3 10 175 https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/57326f63d105436c1c3fa4056d3ed238.jpg 9390dfdf8681b2fc82f8c6f92fed0eb1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1953 Birthplace Harrisonburg Death Date 2021 Occupation Social Justice Activist Biographical Text Growing up in Illinois, 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 and during the 1980s was pastor of Joy Mennonite Fellowship in Peoria, where he was also president of the Harrison Homes Mission in one of the city's public housing developments. An advocate for a stronger African-American presence in church leadership, Maclin became president of the African American Mennonite Association in 1989. He became pastor of Jubilee Christian Fellowship in Richmond, Virginia, in 1991. Rev. Maclin moved to Harrisonburg about 2000 and studied urban ministry and community outreach at Eastern Mennonite University. He advocated diversity and inclusion and worked with the local chapter of Virginia Organizing to bring immigrant groups together and to combat anti-immigration legislation. He promoted criminal justice reform to eliminate lengthy mandatory sentencing and the criminalization of drug addiction, and taught a class at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Jail 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 to document and raise awareness of similar events. The peaceful rallies he organized at the courthouse during the summer of 2020 led to the establishment of the People's Equality Commission of the Shenandoah Valley, which provides a collective platform for citizens to combat institutional racism. Maclin was also the president of the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Harrisonburg, which he opened in 2010 to emphasize her legacy of leadership and service to others. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2021">2021</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image courtesy of Randi B. Hagi. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stan Maclin Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Through his work in the ministry and as a community activist, Rev. Stan Maclin embraced diversity and inclusion and empowered others to work for racial justice. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Civil Rights and Reform Community Leadership and Philanthropy https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/e88b7572c5815189ca0a0218de44f808.jpg c20985ca5d41b7128f03475c42a857bd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1978 Birthplace Arlington County Occupation Political Activist and Mentor Biographical Text Krysta Jones grew up in a U.S. Navy family and was encouraged to understand the importance of African-American history. After graduating from the University of Florida, where she directed Students Taking Action Against Racism, she spent two years in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. She settled in Arlington County, worked as a lobbyist, and studied at the University of Virginia's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership to hone her skills as an advocate for others. While earning a master's degree at The George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, Jones was challenged to expand her thesis on Virginia's lack of African-American representatives in Congress, and in 2006 she established the Virginia Leadership Institute. Now known as Vote Lead Impact, her nonpartisan organization trains and mentors African Americans to run for elected office at all levels in Virginia and nationwide and also awards scholarships to those who want to pursue leadership development programs. Jones strives to bring diversity to government and engages women and young people in advocacy work to develop the next generation of leaders among traditionally underrepresented populations. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., she has invested countless hours in leading social action efforts and mentoring women in politics around the world. She published A Seat at the Table, an interactive guide to help people get involved in solving community problems. Active locally, Jones has served on the boards of the Junior League of Northern Virginia and the Arlington Community Foundation, and in 2014 she was named one of Leadership Arlington's inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees for her efforts to inspire and build connections among future community leaders. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2021">2021</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia history honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image courtesy of Krysta Jones. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Krysta N. Jones Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Krysta Jones is passionate about encouraging and empowering others to make a difference in their communities, state, and nation. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Civil Rights and Reform Community Leadership and Philanthropy Government and Law https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/676123d510a7ffb4ba08a69ea4809c65.jpg 9fe7eb50c7c80a170be04be4a4d80bd8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1988 Birthplace Charles City County Occupation Government Official Biographical Text Growing up in Charles City County, Kaci Easley was inspired by the examples of her mother, a former director of the Virginia Council on Human Rights, and her grandmother Iona W. Adkins, who served from 1967 to 1988 as clerk of the Charles City County Circuit Court. Easley earned a business degree from Hampton University and a master's in public administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Following her family's example of public service, Easley worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a program analyst, a project manager with its National Finance Center, and as an administrative officer at its Natural Resources Conservation Service. In 2014, she was appointed to the staff of Virginia's Secretary of Natural Resources, who works to advance the governor's environmental priorities. Only 27 years old when she was named director of Virginia's Executive Mansion, Easley was the first African American to hold that post. She supervised a full-time staff of five and helped care for the governor's family while hosting hundreds of official state events and receptions at the oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the United States. During her time there, she was an advocate for the governor's goal of expanding opportunities for all Virginians. She helped spearhead projects that led to the unveiling of portraits in the mansion of Richmond civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill and civil rights activist Barbara Johns. Easley also worked with the First Lady to make the mansion more environmentally friendly and accessible to all. In 2018, Easley joined McGuireWoods Consulting, where she is a vice president in the Virginia State Government Relations group and specializes in executive and legislative affairs and local government relations. