In observance of African American History Month in February, the Library
of Virginia is honoring eight distinguished Virginians as the 2012
African American Trailblazers in Virginia history for their
contributions to Virginia and the nation. Those being honored this year
include an anthropologist, an athlete, an entrepreneur, a filmmaker, a
political leader, a civil rights activist, a religious leader, and a
principal in a civil rights lawsuit.
This year's honorees are:
Michael L. Blakely (1953- ), Williamsburg
Anthropologist and scientific director of the African American Burial
Ground in Lower Manhattan
Noah Davis (1804-1867), Fredericksburg
Author of an emancipation narrative
James Farmer (1920-1999), Spotsylvania County
Civil rights leader and founder of CORE
John Jasper (1812-1901), Richmond
Baptist minister
Willie Lanier (1945- ), Richmond
Athlete and entrepreneur
Oscar Micheaux (1844-1951), Roanoke
Filmmaker
Yvonne B. Miller (1934- ), Norfolk
Political leader
Irene Morgan (1917--2007) Gloucester County
Principal in a civil rights lawsuit
The men and women featured as Trailblazers 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. Through
education and advocacy, these individuals demonstrate how African
Americans have actively campaigned for better lives for themselves and
their people. It is these many contributions that the African American
Trailblazers program seeks to share.
The 2012 African American Trailblazers in Virginia History program is
sponsored by Dominion with media sponsor the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
For more information, please visit
http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/trailblazers/
Barbara C. Batson
Exhibitions Coordinator
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219-8000
804-692-3518
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