Black excellence recognized
Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/ Richmond Free Press | 8/28/2025, 6 p.m.
Award winners pose on stage at the Hippodrome. Pictured left to right: Evette Roots, vice president and senior social impact and sustainability specialist, Wells Fargo; Micheal Sparks, CEO of The Underground Kitchen; JP Mines and his mother, Pam Mines, founder of the JP JumPers Foundation; Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia; Ammie Derricott and Kelly Jackson, owners of Around The Table LLC; James Crump-Wallace, founder of Celebration of Black Music in Film; and host Clovia Lawrence, community outreach director for Radio One Inc.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Richmond’s Black community came together for the BLK RVA Awards. This year’s theme, “Proud Voices,” highlighted the leaders and stories that define the region. Held at the Hippodrome Theater on Friday, Aug. 22, the evening celebrated achievements across arts, culture, food and community impact.
From left, Shiloh Jones, Khelia Jones, Autumn Wiggins- Merrill and Crystal Puryear of Atlantic Outreach Group, a finalist for the Rooted Community Impact Award, at the BLK RVA Community Awards on Friday, Aug. 22.
Kelly Jackson and Ammie Derricott, owners of Around The Table LLC, head to the stage to accept the Rising Community Impact Award at the BLK RVA Community Awards.
