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Strong Men & Women in Virginia History
Since 2013, the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy have honored distinguished Virginians, past and present, as Strong Men & Women in Virginia History for their important contributions to the state, the nation, or their professions. Our traveling exhibition can be seen at public libraries and local history institutions around the Commonwealth. High school students are invited to participate in our annual Creative Expressions Contest.
Learn about past Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees at Virginia Changemakers.
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2026 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Honorees
People of African descent have been a part of Virginia’s — and America’s — story since European colonization of the North American continent began. Yet the contributions of African Americans often have been ignored, obscured, or underappreciated by those who recorded history. Our Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees offer powerful examples of individuals who refused to be defined by their circumstances. Their biographies are a testament to the determination and perseverance displayed by extraordinary people during challenging times. These individuals demonstrate how African Americans have actively campaigned through education and advocacy for better lives for themselves and all Americans.
Sharon Y. Bowen
As chair of the New York Stock Exchange, Sharon Bowen has blazed a path in corporate America for women and African Americans.
William H. Dillard
In a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, Colonel William Hughes Dillard honorably served his country at home and abroad.
Sheary D. Johnson
The first Black student to earn an undergraduate degree at James Madison University, Sheary D. Johnson seeks to help those in her community reach their full potential.
Florence C. Smith
Florence Neal Cooper Smith has been a tireless advocate for the public awareness and treatment of sickle cell disease at the local, state and national levels.
Traveling Exhibition
Find out if this year's traveling exhibition will be at a location near you.
View ScheduleFor Educators
Need posters for your school or library?
Suggested Class Activities
- Creative Expressions Contest
- Nominate an honoree
- Interviews
- Guiding Questions
Encourage your high school students to participate in our annual Creative Expressions Contest.
Let your class be a part of history in the making!
Nominate a future Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree using the form below.
Nominate a future Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree using the form below.
Choose one of the Strong Men & Women honorees that you would like to learn more about.
Imagine that you are going to interview this person for the local newspaper. What questions would you ask?
Consider the person’s background and achievements and decide what the most relevant questions to you and your community are. Think about what people in your community would want to know about this person.
After you have written down your questions, imagine that you are the person. How would you answer the interview questions?
Imagine that you are going to interview this person for the local newspaper. What questions would you ask?
Consider the person’s background and achievements and decide what the most relevant questions to you and your community are. Think about what people in your community would want to know about this person.
After you have written down your questions, imagine that you are the person. How would you answer the interview questions?
Drawing from the biographies of current and past honorees online at Virginia Changemakers, develop an investigative process that summarizes their accomplishments and provides students with information that they can use in a summary discussion.
Which three African Americans faced the most challenges to their achievements? Why do you think their obstacles were greater? Consider factors such as an honoree’s race or socioeconomic class.
How do you think these African Americans perceived their accomplishments? Is it within the sphere of what was expected of African Americans during the era in which they lived? What is your evidence? Would they agree with your perception of their accomplishments?
Do modern honorees have as many obstacles to face as historic ones? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the biographies and outside historic knowledge.
Which three African Americans faced the most challenges to their achievements? Why do you think their obstacles were greater? Consider factors such as an honoree’s race or socioeconomic class.
How do you think these African Americans perceived their accomplishments? Is it within the sphere of what was expected of African Americans during the era in which they lived? What is your evidence? Would they agree with your perception of their accomplishments?
Do modern honorees have as many obstacles to face as historic ones? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the biographies and outside historic knowledge.
Nominate an honoree for 2027
- Who can submit a nomination?
- How do I choose a person to nominate?
- How do I submit a nomination?
- More questions?
Anyone can submit a nomination, but we encourage students and classes to recognize people who have made a difference by nominating an outstanding Black Virginian.
If your class’s nominee is chosen, the nominating teacher will be eligible to receive $250 toward school supplies or instructional materials. The teacher and class will also be recognized at the 2027 Strong Men and Women reception in Richmond.
If your class’s nominee is chosen, the nominating teacher will be eligible to receive $250 toward school supplies or instructional materials. The teacher and class will also be recognized at the 2027 Strong Men and Women reception in Richmond.
Think about people who have made a major difference in your community, the state, or their professions. Look for people who have—or who should have—made it into the history books.
Please note that past honorees are ineligible for repeated recognition, so check the list of previous Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees at Virginia Changemakers before getting started.
Please note that past honorees are ineligible for repeated recognition, so check the list of previous Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees at Virginia Changemakers before getting started.
Complete and submit the nomination form below by June 1, 2026.
If your class creates posters, presentations, or any other type of project, we would love to see the results as well.
Please email any files to education@lva.virginia.gov. You can include originals or photographs of your students’ work. We enjoy seeing history in action!
If your class creates posters, presentations, or any other type of project, we would love to see the results as well.
Please email any files to education@lva.virginia.gov. You can include originals or photographs of your students’ work. We enjoy seeing history in action!
Contact us at education@lva.virginia.gov.
Honoree Nomination Form
Nominations are currently closed.
