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Black History Month Celebration
Virginia State University and Chesterfield County proudly presented the 34th Black History Month (BHM) Celebration. Each February, Chesterfield County and Virginia State University celebrate the month with a variety of programs designed to explore the rich, diverse heritage of African Americans and their contributions to our community and nation. The 2023 BHM theme was Uniting Today for a Better Tomorrow.
Celebration Events
Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for the virtual programs and in-person events that were part of the 2023 BHM Celebration (PDF). Information regarding the 2024 celebration will begin to be available in late 2023 and early 2024.
Leadership for the 21st Century Scholarships
The Chesterfield County Black History Month Celebration Program sponsors the Leadership for the 21st Century Scholarships for eligible Chesterfield County Public Schools students. The scholarships are designed to recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of Chesterfield County high school seniors.
This year’s scholarship essay asked Chesterfield County high school seniors to reflect on the 2023 Black History Month theme Uniting Today for a Better Tomorrow. The students’ essays focused on important moments in our history that have united the American people for a better tomorrow and how cultural events and people have impacted their life and community.
2023 Annual Scholarship Recognition
On Friday, Feb. 17, six winners were awarded $2,500 scholarships, with one winner selected from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and the sixth chosen from one of the regional governor schools at the Annual Scholarship Recognition. The event was held at Virginia State University's (VSU) Gateway Dining and Event Center. Terrell A. Benton, regional vice president for the YMCA of Greater Richmond, delivered the keynote address during the Scholarship Recognition Program.
2023 Chesterfield County Leadership for the 21st Century scholarship winners (PDF):
- Gabriella Baracat, Clover Hill High School
- Elena Bland, Cosby High School
- Madison Hawley, Thomas Dale High School
- Joanne Lin, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
- Conner Reid, Midlothian High School
- William Waid, L.C. Bird High School
From left: Joanne Lin, Gabriella Baracet, Connor Reid, William Waid and Elena Bland.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a sponsor of the Virginia State University and Chesterfield County Black History Month Celebration by donating to the VSU Office of Institutional Advancement. For more information, please contact the VSU Office of Institutional Advancement by calling 804-524-5045.