2 10 378 https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/774ae566fbd39e8ef510c0f232c9785f.jpg 48514621d078917d4a127646b0f3e5f8 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 1965 Birthplace Portsmouth Occupation Legislator and Speaker of the House of Delegates Biographical Text Don Scott grew up in Texas with five brothers and sisters who were raised by his single mother. He worked his way through college, earning a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in 1987. He joined the Navy and served on a destroyer as both a surface warfare officer and the ship’s legal officer, which inspired him to study law at Louisiana State University after leaving active duty in 1991. In 2002, Scott found employment with a workforce development company that brought him to Norfolk, where he provided job training and support for recipients of public assistance. He sought to return to the law, passed the Virginia bar exam in 2014 and was admitted to the bar a year later. In 2015, he opened his own law practice. Scott entered public life when he decided to run for the House of Delegates representing the city of Portsmouth. Since that first election in 2019, he has had a meteoric rise from freshman to Minority Leader by his second term. After Democrats won the majority in 2023, Scott was unanimously selected by his colleagues as the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in the 405-year history of Virginia’s legislature. Scott has made his mark running a tight ship and is known for being efficient and tough but fair to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2025">2025</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. <a href="https://vimeo.com/1051945770/539b116da6">Watch Don Scott's recorded remarks</a> shown at the Dominion Energy reception honoring the 2025 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees on February 6, 2025. Bibliography Photograph courtesy Commonwealth of Virginia. 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 Don Scott Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource The first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates, Don Scott advocates for increased opportunities for all Virginians. Government and Law https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/bfbc9d3c4c2ffbb6ebd2f31ad3f3edeb.jpg 5e1cd46ee4433d3952f535467a59d05c https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/aa699b126081562f08c5a3785f2029a0.jpg ef5a6486c7d1748b1a3ba0fc66b60a7c 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 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History poster Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/3d6964203616453d243183ca231e55ff.jpg 5108b1bcfc1f5f4f34dd44e94207243d 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 1960 Birthplace Manassas Occupation NASA Project Director Biographical Text Gregory L. Robinson experienced the challenges of desegregation in his Pittsylvania County schools, where he was also encouraged by dedicated and supportive teachers to further his love of math and science. With a football scholarship to Virginia Union University, he earned a degree in math along with a dual degree in electrical engineering at Howard University in 1983. Inspired by the experiences of several classmates, Robinson later joined the staff of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He held various leadership positions at Goddard Space Flight Center, Glenn Research Center, and at NASA headquarters in the Science Mission Directorate. He has helped develop satellites to study the sun and systems for the space shuttle program and for missions to Mars. In 2018, NASA named Robinson director for the James Webb Space Telescope Program. A massive undertaking that included international teams of more than 10,000 scientists, engineers, and others, the telescope project faced technical difficulties and was behind schedule and over budget. Robinson’s leadership enabled the completion of NASA’s most complex space science observatory with the launch in December 2021 of the Webb telescope. This immensely powerful telescope has provided stunning data and discoveries about our solar system, the formation of stars and planets, and the evolution of galaxies in ways that have never before been possible. Robinson retired to his home in Manassas in July 2022, but continues to share his leadership strategies as a lecturer at Columbia University. Throughout his career Robinson has received numerous honors, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022. Nominated by Tony R. King, Prince George County. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2024">2024</a> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy of NASA. 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 Gregory L. Robinson Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Gregory L. Robinson oversaw the completion and launch of NASA’s transformational James Webb Space Telescope. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Science and Medicine https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/542845eaac721ebe21157d2f2daaeb5f.jpg 495328a115cc9f37194a662aa84201b6 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 1946 Birthplace Mecklenburg County Occupation Dentist Biographical Text Dr. Erma L. Freeman was a passionate student growing up in Mecklenburg County, where she learned the value of taking pride in the quality of her work from her parents and her teachers. After graduating from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville and earning a master’s degree in biology at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in 1969, she taught school in Lynchburg for four years. With an interest in health care, she enrolled at the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry) to study dentistry. She was one of fewer than 10 women and fewer than 10 African Americans in the program of over 400 students, and in 1977 she became the first Black woman to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the college. Dr. Freeman operated her own practice near Petersburg for 20 years before working as a dentist for the Virginia Department of Corrections. Throughout her career she stressed the importance of good dental care to her patients’ overall physical and mental health. In 1993, Freeman was the first Black woman dentist appointed to the Virginia Board of Dentistry, and in 1994 she was the second Black woman to serve as president of the Old Dominion Dental Society. Since retiring, she has continued to educate communities in Mecklenburg and southern Virginia about dental hygiene and provided pediatric dental exams with the Colgate Dental Van. By engaging with children in minority communities, she hopes to inspire young people to believe they can achieve their goals regardless of their backgrounds and to not be limited by circumstances. In 2019 the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry honored Freeman with its First 100 Dentists of Color Trailblazer Award. Nominated by Sherri Bagley, Lawrenceville. