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Tourism Foundation honors Black culture contributors

Free Press staff report | 8/29/2024, 6 p.m.
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Black tourism and culture at the inaugural …
Elegba Folklore Society founder Janine Bell along with daughtes Imani Bell and grand- daughter Yaa-Nailah Bell-Barber accept the Cultural Preservation Award at the inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards this past Friday night at The Hippodrome Theater. Also pictured, Anissa Turner Randolph, chair of the BLK RVA Advisory Board, Greg Gallop, philanthropic associate of The Community Foundation and show host Clovia Lawrence. Photo courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism/Angel Expressions Photography

The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Black tourism and culture at the inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards.

The ceremony, held last Friday at The Hippodrome Theater, celebrated five years of BLK RVA, an initiative focused on promoting and celebrating Black culture and tourism in the Richmond area, and honored those who have helped shape the local Black cultural landscape.

Winners included the Afrikana Independent Film Festival for arts and entertainment, Richmond Black Restaurant Experience for food and drink and Elegba Folklore Society for historical preservation.

The Rising Community Impact Award went to RVA Explore Tour, while Randy and Shirley Cooper, former credit union executives, received the Rooted Community Impact Award for longtime community service.

Wells Fargo presented the event, which was hosted by radio personality Clovia Lawrence.