Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Orange County African American Historical Society’s 2026 Annual Eclipse Awards! Your presence, encouragement, and generosity helped make this celebration special. Together, we honored six remarkable individuals whose leadership and service continue to strengthen our community: Rev. Robert T. Anthony, Sr. — Faithful Leader Dr. Tamika L. Carey — Generational Bridge Cliff Gregory — Community Connector Ed Harvey — Culture Build

Frank S. Walker, Jr. has dedicated much of his life to discovering, documenting, and sharing the history of Orange County, Virginia. He was a dairy farmer until it became clear there was little future in it. In his early forties, he became a lawyer. A respected historian and storyteller, Frank has spent decades researching, writing, and teaching so the county's history reflects all its people. His landmark 2004 book, Remembering: A History of Orange County, Virginia, preserve

Joann Tolbert is a remarkable leader, role model, and dedicated servant whose compassion and commitment have made a lasting impact throughout Orange County, Virginia. For nearly two decades, she devoted herself to serving individuals and families through the Love Outreach Food Pantry, providing not only essential assistance but also encouragement, dignity, and hope. For several years, Joann led the Love Outreach volunteer team, combining her expertise in food handling with a

Dr. Tamika L. Carey is a scholar, educator, author, musician, and community advocate whose journey began in Orange County, Virginia, and whose work honors the stories and traditions that shaped her. A proud native of the Careytown community and a product of Orange County Public Schools, Dr. Carey earned her B.A. and M.A. in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and her doctorate in Composition and Cultural Rhetoric from Syracuse University. Today, she is an Associate

Cliff Gregory, a native of Fluvanna County, is a dedicated advocate whose professional work and volunteer service reflect his commitment to opportunity, dignity, and second chances. Cliff brings more than 25 years of professional experience in sales and financial services and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Union University. Since joining OAR, Jefferson Area Community Corrections, in November 2023, Cliff has served as Rural Reentry Coordi

Reverend Robert T. Anthony, Sr. has devoted his life to faith, family, ministry, and service to the Orange County community. Born in Newark, New Jersey, to the late George and Charlotte Anthony, he moved to Orange County during childhood and has called Barboursville home ever since. He is married to Sarah Carey Anthony and is the proud father of three children and grandfather of eight. Reverend Anthony’s spiritual foundation began at Blue Run Baptist Church, where he was bapt

For more than five decades, Ed Harvey has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the arts, communications, and community service. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Ed began his television career while still in high school and continued working in television while attending Lynchburg College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts in 1969. Ed served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973, working in television production with Armed Forces Television

Presenting the Eclipse Awards Class of 2025 Phil Audibert Heritage keeper Valencia Bailey Guardian angel Crystal Snead Crockett Faith-driven trailblazer Markiana Smith Community builder Ayana B. Thurston Devoted public servant Bernice Washington Empowerment champion

Celebrate the Eclipse Awards Class of 2024 A Physician/Musician, a Nurse, a Radio Disc Jockey, a Church volunteer and historian, an...

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