Preservation Virginia announced the 2024 class of its African American Fellowship Program recently, recognizing five community preservationists for their dedication to historic preservation and research. Among this year’s fellows is Michelle Evans-Oliver, a renowned local genealogist.

Evans-Oliver, president and wealth advisor of The Oliver Financial Group, combines her expertise in financial literacy with a passion for genealogical and historical research. Her fellowship project will focus on genealogical research and preservation at Evergreen Cemetery in Richmond, a historically significant African American burial ground. Her work aims to document and honor the lives of those interred there, contributing to a fuller understanding of the city’s African American heritage.

The African American Fellowship Program, part of Preservation Virginia’s Voices Remembered initiative, was established in 2021 to increase the number of trained community preservationists focused on African American historic sites in Virginia. This year’s fellows will engage in Preservation 101 coursework, mentorship and hands-on research projects, culminating in presentations at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia on Aug. 15.

Other fellows in the 2024 cohort include Lorenzo Dickerson, a documentary filmmaker from Albemarle County; Dr. James Mitchell Harrison, a genealogist from Surry; Michael Johnson, a cemetery preservationist from Alexandria; and Horace Scruggs, a filmmaker from Palmyra.

Preservation Virginia is dedicated to advocating for and preserving Virginia’s historic places through education, revitalization and stewardship. Learn more about their work at preservationvirginia.org.