Dominion Energy Virginia and the Library of Virginia present Strong Men & Women in Virginia History. This program honors distinguished African-American leaders in Virginia, and features a student writing contest.

The 2020 awards ceremony was held on February 6 at the Richmond Marriott. (View a news release.) This year marks the 30th anniversary of the "Strong Men & Women" series. The 2020 honorees made great advances in the fields of engineering, sports, law and activism:

• Kaci M. Easley, Government Official, Charles City County
• Penny J. Franklin, Community Activist, Montgomery County
• Joycelyn S. Harrison, Chemical Engineer and Mentor, Hampton
• Torrey Smith, Super Bowl Champion & Philanthropist, Westmoreland County
• Marcus D. Williams, Judge and Civic Leader, Fairfax

High school students across Virginia are invited each year to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in Dominion Energy Virginia and Library of Virginia's Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student writing contest. Four winning essays are chosen, one from each of the four regions that Dominion Energy Virginia serves (Central, Eastern, Northern and Western).

The winners of the 2020 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student essay writing contest:

• Rebekah Bautista: Massaponax High School/Commonwealth Governor's School, Fredericksburg
• Jy'Mir Starks: Great Bridge High School, Chesapeake
• Ilaria Cabell: Forest Park High School, Woodbridge
• Ava Seagle: Gate City High School, Gate City