Descendant Advisory Board
Photo courtesy: Albert W. Durant Collection, Visual Resources, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,
"A Group of Female Graduates," Bruton Heights, circa 1950s
Members of the local descendant communities have long played a critical role as the keepers of Black history through their deep knowledge and lived experiences passed down through generations, as well as through their generosity in providing oral histories and other records to local archives. Convened by The Village Initiative, the Descendant Advisory Board plays the lead role in shaping the content of this online archive, the focus of the exhibits, and the interpretation of the histories.
Mrs. Jacqueline Bridgeforth Williams
Founder and Executive Director
The Village Initiative
Mr. Philip Canady
Board Member
The Village Initiative
Mrs. Janice Canaday
Mr. Devin Canaday
Mrs. Hope Carter
Ms. Antonia Darnella
Mrs. Jacquelyn Gardner
Rev. Dr. Julie Grace
Dr. Crystal Haskins
Ms. Edith Heard
Ms. Latasha Holloway
Mrs. Sara Linda Howard
Mr. Brandon Lee
Mr. Willie Parker
Mrs. Peggy Randall
Mrs. Johnette Weaver
Honorary Board Member
Ms. Sherri Ashby
In honor of her giving spirit and service to the community.