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image courtesy of Kaci M. Easley. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kaci M. Easley Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Inspired by examples of public service in her family, Kaci Easley was the first African American to serve as director of Virginia's Executive Mansion. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Government and Law https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/a2157ed920bf05720f3d0bf1ac4d19a4.jpg db39d8f4f64442de17ef15c783b960dc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1958 Birthplace Montgomery County Occupation Community Activist Biographical Text Penny Franklin believes that "respect, tolerance, and understanding" are necessary to building a stronger community. The Montgomery County native graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1976, attended New River Community College, and has worked on the shipping dock at Hubbell Lighting for 32 years. When her two children experienced treatment at school that Franklin believed was rooted in racial inequality, she spoke out. She served on the school district's diversity forum, and in 1999 won election to the school board on a platform of promoting diversity, tolerance, and community involvement. The first African American elected to the Montgomery County School Board—and the first African American elected to any office in Montgomery—Franklin has continuously won reelection and has served as the board's chair. An advocate for the fair treatment of employees, Franklin was elected president of Local 82160 International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers-Communication Workers of America in 2008, and was elected to the IUE-CWA's executive council in 2013. As president and area chairperson of the local NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Franklin worked to build new chapters in southwestern Virginia. In 2005 she helped establish the New Mountain Climbers as a local giving circle to pool money and provide grants for social justice programs. In 2002 Franklin cofounded the Community Group to empower the local African-American community and to encourage African Americans to run for public office. In 2012 the Community Group established the Dialogue on Race to bring diverse groups together to discuss issues of importance to African Americans and take action to address inequalities in education, employment, law enforcement, service on public and private boards of directors, and other areas. The Dialogue on Race holds annual summits in Montgomery County that attract hundreds of participants to build relationships and challenge racism. A woman of faith, Franklin considers her public service as a calling to encourage marginalized people to advocate for their communities and to hold leaders accountable for inequities in society. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image courtesy of Penny J. Franklin. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Penny J. Franklin Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource As a community activist for more than 30 years, Penny Franklin has been an advocate for the fair and respectful treatment of all people. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Civil Rights and Reform Community Leadership and Philanthropy https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/d53b68d7d91b9bf5cadc6c5337c411da.jpg 5338aeefaa28c6a7592b0d5bd950f593 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1964 Birthplace Hampton Occupation Chemical Engineer and Inventor Biographical Text A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dr. Joycelyn Simpson Harrison is a 1987 graduate of Spelman College, in Atlanta, where she earned her degree in chemistry. That same year she also earned a degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, from which she later received her MS (1989) and PhD (1993) in chemical engineering. Harrison's research specialty has been in piezoelectric materials, electro-active polymers that move or change shape when exposed to electrical stimulation and have potential applications as synthetic muscles in robotics and for use in outer space. She has written book chapters and more than 30 technical papers, and jointly holds 23 patents involving these materials, which can facilitate the repair of satellites and improvements in such various devices as robots, heart pumps, and audio speakers. Harrison worked at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton as a research engineer and later as chief of the Advanced Materials and Processing Branch. She was part of the team that developed THUNDER (Thin-Layer Composite-Unimorph Piezoelectric Driver and Sensor) technology, which received R&D Magazine's annual R&D 100 Award as one of that year's best innovations in research and development. For her work, NASA awarded Harrison the Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2000 and the Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2006. National Women in Color honored Harrison with a Technology All-Star Award in 1998 and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers presented Harrison with its Minority Affairs Eminent Engineer Award in 2011. In 2009 she became the manager of the Low Density Materials program at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Arlington County. There she oversaw research and development of lightweight materials for use in aerospace technologies. Harrison is currently associate research dean in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image courtesy of Joycelyn S. Harrison Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joycelyn S. Harrison Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Research scientist, mentor, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) champion Joycelyn Harrison is an award-winning chemical engineer and prolific inventor. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Science and Medicine https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/e7a36d34d6c4486fab4c61662b8f4aef.jpg 2f4ff36d761d1a6329921fe19ed212ca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1989 Birthplace Westmoreland County Occupation Football Player and Philanthropist Biographical Text Growing up in the Westmoreland County town of Colonial Beach, Torrey Smith learned the importance of responsibility as the child of a single mother. As the oldest, he helped care for and tutor his six younger siblings. He excelled in academics and sports at nearby Stafford High School, and attended the University of Maryland on a football scholarship. After graduating in 2010 with a degree in criminology and criminal justice, Smith was drafted as a wide receiver in the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. He helped the team win the Super Bowl in the 2012 season. