Library of Virginia honoring 8 black trailblazers

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The Associated Press
© January 30, 2012

RICHMOND

The Library of Virginia is honoring eight Virginians in February in observance of African-American History Month.

The eight include names from the state's history books as well as contemporary figures. Biographies of the honorees will be displayed in an exhibition at the library in Richmond through the month of February.

The eight are: anthropologist Michael L. Blakely, who was in charge of scientific research on the African Burial Ground in New York City; emancipation author Noah Davis of Fredericksburg; civil rights leader James Farmer of Spotsylvania County; former slave and Baptist minister John Jasper; football great and entrepreneur Willie Lanier; pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux; former state legislator Yvonne B. Miller of Norfolk; and civil rights activist Irene Morgan of Gloucester County.

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Worthy of honors!

Submitted by ronr23452 on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 3:41 pm.

I would like to know who the non black honorees are?

Contact

Submitted by boblakeman on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 11:10 am.

If you haven't heard of Willie Lanier you owe it to yourself to learn more about him. I had the privilege of meeting Willie many years ago and he was a very humble and down to earth person.

His nickname when he played for the KC Chiefs was "Contact" as he played a devastating type of defense. A native of Richmond, VA, he has lead an exemplary life after induction to the Football Hall of Fame.

He has been successful both as a stockbroker and as CEO of TDS US, a major logistics supply firm with contracts with Mercedes Benz and other major automotive firms.

Mr. Lanier is an athlete, highly successful businessman and important role model. He may be less well known than Bruce Smith, Lawrence Taylor or Michael Vick, Willie is pure class.

Cool

Submitted by cs on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 9:20 am.

I hadn't heard of most of these folks. There's nothing I could find on the Library of Virginia website yet but I hope they do. I'd like to find out more about these people. I appreciate the Library addressing Black History Month with a Virginia angle because I think local history can be more accessible and interesting.

Former?

Submitted by ralphb22964 on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 8:37 am.

Former state legislator Yvonne B. Miller. Has she finally retired? I thought she was still in office.

Who is responsible

Submitted by Estimated Prophet on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 10:16 am.

for you not knowing?

Comment deleted

Submitted by admin (staffer) on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 7:30 am.

Comment removed for rules violation. Reason: Off topic

Oh, nevermind. I thought they were honoring cars till I read it

Submitted by xptown on Mon, 01/30/2012 at 7:08 am.

I thought, well, If you honor 8 black Trailblazers, then why not honor 8 black Explorers and 8 black Durangos. Throw in a few honorable mention Suburbans and Expeditions, too. All very nice vehicles. Seriously, though, these are very great people. Way to go.