2026 BLK RVA Community Awards Finalists
The 2026 BLK RVA Community Awards finalists represent the people and organizations making a lasting impact through history, arts and culture, culinary excellence, entrepreneurship, service, and community connection. Meet the changemakers, creatives, and community leaders helping to make a difference in the Richmond Region.
Finalists are listed alphabetically within each category.
MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Shaqwan “Mad Skillz” Lewis
“Skillz”, also known as Mad Skillz, is a Richmond-based Hip-Hop icon whose career spans more than two decades as an MC, songwriter, producer, DJ, and cultural storyteller. Born in Detroit and raised in part in Fayetteville before making Richmond his home, he developed his craft through a deep connection to Hip-Hop culture and gained national recognition after signing with Atlantic Records following his performance at the New Music Seminar. He became a respected songwriter and ghostwriter, creating music for major artists including Jay-Z and Will Smith, while also building his own legacy through his acclaimed “Rap Up” series, which has become a nationally recognized Hip-Hop tradition. Beyond music, Skillz has served as an artist-in-residence at the University of Richmond, created Hip Hop Confessions, and has been honored by the City of Richmond for his lasting influence on the city’s culture.
HISTORY - CULTURAL PRESERVATION AWARD
Gary Flowers / Walking the Ward
Walking the Ward with Gary Flowers was established in 2016 by Gary Flowers, a 15th-generation Virginian, 5th-generation Richmonder, and 4th-generation Jackson Ward resident dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s hidden Black history. Through a 20-stop walking and motor coach tour, the organization reveals the stories of the individuals, institutions, and achievements that shaped Jackson Ward, known as the birthplace of Black capitalism in the United States and the “Harlem of the South.” Gary Flowers’ work attracts visitors from around the world while highlighting Richmond’s significant role in African American history and the nation’s broader story. His mission is to uncover and share historically overlooked narratives that deserve recognition on a national and international scale.
The JXN Project
The JXN Project is a research-based historic preservation nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Jackson Ward and its significance in the Black American experience. Founded by Richmond natives Enjoli Moon and Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, the organization explores the complex history of one of the nation’s first historically registered Black urban neighborhoods and a community recognized as one of America’s first Black Wall Streets. Through extensive research, JXN investigates the origins and legacy of Jackson Ward, including the ongoing historical question surrounding the community’s namesake. The organization has led major public history initiatives, including the 150th anniversary celebration of Jackson Ward, educational lecture series, and the “Unveiling The Vanguard” street installation honoring the neighborhood’s influential figures and legacy.
The Shockoe Institute
The Shockoe Institute is a national organization dedicated to revealing the history of American racial slavery, its lasting impact, and using those lessons to strengthen civic life. Located in Shockoe Bottom, the institute created Expanding Freedom, a 10,000-square-foot permanent exhibit that explores the origins and enduring legacy of slavery in a former epicenter of the domestic slave trade. Through an $11 million grant from the Mellon Foundation in partnership with the City of Richmond, the Institute developed this unique historical and educational resource for the community and visitors nationwide. Since opening in April 2026, Expanding Freedom has welcomed more than 1,000 visitors, including local residents, student groups, community organizations, and national audiences, providing a space to engage with history and inspire meaningful civic action.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - CULTURAL ENRICHMENT AWARD
Ashley White, Artist
Ashley White is a multidisciplinary artist and designer whose work explores identity, heritage, and storytelling through collage, sculpture, and object-based practices. Her artistic practice centers on the beauty, resilience, and lived experiences of Black women, using materials, style, and adornment as forms of cultural expression and communication. Through mixed media, sculpture, and functional objects, Ashley creates pieces that reflect memory, lineage, and the lasting influence of Black creativity across generations. She is also the founder of Styledentity, a handmade accessories and object brand that extends her exploration of identity and storytelling through wearable art and slow fashion.
Henrico County Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Henrico County Recreation and Parks creates opportunities for connection, learning, and community engagement through parks, programs, events, and partnerships that foster a sense of belonging. The department’s Juneteenth Celebration has grown into one of the Richmond Region’s largest cultural events, providing education, entertainment, and economic opportunities for local businesses and organizations. Through free cultural exhibits, live performances, and interactive family activities, the celebration brings thousands of residents together to honor history and celebrate community. Its continued growth reflects the dedication of the team behind the event and its impact in creating meaningful connections across generations and backgrounds.
Virginia Hip-Hop Foundation
The Virginia Hip-Hop Foundation preserves and promotes Virginia’s Hip-Hop culture through storytelling, education, and community engagement, creating opportunities to celebrate the artists and history that shaped the culture. Its events, including the inaugural program at Virginia State University and two 2026 programs at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, have featured Richmond legends, emerging artists, and internationally recognized contributors such as Nickelus F, Mad Skillz, NOAH-O, Mikki Spencer, Joseph Patel, and The Lady of Rage. These programs have attracted hundreds of cultural enthusiasts and generated more than 20,000 online views through recorded event releases on YouTube.
FOOD & DRINK - CULINARY IMPACT AWARD
Buna Kurs Ethiopian Café / Lily Fasil
Lily Fasil is the founder and owner of Buna Kurs Ethiopian Café, a Black woman-owned business located in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Born and raised in Ethiopia, Lily created Buna Kurs as a space to share her culture through authentic Ethiopian food, coffee, and hospitality, while fostering connection and cultural understanding. Through community partnerships, educational experiences, and a welcoming environment, the café has introduced many Richmond residents to Ethiopian traditions while contributing to the city’s culinary landscape. Since opening, Buna Kurs has become a recognized part of Richmond’s food community, including being named among the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Top 100 Restaurants for two consecutive years.