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers, where he was the team's 2016 nominee for the National Football League’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for commitment to community involvement. He won another Super Bowl ring in 2018 playing a season with the Philadelphia Eagles. After a season with the Carolina Panthers, Smith announced his retirement in September 2019. Making Baltimore his home, Smith and his wife, Chanel, both the first in their families to attend college, wanted to make a difference in their community, especially with at-risk youth. They started the Torrey Smith Family Fund, which sponsors many dynamic initiatives, including back-to-school and after-school programs; teen mentoring; sports and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camps; charitable basketball games; and holiday meal and gift programs. A highlight of the organization's work is the Tevin Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, named to honor Smith's late brother. Each year the fund awards $5,000 scholarships to four college-bound students from low-income families in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. After learning that his childhood basketball court had been destroyed in a fire, Smith helped fund a new park with a playground, pavilion, and basketball and tennis courts that the town of Colonial Beach dedicated in 2019 as Torrey Smith Recreational Park. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7e3LpgU5U" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch</a> Torrey Smith's visit to the Library of Virginia to learn more about his family's roots. Bibliography Image courtesy of Torrey Smith. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Torrey Smith Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith has used his academic and athletic success to establish community programs that inspire and assist youth in achieving their educational goals. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy Sports and Media https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/7a9b3296e610f179bc6491c2c12d5435.jpg a3e66847a08cbd8c458bd504ee7b6437 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1952 Birthplace Fairfax County Occupation Judge and Musician Biographical Text As a student at Fisk University in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, Marcus Williams traveled around the region as a musician, playing with the likes of Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones. After graduating with honors in 1973, he went on to earn a law degree from Catholic University in 1977 and also studied European business law on a fellowship in London. After returning to the United States, Williams became an assistant commonwealth's attorney in Fairfax County and later an assistant county attorney handling consumer affairs, public contracts, and utility regulation. As a member of the county's Criminal Justice Advisory Board, he helped advise officials on aspects of the criminal justice system in Fairfax. The General Assembly elected Williams a judge of Fairfax County's General District Court on February 28, 1987, making him the first African-American judge in the county. The governor appointed Williams a judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit in September 1990 and the assembly elected him to a full term on January 17, 1991. During his 22 years on the bench, Williams oversaw numerous civil and criminal trials in the state's largest trial court. He has also shared his knowledge of business law as an adjunct professor at George Mason University, has taught at the National Judicial College, and has served on the education committee of the Judicial Conference of Virginia for District Courts. In 2007 he was appointed to the Virginia Criminal Justice Services Board. Since retiring in 2012, Williams has taught advanced English to students in China and has lectured on trial advocacy, international commercial arbitration, and public corruption at universities in Europe. He is also a mediator and arbitrator for Juridical Solutions PLC. Returning to his musical roots, Williams continues to record albums and perform his mix of jazz, Latin, and rhythm and blues music at venues around the world. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image courtesy of Marcus D. Williams. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Marcus D. Williams Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource An attorney, educator, and musician, the Honorable Marcus Williams served more than 20 years as a circuit court judge in Fairfax County. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Government and Law https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/4901fff3dc965459bfd23d620199427f.jpg 66500cd84cdb4ee6a653bfe454e19be3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1968 Birthplace Fairfax County Occupation Writer and Youth Advocate Biographical Text A poet, publisher, playwright, producer, speaker, and performer, Kwame Alexander is an energetic and enthusiastic advocate for literacy and literature throughout the world. He performs his cutting-edge brand of poetry for audiences worldwide, as well as conducting writing and publishing workshops. Alexander has received multiple awards, including the inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award in 2018. In 2015 he won the John Newbery Medal for The Crossover (2014), a novel in verse about 12-year-old basketball-playing twins, which was also honored as an NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Book and with the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Prize. In 2018 Alexander established Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, to publish unconventional works in children’s literature. Alexander is the author of  Swing (2018), Rebound (2018), a companion to The Crossover, and more than 20 other titles. Born in New York City, Alexander grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, surrounded by books. His father was a scholar and book publisher and his mother was an educator. At Virginia Tech Alexander began premedical studies until he took a writing class with award-winning poet Nikki Giovanni. In addition to writing poetry, he wanted to publish work by African-American authors and operated his own book publishing company for a decade. For several years he produced an annual book festival to reach a diverse audience of writers and readers. Eager to promote poetry and literature among students, Alexander has also served as a poet-in-residence at schools in Northern Virginia, where he now lives. <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Image Courtesy of Portia Wiggins Photography. