Bernice Washington is a respected community leader and lifelong advocate for education, service, and faith. She has dedicated her life to uplifting others through mentorship, leadership, and volunteer efforts across Orange County and beyond. For more than 20 years, Bernice has worked at the Orange County Department of Social Services, where she recruits foster parents to serve as nurturing foster families, helps parents find employment, and supports programs that enhance the

March 1, 2025 Zion Hill Baptist Church, 802 Zion Hill Road, Keswick, VA 22947 Family Gathering, 10:00 am – 11:00 am; Memorial Service,...

Theresa Collins Williams embodies the spirit of service and compassion. She also places great importance on preserving and celebrating African American cultural heritage. For 20 years, she has been chair of Blue Run Baptist Church’s Black History Month Program, an educational and celebratory event highlighting the history and talents of church members and guests. She brings history to life, ensuring the younger generation understands and appreciates their roots. At Blue Run B

Alyssa Waller is a passionate, hard-working woman who puts passion and care for others into everything she does. As a mother of two sons, she believes the history of African Americans needs to be passed onto future generations and that African American history is inadequately addressed in our educational system. Black History Month prompts obligatory Black History programs, but the significance of Black History merits deeper inclusion in our curriculum, and rectifying histori

Robert “JD Slade” Wade has served over 50 years as an Orange County radio disc jockey and host on WJMA. At just sixteen, Bob entered the WJMA radio station, expressing his desire to become a disc jockey. Bob recalls that the preparation was far from glamorous. He spent months reading copy into a microphone to work on pronunciation. After persistent effort, Bob finally got his chance to go on air. He has since hosted over 10,000 morning shows across the United States, working

Denise Thompson is the owner of Coopers Cookin and Catering LLC. Her commitment to service is reflected in the events and initiatives she proudly organizes each year. The Annual Community Give Back Day event brings the community together to support and uplift one another. She also uses this event to thank patrons for their continued support throughout the year. Her business celebrates the community with good food and amazing entertainment totally FREE to the public. Denise al

Jennifer, also known as "Wendy" Rivas, is a compassionate and kind individual with a warm and infectious laughter that radiates joy. Her positive energy and uplifting presence leave a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Known for her exceptional caregiving skills, Wendy consistently goes above and beyond in her role. Her dedication led to her being awarded the 2023 Being Excellent Everyday (BEE) Award by the Nursing Professional Governance Office. This award recognizes

Dena Jennings, D.O. is a luthier, musician, writer, Virginia Master Naturalist, and Internal Medicine physician with certification in Ayurvedic practice. In addition to over 30 years of medical practice, she completed a 4-year apprenticeship in Ontario, Canada, to build gourd instruments of cultures around the world. She and her husband live in Nasons on an organic herb farm and meditation center they lovingly call the Farmashramonastery. There, she practices medicine and cou

Seidah Armstrong is considered a serial entrepreneur. Currently, she owns Sweet Vines Farm Winery, STREAM Bright Educational Services, and Shear Luxe Hair Studios. She is the previous owner of STEM Tot Preschool Academy and the author of ABC’s STEM & Me: An Alphabet Book on STEM Careers. She was also vice president of the government contracting firm Performance Management Services, a middle school principal, a school administrator, and a high school teacher. In 2016, Seidah d

What an incredible evening on October 28th, 2023. Amazing conversations, amazing ambiance, amazing presentation of awards, amazing food...

Gloria Johnson Gilmore grew up in Orange County and is a graduate of George Washington Carver Regional High School and West Virginia...

At 14 years old, Sakhile "Solo" Mthethwa fell in love with wrestling. He aimed to be Orange County's first Black Valedictorian and State...

Jesse Magruder's remarkable journey in education is a testament to the profound impact teachers can have on their students. Born during...

Ernestine Reid graduated in 1969 from Wyatt High School, Emporia, VA. In 1973, she received her B.S. in Education from St. Paul's...

One of our two remarkable YOUTH category recipients this year, Juliet Daniel is a dedicated advocate for justice and equality with a...

Mary Minkoff grew up in the states of Florida and Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland and shortly after joined the...

Rebecca Gilmore Coleman sparked James Madison’s Montpelier’s deep engagement with Orange’s African American community in 1999 when she...

Here are our amazing recipients

Our five distinguished honorees, in case you haven’t already heard, are: Mrs. Barbara Ann Johnson Pastor Frank Lewis, Sr. Mrs. Emily...

Nia Robinson, Youth Eclipse Awardee 2021 Nia Robinson is the daughter of Christopher and Larissa Robinson and the sister of a younger...