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NPHC - Duke Street Black History Tour

NPHC - Duke Street Black History Tour
NPHC - Duke Street Black History Tour
NPHC - Duke Street Black History Tour
NPHC - Duke Street Black History Tour

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ALEXANDRIA, VA โ€” Today, we took a powerful journey through time as we participated in a Black History walking tour along Alexandriaโ€™s historic Duke Street. Organized by the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Northern Virginia, the event served as both an educational program and a moment of reflection.

The tour was led by John Taylor Chapman, founder of Manumission Tour Company and a noted local historian who expertly guided the group through the complex narrative of the Duke Street corridor. The area once served as a center for the domestic slave trade and later became a site of resilience and urban transformation.

๐Ÿ“ธ: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/678

 

VA HB478 Signing

VA HB478 Signing

RICHMOND, Va. โ€” I am incredibly proud of Matthias, his classmates, and Mrs. Annie Ray for having the opportunity to meet Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger as she signed HB478 into law yesterday.

This achievement would not have been possible without the passion, creativity, hard work, and dedication of Mrs. Ray and the students who helped inspire this legislation. Thanks to their efforts, Virginia will now recognize fine arts achievement with a special diploma seal and acknowledge fine arts as a high-demand career field.

A special thank-you to Delegate Vivian Watts, the sponsor of HB478, for championing this important legislation and supporting expanded opportunities for students in fine arts education across the Commonwealth.

Their voices, talents, and creativity are helping shape the future, and I could not be a prouder parent or supporter of Annandale High School.

๐Ÿ“ธ: Photo provided by Annie Ray

 

JMU Coaches Caravan

JMU Coaches Caravan
JMU Coaches Caravan
JMU Coaches Caravan
JMU Coaches Caravan
JMU Coaches Caravan

ALDIE, Va. โ€” It was a great evening on Tuesday as the JMU Coaches Caravan made its Northern Virginia stop at Lark Brewing Co. The energy and vision surrounding JMU and its athletics programs are continuing to build, and itโ€™s clear thereโ€™s a lot to be excited about in Harrisonburg.ย 

It was exciting to hear from JMU President Dr. James Schmidt, Athletics Director Matt Roan, first-year football coach Billy Napier, womenโ€™s basketball coach Sean Oโ€™Regan, and menโ€™s basketball coach Preston Spradlin.

Proud to be part of the Duke Club community and looking forward to another great year for the Dukes! ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’›

 

Honoring Those Who Served

Honoring Those Who Served

ARLINGTON, Va. โ€” Today, members of the Omicron Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. showed up in service at the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington, Virginia for their Honor Flight Service Project. Our family had the honor of joining them and welcoming veterans from Georgia, New York, and Florida as they arrived for their Honor Flights. ย 

 

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

MIDDLETOWN, Va. โ€” Located in Virginiaโ€™s scenic Shenandoah Valley, theย Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park preserves a landscape rich in both agricultural heritage and Civil War history. The site encompasses the historic Belle Grove Plantation, a grand 18th-century manor built in 1797, as well as the fields of the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek, fought on October 19, 1864, where Union forces secured a decisive victory that helped solidify control of the Valley. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored plantation house, walk the battlefield trails, and learn about the lives of the diverse people who lived and worked on the land, making the park a powerful place to reflect on the regionโ€™s cultural and historical legacy.

๐Ÿ“ธ: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/6