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kwame Alexander Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Kwame Alexander believes in the power of poetry to engage young readers in language and literature. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Arts and Literature https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/d9f09346a81a78b07daa5c7e9484dc6a.tif e6c53848c9259611537ac22505dc6e84 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1930 Birthplace Fredericksburg Occupation Minister and Civic Leader Biographical Text Born in Houston, Texas, Lawrence Anderson Davies grew up intending to study medicine and graduated with a biology degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1949. Army service inspired him to take up the ministry and upon his discharge he joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Davies later received a divinity degree from Howard University and a master’s degree in sacred theology from Wesley Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1956, he first served at Washington’s Good Samaritan Church. In 1962 he became pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in Fredericksburg. Davies became involved in Fredericksburg community affairs and sparked the creation of Citizens United for Action to combat racial discrimination in the city. In 1966 he became the first African American elected to Fredericksburg’s city council, and after serving for a decade, he was elected the city’s first African-American mayor. He continued to win reelection as mayor until retiring in 1996. Davies was instrumental in Fredericksburg’s growth, helping spur the creation of low-income housing and encouraging the establishment of an affordable bus system. He has been an advocate for increased access to mental health treatment, supported a community wellness coalition, and in the 1990s helped ensure that a new hospital was built in the city limits. After 50 years as pastor of Shiloh (Old Site), Davies retired from the pulpit in 2012, but has continued his community activism. In 2016 he was honored by Leadership Fredericksburg for his integrity and vision. Nominated by William Bailey, Pamela Bridgewater, and Xavier Richardson, Fredericksburg. <div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bio-text"> <div class="element-text"> <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. </div> </div> Bibliography Image Courtesy of Lawrence A. Davies. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lawrence A. Davies Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource The first African American elected mayor of Fredericksburg, Reverend Lawrence A. Davies has devoted his life to serving his community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy Government and Law https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/c39e4e0a3c5314cfce3414230785e4b1.tif 2ceeec6cd2a61b41f0542fa4fbc39a20 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Contemporary United States Description An account of the resource This era is, in large part, a study of the United States as a global power – politically, economically and militarily. The detente with the Communist China under Nixon begins a shift in our “Domino Theory” in Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the overthrow of communist governments in Eastern Europe, and the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race also changed how the United States interacted with Europe. At the same time, intervention and actions increased in our own hemisphere and in the Middle East. Terrorism also became a driving force behind foreign policy. Politically, there was a shift away from liberalism for much of this time period. Political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra were treated differently than previous scandals, thanks in large part to an increase in television coverage. The governmental role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and more shifted greatly during this time period and that role, and its scope, are still being debated today. Socially, this time period saw for the first time immigration primarily from Asia and Central America. A new wave of reform movements promoted environmental, feminist, and civil rights agendas. There was also a resurgence of religious evangelicalism. Technological advances once again redefined not only the economic landscape of America, but also the lives of everyday citizens. Learn more in the National U.S. History Content Standards. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-Present Person An individual. Birth Date 1966 Birthplace Harrisonburg Occupation Mayor and Mentor Biographical Text Growing up in Harrisonburg, Deanna Reed was surrounded by women whose examples of community service inspired her to mentor young women of color. When she returned to the city to care for her aging grandmother, Reed worked in the public schools and became involved in several community organizations, including the African-American Culture Festival and the Harrisonburg Women's Service League, of which she has served as president. For more than thirty years she has also been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2009 Reed co-founded Precious Gems Academy, an after-school mentorship program for students from elementary to high school. In 2015 she became program director for the On the Road Collaborative, a local initiative that connects low-income youth with academic support, career enrichment classes, and leadership development to prepare middle- and high-school students for life after graduation. Concerned about school overcrowding, Reed began attending city council meetings and was struck by the fact that there were no female members at the time. After unsuccessfully attempting to recruit a woman to run, she decided to run for office herself, winning election in 2016 with the most votes in the council's history. The first African-American woman elected to Harrisonburg’s city council, she was also the first to be chosen mayor by the council. As mayor, Reed focuses on education and strives to bring together Harrisonburg’s diverse communities. In 2018 Essence named her to its list of Woke 100 Women, which highlights African-American change agents. <div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bio-text"> <div class="element-text"> <a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. </div> </div> Bibliography Image Courtesy of Deanna Reed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Deanna Reed Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource The first African-American woman to serve as mayor of Harrisonburg, Deanna Reed also mentors community youth through leadership programs she has established. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy Government and Law