2nd Annual BLK RVA Awards Recognizes Black Changemakers
📰 This story can be found in the print issue of The Richmond Seen.
Angel Expressions Photography
by Sterling Giles
The second annual BLK RVA Community Awards (8/19), which reprised at the historic Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward, honored Richmond’s top Black community advocates, changemakers, creatives, businesses and organizations.
“Finalists and winners recognized during the second annual BLK RVA Community Awards are helping to build community pride while bringing visitors here,” said Tameka Jefferson, Richmond Region Tourism Community Relations and Diversity Program Manager. “The event brought the community together in a powerful way to celebrate the Richmond Region’s incredible leaders.
“We are grateful to everyone who voted, supported the event and continues to champion Black excellence in our region.”
From Left: Evette Roots, Michael Sparks, JP Mines, Pam Mines, Andrea Wright, Ammie Derricott, Kelly Jackson, James Crump-Wallace, Clovia Lawrence
In the months leading up to the event, the public was encouraged to send in their nominations—the categories ranged from the arts to social justice. After tallying more than 3,000 votes, 14 finalists across five categories were selected.
Below are the Community Awards winners:
Culinary Heritage Award
■ The Underground Kitchen WINNER
■ Southern Kitchen
■ Penny's Wine Shop
Cultural Enrichment Award
■ Celebration of Black Music in Film WINNER
■ Mending Walls
■ Richmond Night Market
Rooted Community Impact Award
■ JP JumPers Foundation WINNER
■ Atlantic Outreach Group
■ Faith Walker | RVA Rapid Transit
Cultural Preservation Award
■ Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia WINNER
■ Hidden In Plain Site (HiPS™)
Rising Community Impact Award
■ Around the Table WINNER
■ Henrico County's Recreation and Parks: Juneteenth Celebration
■ RVA Black Farmers Market
Rooted Community Impact Award
■ JP JumPers Foundation WINNER
■ Atlantic Outreach Group
■ Faith Walker | RVA Rapid Transit
James Crump-Wallace, first-time BLK RVA Community Award winner and the mind behind the Celebration of Black Music in Film (CBMF), was honored by the recognition.
“I am deeply grateful to receive this award,” said Crump-Wallace about the sold-out event. “CBMF sought to honor the rich musical heritage of Black cinema—and we did just that.
The ceremony was an incredible showcase of the Black hands and voices behind Richmond’s singular community. Although there were selected winners, all of the finalists are champions because of their invaluable contributions to the region.
All photography by Angel Expressions Photography
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