recognized as The Hill’s Top Lobbyist of 2021 for his work on the passage of the Veterans’ Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act of 2020, which is another legislative credit of Professor Driskell, which would create a comprehensive prostate cancer care program in the Veteran Administration (VA) In addition, he has been bestowed numerous other citations in politics, public policy, and advocacy

Reverend Professor Driskell’s is widely published His essays have been published in the Harvard Divinity Bulletin and other noteworthy publications In addition, he is a political columnist for the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church’s newspaper The Christian Recorder, and an opinion contributor for the Washington DC top political news site, "The Hill"

His work and insights have been featured in several national and international news outlets, including the New York Times, Religion&Politics, Voice of America, NBC News, MSNBC, Religion News Service, the BBC, and Showtime’s Documentary, “The Fourth Estate”

Reverend Professor Driskell continues the tradition of service as the fourteenth pastor of the historic Beulah Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, where he served as assistant pastor under Rev Dr Columbus Watson Before leading the congregation of Beulah Baptist, he was the assistant pastor at the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia In addition, he was assistant director of The Memorial Church School, Harvard University, under the tutelage of the late Reverend Professor Peter Gomes

Opening Prayer

Reverend Professor Driskell is an outspoken advocate for religious liberty, freedom, and human rights and a passionate, supportive voice for marginalized peoples Because of his efforts, Rev Professor was inducted into the 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College The Board of Preachers honors clergy of multiple Christian and global religious traditions who exemplify a combination of personal piety, religious civility, keen intellect, and a commitment to faith

bearing witness to various forms of social justice, equality, and human rights. His devotion to these social issues imbues his writings, media interviews, speaking engagements, and sermons

Contest Finalist

The James Farmer Scholarship Finalist are:

The winner of the Audrey Jones Scholarship of Excellence is:

The Finalist for the Children's Writing Contest are:

Ms. DaNiya Johnson

Mr. Jacob Wigglesworth

Ms. Cassidy Mazyck

Mr. Jaiden G. Hall

Ms. Taneisha Karina Savage

Ms. Michelle A. Mickson-Yeboah

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Afrocentric Accessories

Exclusive Selection of Jewelry, Scarves and Tshirts

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Menu

First Course

Freshly baked rolls with sweet cream butter and freshly brewed regular, decaffeinated coffee, and unsweetened iced tea

Mark Center Signature Salad

Mark Center signature salad, field greens, smoked trout filet, seared apples, & Chef's choice seasonal dressing

VIP Duet Main Course (select one: no substitutions)

Duo of 4oz. beef tenderloin & pan roasted chicken breast & wine infused demi glaze Duo of pan-roasted chicken & grilled salmon & vin blanc sauce with a Medley of vegetables, Roasted red bliss potatoes

Guest Main Course (select one: no substituations)

Virginia pan-roasted chicken breast, cornbread pecan stuffing & apple cider sauce 7oz Seared Atlantic salmon filet & leek confit with a Medley of vegetables, Roasted red bliss potatoes

*Vegetarian /Vegan/ Gluten Free (option)

Saffron cauliflower & potato medley, seared tofu, jumbo asparagus, quinoa pilaf & roasted red pepper coulis

Children’s Menu (select one)

Chicken Fingers

French fries, fresh fruit cup, chocolate chip cookie, water, milk or soft drink

*Vegetarian /Vegan/ Gluten Free (option)

Saffron cauliflower & potato medley, seared tofu, jumbo asparagus, quinoa pilaf & roasted red pepper coulis

Dessert

New York-style cheesecake, crushed berry sauce, real whipped cream and shaved white chocolate

THE VIRGINIA BLACK HISTORY MONTH ASSOCIATION

THE VIRGINIA BLACK HISTORY MONTH ASSOCIATION Types

Carter G Woodson

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VaBHMA President Scholarship Donation

VaBHMA Ticket/Donation Card

$1,500 $1,000 $500 $250

Farmer Jones

2024 Early Bird Ticket Cost

Regular Tickets: $85 dollars per person

VIP Tickets: $150 dollars per person

Presential Tickets: $250 dollars per person

POC: BillJones,President

Phone: 540-907-1857(cell)

Email: joneswe5@yahoo.com

Address: PO Box41924,F’burg, VA22404

Website: www vabhmaorg

AARPWASBUILTONHOPE

Morethan60yearsago,AARPwasfounded tofightinjustice.Andwehaveneverstopped workingtocreatesocialchangebyservingand givingvoicetothoseinneed. Now,morethanever,weresolvetocontinue combatingracialinequalityandhealthand economicdisparitiesforeverygeneration. Joinusinfightingforwhat’sright.