Rappahannock Community College to Host Library of Virginia’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Traveling Exhibition
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) will host Strong Men & Women in Virginia History 2026, a traveling exhibition from the Library of Virginia, at the Glenns Campus Library from March 16 through April 25.
Presented in partnership with Dominion Energy, the annual exhibition honors African Americans whose achievements and contributions have shaped the Commonwealth and the nation. The exhibit is available free of charge for a six-week loan period and is open to students, employees, and community members during regular library hours.
The 2026 honorees include:
- Sharon Y. Bowen, Chesapeake — Corporate Attorney
- William Hughes Dillard, Arlington County — United States Army Officer
- Sheary Ann Darcus Johnson, Harrisonburg — Civil Rights Pioneer
- Florence Neal Cooper Smith, Richmond — Public Health Advocate
African Americans have been part of Virginia’s — and America’s — story since the beginning of European colonization in North America. Yet the contributions of African Americans have often been overlooked, obscured, or underrepresented in historical accounts. The Strong Men & Women in Virginia History exhibition highlights individuals who refused to be defined by their circumstances and whose determination and perseverance helped create positive change.
Through education, advocacy, military service, public health leadership, and professional excellence, this year’s honorees exemplify the profound and lasting impact African Americans have had on Virginia’s history and the broader American experience.
RCC invites the community to visit the Glenns Campus Library between March 16 and April 25 to learn more about these inspiring Virginians and reflect on the ongoing contributions of African Americans to the Commonwealth.
For more information about visiting the exhibit, contact the Glenns Campus Library at Rappahannock Community College.