By Alexis Taylor
AFRO Managing Editor
An attorney, a U.S. Army officer, a civil rights pioneer and a public health advocate are all honored in the 14th annual “Strong Men and Women in Virginia History” exhibit.
Presented by Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia, the leaders were recognized this Black History Month alongside scholars who took part in the Student Creative Expressions Contest.
Each year African-American entrepreneurs and leaders who have paved the way for future generations are highlighted. Over the years, those celebrated have come from all walks of life, to include elected leaders, members of the medical community, teachers and more. Past honorees include John Wesley Cromwell (September 5, 1846–April 14, 1927), the publisher of the People’s Advocate, who was born a slave in Portsmouth, Va., NASA astronaut Leland D. Melvin and Aline Elizabeth Black (March 23, 1906–August 22, 1974), the woman who took on the fight for equal pay for teachers.
The 2026 class of honorees includes Chesapeake, Va. native Sharon Bowen, now a corporate attorney and chair of the New York Stock Exchange; William Hughes Dillard, the late U.S. Army Officer from Arlington County,Va.; Sheary Ann Darcus Johnson, a civil rights advocate from Harrisonburg, Va., and Florence Neal Cooper Smith, the Richmond native who has lead efforts to improve sickle cell outcomes in public health.
“This year’s Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honorees exemplify courage and determination, leaving a lasting impact on their communities,” said Ed Baine, executive vice president of utility operations and president of Dominion Energy Virginia, in a statement. “We proudly recognize these remarkable individuals who used their professional skills and talents to inspire progress and positive change for generations to come.”
Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark, in a statement, said the 2026 honorees have “enriched the lives of Virginians.”
“This year’s honorees exemplify inspiring stories of perseverance and excellence, continuing legacies that uplift our Commonwealth,” said Clark.
A traveling exhibit will now celebrate the lives and legacies of the 2026 honorees as it moves throughout the state this year, informing the general public of how they improved life for all Virginians.
The exhibit looped in youths throughout the state with a creative contest. Scholars were asked to highlight the story of a Black changemaker that often goes untold. All of the finalists personally received an Apple MacBook Air laptop, while their individual schools were also supported with funds.
Vrinda Shah, of Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond, Va. took the top spot in the student contest, with a website to honor the woman who laid the groundwork for modern day GPS systems, the late Dr. Gladys Mae West.
West died in January 2026.
