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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
<p>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 <i>The Crossover</i> (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 <i>Swing</i> (2018),<i> Rebound </i>(2018), a companion to <i>The Crossover</i>, and more than 20 other titles.</p>
<p>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.<br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.<br /></span></p>
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
-
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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
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><i>Nominated by William Bailey, Pamela Bridgewater, and Xavier Richardson, Fredericksburg.<br /></i></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.<br /></span></p>
</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
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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
1930
Birthplace
Prince William County
Death Date
2016
Occupation
Educator and Elementary School Supervisor
Biographical Text
<p>Fannie Beatrice Wilkinson Fitzgerald (July 27, 1930–April 7, 2016) grew up in Amelia County, the youngest of 11 children. Her parents stressed the importance of both religion and education, laying a strong foundation on which Fitzgerald built an inspiring 35-year career. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Virginia Union University in 1953 and began teaching in a sparsely resourced, two-room schoolhouse. After a few years, she applied to graduate programs in Virginia, but was barred from entry because she was African American. Undeterred, she studied at Columbia University, in New York, receiving her master’s degree in special education in 1960. During this time, she also taught at two segregated schools in Prince William County.</p>
<p>Although the landmark case <i>Brown v. Board of Education</i> outlawed segregated schooling in 1954, many Virginia politicians pushed back against the decision with a program of Massive Resistance that led to school closings in some jurisdictions. Amid this volatile context, Fitzgerald and three other African-American teachers, known as the “Courageous Four,” were selected in 1965 to pioneer desegregation in Prince William. They were transferred from all-black schools to teach at white schools and thus helped accomplish the school system’s complete desegregation by September 1966. When asked about this time, Fitzgerald replied, “Children are children. It doesn’t matter what color they are.” In addition to serving as a fourth-grade teacher and a learning disabilities specialist, she was also a supervisor for both integration and special needs programs. In 2008 a Dale City elementary school was named in her honor.<br /><br /></p>
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<p><span><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2019</span></a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.<br /></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bibliography"></div>
Bibliography
Image Courtesy of Benita Fitzgerald Mosley.
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
Fannie W. Fitzgerald
Subject
The topic of the resource
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Description
An account of the resource
Fannie W. Fitzgerald pioneered the integration of Prince William County Schools amid her 35-year career as an educator in Virginia schools.
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
Civil Rights and Reform
Education
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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
<p>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.</p>
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 <i>Essence</i> named her to its list of Woke 100 Women, which highlights African-American change agents.<br /><br />
<div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bio-text">
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<p><span><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2019</span></a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.</span></p>
</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
-
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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
1931
Birthplace
Williamsburg
Death Date
2018
Occupation
Judge and Civic Leader
Biographical Text
Born in Washington, D.C., William T. Stone grew up in the vicinity of Williamsburg, where he attended the local segregated schools and worked in his family's funeral home. In 1953 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics from Central State College in Wilberforce, Ohio. Afterward he served in the army as a military policeman and trained as an embalmer. Encouraged in his youth to pursue a legal career by a dean at the College of William and Mary's law school, Stone studied law at American University and earned his degree in 1962. He established a private practice in Newport News, but soon returned to Williamsburg, where he opened a firm that later became the city's first integrated law office. Although he did not take on civil rights cases, he was a local advocate for the rights of African Americans and women. <br /><br />In April 1968, Stone was the first African American appointed a substitute judge for James City County and the city of Williamsburg, making him one of the earliest African American judges in Virginia. He presided over cases in the general district court and the juvenile and domestic relations court. While sitting on the bench he continued to practice law and to operate the family's funeral home, becoming a mentor for African Americans in both fields. He resigned as a judge in 1998 and retired from practicing law the following year. At a public event in 2000, Williamsburg residents honored Stone for his many accomplishments. In commemoration of his legacy and commitment to the community, a major thoroughfare in Williamsburg has been dedicated in his honor.<br /><br />
<div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bio-text">
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<p><span><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2019</span></a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.<br /></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bibliography"></div>
Bibliography
Image Courtesy of family of William Stone.
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
William T. Stone
Subject
The topic of the resource
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Description
An account of the resource
A revered civic leader and successful businessman, William T. Stone was the first African-American judge in Williamsburg.
