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Strong Men & Women in History

Celebrating Excellence

In observance of Black History month, Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia came together to honor distinguished African American Virginians - past and present - as Strong Men & Women in Virginia History, recognizing their lasting contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and their professions.

"This year's Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees exemplify courage and determination, leaving a lasting impact on their communities," said Ed Baine, Executive Vice President of Utility Operations and President of Dominion Energy Virginia. "We proudly recognize these remarkable individuals who used their professional skills and talents to inspire progress and positive change for generations to come.”

The 2026 Strong Men & Women honorees are:

  • Sharon Y. Bowen - As chair of the New York Stock Exchange, Sharon Bowen has blazed a path in corporate America for women and African Americans.
  • William Hughes Dillard (honored posthumously) - In a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, Colonel William Hughes Dillard honorably served his country at home and abroad.
  • Sheary Darcus Johnson - The first Black student to earn an undergraduate degree at James Madison University, Sheary D. Johnson seeks to help those in her community reach their potential through education.
  • Florence Neal Cooper Smith Florence Neal Cooper Smith has been a tireless advocate for the public awareness and treatment of sickle cell disease at the local, state, and national level.

The leaders were celebrated at a special event on Feb. 11 in Richmond, and a traveling Library of Virginia exhibit will share their stories statewide throughout the year.

Strong Men & Women in History Student Creative Expressions Contest

High school students across Virginia were invited to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia's Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student creative expressions contest.

Students reflected on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and explored what its promise of freedom and equality meant to them through written, digital, or artistic projects inspired by a Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree.

The 2026 Student Creative Expression Contest Winner:

2026 Student Creative Expression Contest Finalists:

Dominion Energy and the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) present Strong Men & Women In South Carolina History. Building on SCDE’s longstanding South Carolina African American History Calendar, which honors prominent African Americans in the state who have made noteworthy contributions, the Strong Men & Women in South Carolina History program will now feature an essay contest for high school students.

All South Carolina high school juniors and seniors are invited to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in the contest. Five Winning essays will be chosen from each of South Carolina’s five regions: Midlands, Upstate, Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).



2024 Prompt

Mary McLeod Bethune's legacy of educational entrepreneurship and literacy has made a lasting impact on individuals across the Palmetto State and beyond, including South Carolina's very own State Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver. The little girl from Mayesville once stated, “The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.” In your words, write about an African American person from South Carolina who has positively impacted your educational journey.



Congratulations to the Following 2024 Student Writing Contest Winners



Winners From Previous Years


2023


2022


2021

Video from the 2026 Event

Open Transcript