WHEREAS, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing greater understanding of the history and culture of Black people and African Americans in the Commonwealth through educational resources, service, and opportunities, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) was founded by Carroll Anderson, Sr., in 1981 and officially opened to the public in 1991; and

WHEREAS, the first iteration of the BHMVA was located at 100 Clay Street in the historic district of Jackson Ward in Richmond in a home that was purchased by the Council of Colored Women in 1922 and that had also served as the Black branch of the Richmond Public Library after 1932; and

WHEREAS, the BHMVA relocated to Richmond's Leigh Street Armory in 2016 after a grant from the national historical preservation program Save America's Treasures supported the armory's rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, visitors to the BHMVA's new modern and inviting space are drawn by permanent galleries exploring major periods and themes from Black history, temporary traveling exhibitions and exhibitions by local artists and community organizations, interactive exhibitions and educational nooks for children, a 35-foot digital timeline, large-scale contemporary art pieces depicting Arthur Ashe and the Emancipation Oak at Hampton University, and a cafe; and

WHEREAS, the BHMVA's children's programming has attracted families from throughout the Richmond area while its annual Children's Book Festival is attended by more than 600 local first and second graders each year; and

WHEREAS, to commemorate its 40th anniversary, the BHMVA presented a special exhibition titled Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality: A Survey of the History of the Black Experience in Virginia, exemplifying how the BHMVA shines light on untold or forgotten stories in an effort to enlighten future generations and encourage a more diverse and inclusive society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the museum's history and its contributions to the Commonwealth.