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2024">2024</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy of Krystal Pearson. 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 Dr. Erma L. Freeman Subject The topic of the resource 2024 Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource The first Black woman to earn a dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Erma L. Freeman strives to increase diversity in the dental profession. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy Science and Medicine https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/14cd5b17b9c76a6ad4f9c73ba29e0172.jpg 3221fb233642f682b7931e1febbde6f7 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 Bristol Occupation Sheriff Biographical Text Bristol native R. Tyrone Foster grew up in public housing, where he was inspired by his hardworking father, who encouraged his children to strive for their goals. He worked for the Electrolux Corporation for 24 years before graduating from the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. Foster joined the Bristol police department and during more than two decades he worked as a patrolman and a detective, while also serving as a hostage/crisis negotiator, gang investigator, field training officer, and member of the adult drug treatment court. Dedicated to serving and improving his community, Foster officiated Virginia High School League basketball games for nearly 20 years; coached little league football, basketball, and baseball; volunteered at the Boys Club of Bristol; and served as a member of the executive board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes serving southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee. He has also served on the board of Bristol Baseball Inc., which operates the city’s minor-league baseball team. Foster became the first African-American member of the Bristol School Board in 2008, where he was a strong advocate for students and worked to increase diversity among the teaching staff. He sat as president of the Virginia School Boards Association and earned the organization’s Award of Distinction. Elected the first African-American sheriff of Bristol in November 2021, Foster has worked with the city’s police and fire chiefs, commonwealth’s attorney, and school officials to enhance community awareness, and partnered with community agencies to curb recidivism by fighting drug abuse and addressing mental health challenges. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2024">2024</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy of Michael Sanders. 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 R. Tyrone Foster Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource In a lifetime of dedicated service to the Bristol community, Sheriff Tyrone Foster has worked to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Community Leadership and Philanthropy https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/d032df89c420f807d127ebb3320d2ced.jpg c0fc8250d32a9223fcb0f59f2c79483a 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 1969 Birthplace Norfolk Occupation Navy Commanding Officer Biographical Text Chicago native Captain Janet H. Days graduated from Old Dominion University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and received her commission through Naval ROTC via the Enlisted Commissioning Program. She completed her command tour aboard the USS McFaul, deploying independently to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) in the Atlantic Ocean and the Middle East. Days has served on five Navy combatants (warships) and multiple shore assignments, including a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Joint Staff, J7 liaison officer to the Internal Security Assistance Force headquarters. Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. In February 2023, Captain Days became the 51st commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval complex and home to dozens of ships and tens of thousands of military personnel. The first African American to hold this post, she had also made history in 2021 when she was the first African American appointed as the station’s executive officer. With her father’s years of service in the United States Army as an example, Days emphasizes hard work, professional curiosity, and attention to detail, while embracing her historic command as inspiration for not just African-American women, but all women, to make their own opportunities as they seek careers in any field. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2024">2024</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy U.S. Navy. 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 Captain Janet H. Days Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource With decades of meritorious service in the United States Navy, Captain Janet H. Days is the first African American to command Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree Military https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/b0507c2adda3d645df14b096e6d15a6a.jpg 2ffa36ba93d873d744f8eb1818b0fd71 https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/59ee185fc3dfe11aeb7ca60d399b7705.jpg 27274ed00e40e26c44c351bfc814e350 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 2023 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History poster Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/d1d1b846c5d096f8cc0d791a102fe9e3.jpg ca2634b8a65cad3bc256e74b1ad17d5c 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 Postwar United States Description An account of the resource The era immediately following World War II brought about vast changes, not only in foreign policy, but in economics and a changing civic landscape. The liberalism of the New Deal era grew into movements towards increasing civil liberties and economic opportunities, particularly for minorities and women. Protests became more and more common to the average American as groups demanded equal rights and voting equality. These movements were juxtaposed with Jim Crow laws and the reemergence of the KKK, which showed the darker side of life in the American South. The Cold War pitted the United States and its allies in the newly formed NATO against the ever-increasing and expanding Soviet Union and its fellow Communist regimes, particularly China, Korea and Vietnam. While this era is considered Postwar, it is in fact a move towards a new type of war, where campaigns are fought not only on the battleground, but in the political arena and social consciousness as well, fueled strongly by the increasing influence of television news. The fall of the Nazi regime opened the door to the Iron Curtain and Soviet dominance of Eastern Europe, and the defeat of Japan opened previously invaded lands to the chance to choose new leaders, many of whom sided with the tenants of Communism over those of Capitalism. The United States would spend much of this time period combating the “Domino Effect” to try and stem the spread of Communism, particularly in its own hemisphere with Cuba. At the same time, the United States invested millions into Western Europe through the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan to halt the spread of Communism further west. 