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
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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
King George County
Occupation
Mathematician and Technology Pioneer
Biographical Text
Born in rural Dinwiddie County, Gladys Mae Brown West graduated first in her high school class, earning her a scholarship to Virginia State College (later Virginia State University), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1952. After teaching in public schools, she completed a master’s degree from Virginia State in 1955, and the following year began working at the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren. She was the second African-American woman hired at the base, among only four African-American employees in total. Admired by her colleagues for her skill in calculating complex mathematical equations, she excelled in programming for computers. West emerged as an integral part of the team that developed the modern Global Positioning System, tirelessly collecting data from orbiting satellites and developing mathematical algorithms for supercomputers to process precise surface elevations. She later became project manager for the radar altimetry data processing project of Seasat, the first satellite designed for remote sensing of the Earth’s oceans, for which she received a commendation. West published numerous papers and made presentations on her work at national and international conferences before retiring in 1998. <br /><br />Throughout her career West continued her education and in 2000 received a PhD in public administration and policy affairs from Virginia Tech. In 2018 the British Broadcasting Corporation named her to its 100 Women program, which annually honors influential women from around the world. That same year the General Assembly of Virginia passed a joint resolution honoring West for her pioneering career and contributions to technological development.<br /><br />UPDATE: Gladys West passed away on January 17, 2026.<br /><br />
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.<br /></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="element" id="lesson-plan-item-type-metadata-bibliography"></div>
Bibliography
Image Courtesy of Gladys B. West.
Death Date
2026
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
Gladys B. West
Subject
The topic of the resource
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Description
An account of the resource
A pioneer in mathematics, Gladys B. West was an instrumental hidden figure in the development of the modern Global Positioning System.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019 Strong Men & Women in History Honoree
Science and Medicine
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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
1932
Birthplace
Petersburg
Occupation
Minister and Community Activist
Biographical Text
<p>Andrew Jackson White Sr. was born in rural King and Queen County and attended local segregated schools. In 1953 he received a bachelor’s degree at Virginia Union University in Richmond, and went on to earn divinity degrees from Virginia Union’s School of Theology. White taught history and social studies in Westmoreland County.</p>
<p>Ordained a Baptist minister in 1953, he served a Northumberland County church before becoming pastor of Petersburg’s Zion Baptist Church in 1963. In 1969 White helped found the interracial Downtown Churches United, which worked with other community groups to provide food, clothing, shelter, and job assistance. White fought for adoption of the federal food stamp program for low-income families, which the city council approved in 1970. Concerned about access to health care, he sat on the board of the Southside Mental Health Association, serving as its first African-American president, and was a member of the Petersburg Hospital Authority, which oversaw the construction of a new facility. He was secretary of the board of trustees for the Virginia Negro Baptist Children’s Home and a vice president of the Dinwiddie County–based Titmus Foundation, supporting educational and religious organizations. He co-chaired the successful capital campaign to construct a new public library in Petersburg that opened in 2014.</p>
<p>White retired as Zion’s pastor in 2011. He served concurrently as pastor of Union Branch Baptist Church in nearby Prince George County, and in 2015 the church dedicated a community center named for him.</p>
<i>Nominated by Ann C. Taylor, Petersburg.</i><br /><br />
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/strong-mw-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span><span> Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.<br /></span></p>
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Bibliography
Image Courtesy of Andrew J. White Sr.
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
Andrew J. White Sr.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History
Description
An account of the resource
Throughout his career as a Baptist minister, Reverend Andrew J. White Sr. has championed education, health care, and community service.
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
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fd8b3eb8877b1d429da3b0b6b0ecc3f3
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
Fairfax County
Death Date
2004
Occupation
Community Activist
Biographical Text
<p>Sharifa Alkhateeb (June 6, 1946–October 21, 2004) was born into the only Muslim family in her neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When confronted with different ways of thinking or living, she saw an opportunity to learn and grow. At the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a degree in English literature, Alkhateeb joined the Muslim Student Association and began wearing a headscarf. Surrounded by the burgeoning feminist movement of the 1960s, she cultivated her own voice as an activist and leader on behalf of Muslim women. She later earned a master's degree in comparative religion from Norwich University in Vermont. </p>
<p>After moving to Fairfax County in 1988 she continued her work to create a better understanding of Islamic life and became known as a spokesperson on Muslim women in the United States. She founded the North American Council for Muslim Women and served as president of the Muslim Education Council. Working with Fairfax County Public Schools, she led a successful effort to offer Arabic as a foreign language in some high schools, served as a diversity trainer, and helped produce a monthly television program, <i>Middle Eastern Parenting</i>. In 2000 Alkhateeb started the Peaceful Families Project, a nationwide effort to research and raise awareness of domestic violence in Muslim communities. She participated in the Community Resilience Project of Northern Virginia to provide crisis counseling following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Shortly before her death from cancer, the Islamic Society of North America honored Alkhateeb with its Community Service Recognition Award.<br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/va-women-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span> <span>Virginia Women in History honoree, Library of Virginia.</span></p>
Bibliography
Image Courtesy of Maha Alkhateeb.
