2019: A Year in Review at ColorsVA

Illuminating the issues of Southwest Virginia’s communities of color is the heart of ColorsVA. In 2019, our commitment to this mission was present, as we explored issues of environmental justice, domestic abuse and just being outside in the beauty of the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Many strong features grasped the attention of readers, including the one on military veterans, entrepreneurs and best friends, Marlon Majors and Chris Graham, who started Bent Mountain Salsa. Another good read was the story on Antonio Stovall, whose holistic approach to life is shared through his business Ancestral Perspective. Then there was the story focusing on the Venezuelan community and the Monacan Indian Tribe that also was quite engaging. There were several memorable stories on family connections and women empowerment. “At the Feet of Our Elders” provided opportunities to glean some wisdom. The “Scholar of the Month” gave us plenty of times to exhibit pride as we read about students of color achieving high academic standards, as well as immersed in community involvement where their leadership shines. “The Millennial Viewpoint” showcased perspectives from the millennial generation. Provocative interviews with Senator Jennifer McClellan and Delegate Sam Rasoul delved into the complicated history of racism in the Commonwealth of Virginia. ColorsVA covered it all, even the media and the arts, helping to make readers keenly aware of the diversity and sometimes lack thereof that exist in Southwest Virginia. We launched our first investigative series focused on the Evan Springs development, covering all aspects of that development. That saga continues. We remained vigilant in providing information on financial fitness and was well as healthcare with contributions from Member One FCU and Carilion Clinic.

These incredible stories and perspectives are brought to life by a team of contributing writers and photographers who not just love our community but are dedicated and committed to telling our stories with passion, accurately and fairly. To Jeremy Angione, Phillip Barrett, Jr, Jordan Bell, Nehemiah Bester, Charmayne Brown, Sherese Gore, Bianca Holman, Tiffany Jordan, ToBroan Jumper, M3GZ, Obinna Morton, Linda Pharis, Kiesha Preston, Kayla Saunders, Patricia Sagasti Suppes, Ph.D., Carolina Smales and Betty Jean Wolfe, thank you!

It was difficult to choose which stories to highlight for our 2019 Year in Review. Together, Publisher, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Editor, Melinda J. Payne, James Foutz-Vega and Pedro Vega Jr. with Wasena Creative, and I, Associate Editor, Karen E. Jones, chose the top seven stories to share with you as we end another year. We also thank our readers for your input. We look forward to walking tall into 2020. We hope you enjoy, gain new perspectives and share with family, friends and neighbors as you rediscover our top articles.