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 1945-1970s Person An individual. Birth Date 1923 Birthplace Roanoke Death Date 1993 Occupation Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Leader Biographical Text Raymond “R.R.” Wilkinson, one of 11 children, grew up on his family’s farm in Amelia County. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he attended Virginia Union University, where he earned degrees in education (1952) and divinity (1955). In 1958, Wilkinson became pastor of Roanoke’s Hill Street Baptist Church—a position he held for more than 30 years. Wilkinson served as president of the Roanoke Branch of the NAACP from 1959 to 1968, during which he fought the segregation of public spaces in the city and job discrimination in local government and business. Despite threats to his safety, Wilkinson never stopped advocating for civil rights. A powerful orator, he successfully fought white city leaders to close a city dump located in a black neighborhood, and later protested urban renewal efforts that destroyed black communities. Wilkinson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Roanoke Branch of the NAACP named its annual award for social justice in his honor. In 2021, The R.R. Wilkinson Foundation was established to promote awareness of Roanoke’s civil rights movement, and in 2023, the city named a street for Wilkinson near the site of the former dump in Washington Park. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2023">2023</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy of the Rev. R. R. Wilkinson Foundation. 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 Rev. Raymond Rogers Wilkinson Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource A civil rights pioneer, the Rev. Raymond R. Wilkinson courageously led the fight against racial injustice in his community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/3c4a3520128b72903b2f2c5399ff5ff4.jpg 5e160bada13fed48f8c16c356c617fe5 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 1949 Birthplace Norfolk Occupation Nuclear Engineer Biographical Text Sheila Bowen Taylor grew up in the St. Juliens Creek community of Chesapeake (formerly Norfolk County) near the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where her father worked as an electrician. After earning a degree in physics from Norfolk State College (now Norfolk State University), she went on to study nuclear physics at Old Dominion University and earned a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Administration at Central Michigan University. During the 1970s, Taylor worked as a structural engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding. In 1981, she became the second woman and the first black woman hired as a nuclear engineer at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, working in the Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department on submarines, surface ships, and aircraft carriers. There, she helped organize the Hampton Roads chapter of the Society of Women Engineers to help connect women in the engineering field. Taylor continues to mentor young people and early career professionals and promotes the importance of diversity in engineering and the sciences. Described as “the brains of the family” by her equally successful sister Sharon Bowen, chair of the New York Stock Exchange, Taylor is adamant that representation matters, and she echoes her sister’s mantra, “If you can see it, you can be it.” <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2023">2023</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy of Sheila Bowen Taylor. 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 Sheila Bowen Taylor Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource One of the first women to work as a nuclear engineer at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Sheila Bowen Taylor is passionate about increasing diversity in STEM professions. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/2ba17047d09e59bd5ece882a37bdfb62.jpg ca27fe02c06d0f433bc862de2ff36506 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 1945 Birthplace Hampton Occupation Pilot Biographical Text As a boy growing up near Hampton’s Langley Research Center, where his mother worked as a mathematician for NASA, Quentin Joseph Smith Jr. dreamed of flying planes. In 1968, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force ROTC. He served with the 360th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron during the Vietnam War and received military awards for valor in combat. Later, Smith worked as an engineer for the Navy at Dahlgren. In 1980, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration, where he helped ensure the safety of civil air transport until his retirement in 2004. Smith served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a pilot with the 512th Military Airlift Wing based at Dover Air Force Base and as commander of the 709th Airlift Squadron before retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1998, having logged more than 8,000 flying hours. Since retirement, Smith has remained active as a consultant on safety regulations and has devoted his time to educating young people about the Tuskegee Airmen—the first black pilots of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, whose determination inspired him while he was the only African American in his pilot training class. Nominated by Margaret Smith Johnson. <a href="https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/strong-mw-2023">2023</a> Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. Bibliography Photograph courtesy of Quentin J. Smith Jr. 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 Quentin J. Smith Jr. Subject The topic of the resource Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Description An account of the resource Former Air Force pilot Quentin J. Smith Jr. is dedicated to sharing the inspirational legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen with young people. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honoree