A few months ago, I listened via Virginia Commonwealth University Community Zoom to Girl Scout Amelia V. Johnson detail her Gold Award project, “The Historical Ownership and Land Use of VCU Rice Rivers Center.”

“After a year of research into land patents, deeds, wills, and reports, [Johnson] uncovered a previously unknown line of property ownership. She also gathered important information on the Weyanoke Native American tribe and identified 94 enslaved individuals who impacted the property.

“Her goal was to document and showcase the contributions of native populations and enslaved persons, whose legacies are important to preserve, and to share their stories with the public.”

Johnson created a database of enslaved people held on the property and designed the remarkable educational sign that now stands on the Center’s grounds. I was deeply inspired by her interest in public history and her meticulous work, and I count her as a role model for Black Wide-Awake. Bravo, Amelia Johnson!