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Awards & Recognitions

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The Village Initiative has been recognized at local and state levels for its work with community organizations:

  • 2024 Fitz Turner Award from the Virginia Education Association recognized The Village Initiative for its “outstanding leadership and for contributions that have enhanced the respect for human and civil rights in Virginia.”

  • 2024 James City County Board of Supervisors Chairman’s Award recognized Jacqueline Williams and The Village Initiative for contributions to James City County and the community

  • 2023 Certificate of Appreciation from the Framily Bash Committee, recognizing The Village Initiative's work in the community

  • 2023 Table Builders Award for Coming to the Table, recognizing the impact of The Local Black Histories Project

  • 2021 Mentorship Award, from Williamsburg Action, recognizing mentorship of new community organizations

  • 2020 Commendation from the Virginia State Assembly Award, recognizing The Village's contribution to educational equity 

Member recognitions

  • 2024 - Phoebe Linnell, Research Fellow with the Village Initiative’s Local Black Histories Project, received an internship with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

  • 2024 - Alton Coston, Community Fellow with the Village Initiative, was selected as a Schwarzman Scholar. The scholarship provides one year of funding for graduate study in global affairs at Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing.

  • 2023 Male Teacher of the Year, won by Philip Canady, Richmond Public Schools

  • 2022 Teacher of the Year, won by Philip Canady, Fairfield Courty Elementary School, Richmond Public School

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Member recognitions
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  • 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award, received by Jennifer Bickham Mendez for her work at James Blair Middle School

  • 2022 Community Service Award, received by Jacqueline Bridgeforth Williams from the first Historic Baptist Church

  • 2022 Truman Fellowship, received by Alton Coston III, recognizing his work with The Village and his academic achievements

  • 2022 Jacqueline Bridgeforth Williams, invited to publish a chapter on her work with The Village in the book, Sister Leaders

  • 2022 William & Mary John Lewis Social Justice Award, received by Alton Coston III for his work with The Village and on campus

  • 2022 Plumeri Award for Faculty Excellence, received by Amy Quark for her research collaborations with The Village

  • 2021 William & Mary Award, received by Kibiriti Majuto, recognizing his community service in The Village and other recognitions

  • 2021 American Association of University Women Fellowship, received by Leah Kuragano, recognizing her scholarship and contribution to The Village 

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