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
Sharifa Alkhateeb
Subject
The topic of the resource
Virginia Women in History
Description
An account of the resource
As an activist, leader, scholar, writer, and educator, Sharifa Alkhateeb worked tirelessly to strengthen communities and bridge Islamic and American cultures.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019 Virginia Women in History Honoree
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
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https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/1ae0e5d5ccc3fb5c33c2ae900cc5a349.tif
fe282934f51f256575a2d0392ae995b7
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
Colonization and Settlement
Description
An account of the resource
The colonial era in American history is essential in setting the framework for all the eras to follow. Nearly two centuries of colonization on the continent and in the Caribbean provide three distinct groups to study – indigenous peoples, Africans brought to the colonies and Europeans, both the colonial powers and the generations born on American soil. The varying reasons for departure from Europe set the stage for how different colonies came into being, and interacted with each other. Violent conflicts, importation of disease and dispossession of native lands were all results of Europeans’ interactions with the indigenous populations. The importation of slaves also led to an economic structure in some colonies that became, in their minds, reliant on the continued existence of slave labor.
The role of religion is extremely important during this time period. It was a defining characteristic of some colonies, as opposed to the economic reasons others were established. Ideas of religious freedom, denominationalism and the Great Awakening all impacted daily life in the colonies. Government structure and political life had distinct characteristics in New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the South differed in the ways they groped their way toward mature political institutions. Religion and politics were often influenced by the European nation who colonized the area – French, Spanish, Dutch or English. Economics were affected by geographic location and the local natural resources, adding to regional differences, and sometimes, division.
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
1607-1763
Person
An individual.
Birth Date
fl. 1706
Birthplace
King William County
Death Date
1712
Occupation
Pamunkey Chief
Biographical Text
<p>When famed Pamunkey leader Cockacoeske died in 1686, her successor as chief was a niece who might have been known as "Mrs. Betty, the Queen," according to a petition filed with the General Court in 1701. Pamunkey leaders sometimes changed their names in accordance with important contemporary events, so it is possible that Mrs. Betty became known as Ann (fl. 1706–1712) following the ascension of Queen Anne to the English throne in 1702. Much about her life is not known, but Ann did send a son to the Indian school at the College of William and Mary to be educated and also to serve as an English captive to guarantee the tribe's good behavior.</p>
<p>As a Pamunkey <i>weroansqua</i>, or female chief, Ann worked to uphold Indian rights in the face of increasing pressure from the English colonists. Her name appears on several documents between 1706 and 1712, petitioning Virginia's colonial government to confirm Pamunkey ownership of tribal lands and pushing leaders to prohibit white settlers from encroaching on these lands in violation of established treaties. Ann sought to reduce the annual Indian tribute to the English, which had become more difficult as settlers' incursions reduced Pamunkey access to fish and game. She also requested that Indian youth employed beyond tribal lands be returned to their people and that colonists refrain from selling liquor in Pamunkey towns, a practice that had caused indebtedness among some Indians. Ann does not appear by name in any extant documents after 1712 and is thought to have died about 1723.<br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/va-women-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span><span> </span><span>Virginia Women in History honoree, Library of Virginia.</span></p>
Bibliography
Image Courtesy of the Library 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
Ann
Subject
The topic of the resource
Virginia Women in History
Description
An account of the resource
As chief of the Pamunkey Indians, Ann fought to preserve the rights of her people when they were threatened by English colonists.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019 Virginia Women in History Honoree
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
Government and Law
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https://www.lva.virginia.gov/collections/educator-resources/changemakers/files/original/633a6037f31233a608182a9935c934de.jpg
c98feae34e02fb5ddb83dd769e0b6c09
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
1941
Birthplace
Charlottesville
Death Date
2007
Occupation
Women's Sports Advocate
Biographical Text
Growing up, Claudia Lane Dodson (August 31, 1941–August 18, 2007) loved to play sports, and she lettered in basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse while earning her degree in physical education at Westhampton College of the University of Richmond in 1963. After completing her master's degree at the University of Tennessee, she chaired the girls' physical education department at a Chesterfield County high school. In 1971 she became programs supervisor for girls' athletics for the Virginia High School League, which then sponsored only one statewide competition for girls. <br /><br />Dedicated to developing opportunities for girls' athletics, Dodson fought the perception that providing opportunities for girls meant decreasing those available for boys. She pushed for every high school to offer two sports for girls during each of three athletic seasons and to offer regional and state finals in all of them. The number of girls playing high school sports in Virginia increased from about 8,100 in 1972 to more than 30,000 in 1982. At the time of her retirement in 2002, the VHSL offered 31 state championships for girls. Dodson was one of the first two women appointed to the National Basketball Committee of the United States and Canada. In 1996 she helped found WinS (Women in Sports) to support and recognize female athletes in the Charlottesville area. <br /><br />The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association honored her contributions to high school sports with its Distinguished Service Award in 1996. The VHSL renamed its Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award in Dodson's honor in 2007.<br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/va-women-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a></span><span> </span><span>Virginia Women in History honoree, Library of Virginia.</span>
Bibliography
Image Courtesy of the Library 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
Claudia L. Dodson
Subject
The topic of the resource
Virginia Women in History
Description
An account of the resource
As a programs supervisor for the Virginia High School League, Claudia L. Dodson was dedicated to developing opportunities for girls' athletics across the state.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019 Virginia Women in History Honoree
Sports and Media