- Black History Month
- Home
- Business
- Agriculture
- Employer Resources
- File a Complaint
- Technology
- Economy
- Housing
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Tourism
- Education
- Education for People with Disabilities
- Library of Virginia Education Resources
- Paying for Education
- Employment
- Employer Resources
- Find a Job
- Agriculture and Animals
- Environmental Quality
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Veterans
- Finance
- Debt Collection
- Financial Reports
- Homeowner Assistance
- Paying for Higher Education
- Search Financial Service Providers
- Taxes
- Government
- Office of the Governor
- Licenses
- Public Safety
- Alcoholic Beverage Control
- Criminal Justice, Forensics, Public Safety Professionals
- Firearm/Handgun Permits
- Transportation Safety
- Information Security
- Transportation
- E-Zpass, DMV and VDOT Customer Service Centers
- Selling Motor Vehicles
- Transportation Business Opportunities
- Business
- State Government
- Government
- Business
- Education
- Recreation
- Local Government
- Agencies
Black History Month in Virginia
February is Black History Month. Learn more about Black history in Virginia, as well as ways to celebrate.
Governor Youngkin's Proclamation Recognizing and Honoring February as Black History Month
“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
Read the Full Black History Month Proclmation
Spotlight
Throughout the month of February, notable Black men and women of Virginia's history will be featured.
Congresswoman: U.S. Congress
Jennifer McClellan
Biography
Jennifer McClellan is Virginia’s first black congresswoman. She entered the U.S. Congress in 2023 after winning a special election to replace the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin.
A Virginia native, McClellan was born in Petersburg to parents who served the community: her father was a professor at Virginia State University and her mother was a counselor at VSU. McClellan attended Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County, where she was valedictorian. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond, then obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.
1863-1929 BUSINESSMAN, EDITOR, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, COUNCILMAN
John Mitchell Jr.
Featured Man
As editor of the Richmond Planet, Mitchell was a leading voice in favor of racial equality and against segregation. Influential in Jackson Ward, the Black Wall Street of America, Mitchell founded and served as president of the Mechanics Savings Bank. Born a slave in Richmond shortly before the end of the Civil War,Mitchell's mother taught him to read. Her son went on to serve as a city alderman and even ran for governor as a Republican in 1921.
Owner, Savoy Events; Outreach and Communication, Department of Homeland Security
Erikka Hamer
Biography
A creative and visionary professional, Erikka serves through her government public service position daily. Her own firm, Savoy Events, curates and manages social experiences including cultural pop-up events and curated nightlife experiences. Erikka is highly driven to serve her community and manages events including The Black upStart and Positive Role Models to benefit others striving to succeed.
Looking for additional featured people?
To view the archived featured list of notable black men and women of Virginia featured on Virginia.gov click the button below.
View Full List
Learn
Check out the resources below to learn more on Black history in Virginia.
Strong Men & Women in Virginia History
In observance of Black History Month, the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy honor distinguished Virginians, past and present, asStrong Men & Women in Virginia Historyfor their important contributions to the state, the nation, or their professions.
Visit Website
Attractions
Below is a brief featured list of Black history attractions that provide great resources for learning more about Black history in Virginia.
Featured Attractions
More Attractions
Click below to view more Virginia Black history attractions.
Celebrate
Celebrate Black History Month in Virginia by participating in a variety of events.