Charlotte's Southern Deli
Charlotte’s Southern Deli is a Richmond-based restaurant created by Paul and Nikki Polk that provides a welcoming space centered around exceptional food, music, community, and cultural connection. Since opening, Charlotte’s has expanded beyond dining by hosting Juneteenth Soirées, supporting Black chefs and hospitality workers, and providing a platform for local musicians and creatives through events and open mics. The restaurant has earned recognition including Richmond Magazine’s New Restaurant of the Year, the Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative, and multiple local culinary awards for its contributions to the Richmond food scene. Through supper clubs and culturally inspired dining experiences, Charlotte’s celebrates Black history, global traditions, and local ingredients while creating opportunities for guests to learn, connect, and experience new perspectives through food.
Leah Branch / The Roosevelt
Chef Leah Branch, a Chesterfield, Virginia native and graduate of Johnson & Wales University, has built a distinguished career in the food service industry spanning more than 20 years. Her experience includes roles as a baker, line cook, sous chef, executive chef, and caterer, showcasing her deep knowledge and versatility in the culinary field. She has been recognized as a Richmond Dining All-Star in 2022 and 2023, named among Richmond’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023, and selected as a James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2026. As a chef at The Roosevelt, Branch celebrates Southern cuisine while preserving and exploring the rich food traditions of the region.
RISING COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Black Girls of RVA – Cymone Hall
Black Girls of RVA, founded by Cymone Hall, has grown from a digital community into a thriving nonprofit that connects and empowers more than 10,000 Black women throughout the Richmond region. The organization creates meaningful opportunities through community service, leadership development, wellness initiatives, networking events, and scholarship fundraising while addressing gaps in representation and support. Under Cymone’s leadership, Black Girls of RVA has made a measurable impact through initiatives such as supporting families at Richmond’s Ronald McDonald House and fostering spaces for connection and personal growth. Her commitment to serving the community was recognized in 2026 when she was named ABC8’s Remarkable Woman of the Year for Central Virginia.
Homegirl Hike – Tae Waddey
Homegirl Brands is redefining what community wellness looks like by creating inclusive spaces where women can connect, heal, and thrive through free hikes, wellness experiences, volunteer initiatives, and community events. More than a wellness organization, it has become a powerful network of support that has helped women build lasting friendships, gain confidence, prioritize their health, and discover a true sense of belonging. By removing barriers to participation and making wellness accessible, Homegirl Brands has cultivated a movement that empowers women to invest in themselves while strengthening the communities around them. Through every event and shared experience, the organization demonstrates that meaningful connection has the power to transform lives, inspire personal growth, and create a lasting ripple effect across the Richmond region.
Money Smart With Tiffany – Tiffany McCoy
Tiffany McCoy, CFEI®, is the founder of Money Smart With Tiffany, LLC, a financial education company dedicated to equipping youth and families with the knowledge and confidence to build strong financial futures. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry, she partners with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to deliver engaging workshops, educational resources, books, and speaking engagements that make financial literacy practical and accessible. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor®, author, speaker, and community advocate, Tiffany is driven by the belief that teaching financial skills early can transform lives, strengthen families, and create lasting economic opportunity. Through her mission, "Teach Money Early. Change Futures Forever," she is helping empower the next generation to make informed financial decisions and break cycles of financial insecurity.
ROOTED COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
63Thirty5 Restaurant – Jonathan Johnson
Since opening his restaurant, 63Thirty5, in 2015, Mr. Johnson has transformed it into a community gathering place that extends far beyond dining by hosting events that support education, civic engagement, and economic opportunity. His initiatives include job fairs, voting rights events for formerly incarcerated individuals, school supply drives, and Richmond’s first Black Farmers Market, creating meaningful resources for local families and Black-owned businesses. He has also provided Thanksgiving meals to thousands of families, hosted free repasts for grieving families in need, and supported organizations including JP Jumpers, The Rock Project, Assist Student Athletes, and Community 50/50. Through a decade of consistent community service, Mr. Johnson has remained dedicated to uplifting the neighborhoods that shaped him, focusing on impact rather than recognition.
Girls For A Change – Angela Patton
Girls For A Change is a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to preparing Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls through leadership development, creative storytelling, community engagement, and global experiences. Under the leadership of CEO Angela Patton, the organization has spent more than two decades empowering Black girls to become changemakers while advocating for systems that recognize and invest in their brilliance. Girls For A Change has earned national recognition through initiatives including Daughters, the award-winning documentary that premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was later released on Netflix, as well as programs that provide mentorship, cultural experiences, and leadership opportunities for young women. Rooted in Richmond with an impact that extends nationwide, the organization continues to transform lives by creating spaces where Black girls are empowered to lead, thrive, and shape the future of their communities.
Henrico County Board of Supervisors – Tyrone E. Nelson
Tyrone E. Nelson has served as the Varina District representative on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors since 2011, leading efforts to preserve the county’s natural landscapes, historic sites, and cultural resources. Under his leadership, Henrico County has completed 17 conservation projects protecting more than 5,100 acres of land, planted nearly 18,000 trees since 2024, and advanced major reforestation initiatives. He also helped secure the preservation of Varina Farms and Wilton Farm, two historically significant properties that will provide lasting educational, environmental, and recreational opportunities for future generations. Through his commitment to conservation, historical preservation, and community stewardship, Nelson has helped shape a more sustainable and historically grounded future for Henrico County.