Seven local African-Americans were honored with a reception on Friday for their achievements as the most influential and respected African-American leaders in South Boston/Halifax County. Dozens attended the Gallery of Greatness dinner held at Washington-Coleman Community Center in South Boston.
The lives of Lottie Bolden, William Bryant Claiborne, William E. Coleman, Frank Lee, Matthew McCargo, Edward Owens and Dr. Nettie Simon Owens were unveiled recognizing these men and women for being forerunners for justice, equality, economic development, infrastructure, planning, community revitalization and mentoring to upcoming generations both personally and professionally. Local photographer Dianna Allen, owner/operator of Dianna Allen Portrait Design, originated the idea to acknowledge local African-Americans in Halifax County for their achievements. In a moving video, Allen unveiled the honorees who were nominated and chosen to represent this year's theme "They Walk Among Us." She said the theme is symbolic because she is honoring local individuals while they are yet living and can revel in the appreciation of their family, friends and peers. "Those honored at the reception Friday are simply put ordinary people who have done extraordinary things to make our community a better place," Allen said. "The culmination of the combined and collective efforts of the honorees is to commemorate the history, heritage and the triumphs of these local African-American legends," Allen said.
The Gallery Reception was sponsored in part by Dianna Allen Portrait Design, Big Fade Entertainment, Keja'eh Enterprises, H&M Logging and The Swann Foundation.
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The John Randolph Hotel redevelopment project received another boost this week when Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a round of Industrial Revitalization Fund grants.
