On Juneteenth 2020, Governor Ralph Northam announced the content of “20 new state historical highway markers that address topics of national, state, and regional significance in Virginia’s African American history. The Virginia Board of Historic Resources approved the markers at its public quarterly meeting on June 18. Five of the 20 new markers were suggested by students across the Commonwealth in the Governor’s Inaugural Black History Month Historical Marker Contest.”

“’This is another win for the Commonwealth,’ said Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Dr. Janice Underwood. ‘To move Virginia forward, it is vital that we prioritize telling a more complete narrative of our story. The extraordinary individuals represented in these markers are Black lives that mattered. In real time, we are building a road map for the country as millions across the nation reflect about Black oppression and the systemic reforms necessary for healing, reconciliation and racial equity.’”

For the full text of the media release, click here.

For the full text of the new markers, click here.