Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia have partnered again to celebrate the achievements of five African American leaders through the Strong Men & Women in Virginia History program which honors prominent African Americans past and present who have made noteworthy and admirable contributions to the commonwealth, the nation, and their professions. The program, which combined Dominion’s Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series and the Library of Virginia’s African American Trailblazers in Virginia History, operates only in Virginia, and was inaugurated in January 2013. “Powhatan County Public Library is proud to host the 2021 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History traveling exhibit,” said Library Director Whitney Berriman.
The 2021 honorees are:
Krysta Jones – Arlington - Political Activist & Mentor
Dr. Lerla G. Joseph – Richmond - Physician
L. Louise Lucas – Portsmouth - Virginia State Senator
Stan Maclin* - Harrisonburg - Social Justice Activist
Evelyn Reid Syphax* - Arlington - Educator
*Posthumous honor
Berriman adds, “The Strong Men and Women 2021 exhibit provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of fellow Virginians. Exhibits curated by the Library of Virginia are always interesting, informative, and educational. We are grateful for the opportunity to host the traveling exhibition for our patrons and visitors.”
“Strong Men and Women in Virginia History 2021” will be on display in the main reading area of the Library, May 26 – July 2, 2021. This exhibition from the Library of Virginia is made possible with support from Dominion Energy. Photos and biographies of this year’s honorees are available at the Library of Virginia's Strong Men & Women website.