Editor’s Letter

Editor's Letter / July 17, 2021

Dear Family,

In my best Tony! Tony! Tone! voice, “Do you know what today is? It’s our anniversary.” Yes, July is ColorsVA Sixth Anniversary. Robert Jeffrey began this magazine with a specific vision, and over time we have expanded upon that. We have a responsibility to not only introduce you to special people, but to address issues of race and equity as we discuss societal issues in a way that draws you closer to your neighbor. We work diligently to highlight the rich history and contributions of Black, brown and all communities of colors to Southwest Virginia.

We could not have reached this milestone with just Robert and me. ColorsVA is fortunate to have talented team members who are true to our mission of “Celebrating our Similarities and Understanding Our Differences”. Each month our writers, photographers, editorial and creative design work conscientiously to introduce neighbors, spotlight scholars, discuss social issues and share much more. It is their dedication that makes each month more special than the month before. This month, join me in saying thank you to Melinda Payne, Charmayne Brown, Betty Jean Wolfe, Ashley Rhame, Shawn Nowlin, Mae Johnson/New Horizons Healthcare, Alina Boyd, Jordan Bell, Ryan Bell, Tim Blassingame, Pedro Vega and James Foutz-Vega of Wasena Creative, Nyree Wright and Brian Waites of St. Aphrodesia Media, Phillip Barrett Jr, ToBroan Jumper, Garland Gravely/Fashionista Roanoke, Jeremy Angione, Kiesha Preston, Sabrina Tolbert, Sherese Gore, Nehemiah Bester, Phoenyx Kessee, Alyshia Merchant, Ted Edlich, Evangeline Jeffrey, Robert Morris and Mel Jones.

Our July issue begins with a new beginning for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. Our cover feature is new CEO Richmond Vincent Jr. Mr. Vincent already is making an impact in the region. I am excited that our readers will learn who he is, what he stands for and what he brings to our community.

Our Summer Reading list is here to provide plenty of choices as you relax at the beach. And if you are ready for a new wardrobe for summer, you will love reading about The Bird Cage Boutique and the mother daughter duo behind it.

July also is Minority Mental Health Month. It is important that we learn tools to care for ourselves and new Horizon Healthcare is providing a guide for us to do just that. And lastly, we celebrate a senior at Lynchburg’s Heritage High School as the 2020-21 academic year ends.

It is such an honor and privilege for me to be part of this extraordinary magazine. I am reminded of Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” It is my goal to stay focused on our mission by continuing to provide interesting, informative and educational content so that each of us can sharpen the other.

Love to you all!

Tags: Editor's Letter

Karen E. Jones
Karen joined ColorsVA in April 2017. In her role, she assists Robert and Greg by providing executive administrative support, manages social media, and assists in planning and coordination of events. Karen loves her hometown of Christiansburg and the New River Valley. She is actively involved with organizations and issues that promote diversity, social justice, community awareness, and working with children and youth. Karen is the oldest of four girls raised by their father. She’s the favorite auntie to 13 nieces and nephews. Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Radford University. She is a member of Asbury UMC, serves on the board of the Old Hill School Community Center in Christiansburg, Political Action Chair of the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County NAACP and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “You don’t make progress by sitting on the sidelines” ~ Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman to serve in the US House of Representatives Karen E. Jones Editor in Chief