February 2014


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


The Hampton Roads Messenger 9


Marcellus Spencer


“Boo” Williams, Jr. youth sports mentor


James Randolph Spencer judge


Mary Hatwood Futrell


educator


William Darnell “Bill” Euille mayor


John Mitchell, Jr. newspaper editor


Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly


seamstress


James Heyward Blackwell school principal


Olivia Ferguson McQueen


civil rights pioneer


UNSTOPPABLE


They overcame obstacles to pave the way.


History has shown that nothing can stop African-American Virginians from making progress for themselves and their communities.


Dominion and the Library of Virginia are proud to honor the 2014 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History, who overcame obstacles from slavery and segregation to family illiteracy and discrimination.


Their achievements tore down barriers in education, careers and politics to pave the way for tomorrow’s young leaders.


The Strong Men & Women in Virginia History program is sponsored by Dominion and the Library of Virginia to honor the contributions of influential African-American leaders. The program also helps prepare future leaders by providing student scholarships and grants, as well as resource materials for schools. To learn more about the program, its honorees and available resource materials, visit lva.virginia.gov/smw.


HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014 HONOREES 1861 ELIZABETH HOBBS KECKLY, after overcoming slavery to


become a seamstress to Washington’s elite, adds the White House to her client list as dressmaker and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln. Goes on to establish aid organizations for African Americans and writes her memoir, Behind the Scenes.


1884 JOHN MITCHELL, JR., is named editor of the Richmond Planet


and overcomes intimidation to pioneer civil rights advocacy. Fights lynching, discrimination and disenfranchisement, and later helps found Mechanics’ Savings Bank to protect African-American financial interests.


1888 JAMES HEYWARD BLACKWELL, after overcoming family


illiteracy, achieves the position of school principal and makes high school available to African-American students in Manchester, Va. Later establishes numerous businesses to expand opportunities for his community.


1982 MARCELLUS SPENCER “BOO” WILLIAMS, JR., launches


a youth basketball league with only $400 and 46 players. Overcomes those humble beginnings, growing the league to 200 teams and 2,000 players from across the country. Goes on to develop a state-of-the-art community sports facility in Hampton.


1983 MARY HATWOOD FUTRELL, after overcoming a segregated


education to become a teacher, is elected president of the National Education Association — the first of an unprecedented three terms. Earlier helped desegregate Alexandria’s schools.


1986 JAMES RANDOLPH SPENCER is appointed the first African-


American federal judge from Virginia, overcoming a long-standing barrier. This caps a distinguished career that began with a Harvard law degree and included service in the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps.


2003 WILLIAM DARNELL “BILL” EUILLE wins election as


Alexandria’s first African-American mayor, overcoming centuries of political exclusion. The accountant, business owner and local leader has been involved in many charitable organizations and business organizations, such as the Northern Virginia Urban League.


2013 OLIVIA FERGUSON MCQUEEN receives her high school


diploma — 54 years late. As a teenager, she successfully went to court to desegregate Charlottesville schools, which closed in response, denying her a diploma. She overcame by earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.


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