My Beautiful Black Friends

We all know that history in our city runs deep, sometimes controversial, sometimes heroic, and most definitely interwoven into our diverse culture. We have become quite the progressive city over the years and although not the completely “woke” RVA we all see ourselves as, I’d like to think we are getting better.

From historic neighborhoods like Jackson Ward, aka “Black Wall Street”, honoring such greats as Maggie Walker, Charles Russell, and Lucy Goode Brooks to soulful restaurants like Mama J’s to local musicians like Chance Fischer, it cannot be dismissed how much our city is enhanced by African-American culture. So, in that honoring and celebration, I’d just like to point out a few individuals who bring a warm and fuzzy feeling to my world this February.

Photo by Na’eem Douglas

Queon “Q” Martin, CARTER™ Magazine | DNA America | ONE RVA | Soulidify Productions | Artist | Activist

No amount of titles can sum up what this individual is to me. I met Q one evening at a friend’s house. He is a fascinating story, and we quickly became emerged into each other’s worlds in our commonality of our work, art, and life’s vision, not to mention our love of karaoke. Q is one of the most inspiring, kind, and determined people I know. He makes you want to do better, he makes you want to believe in yourself. Although this New York transplant hasn’t lived in RVA very long, he has definitely made a deep mark here, both socially and politically. Capturing and leading the BLM movement here in RVA, educating the masses with his humble, but strong voice through his mediums, and a true creator for change, Q never disappoints with his visual storytelling and unique ideals. We should all be so driven to do better.

Photo by: Dave Parrish

Kelli Lemon, Urban Hang Suite | A1 Minute

Kelli is one of those people you stumble upon and she immediately brings a smile to your face. She is successful, intelligent, and a force to be reckoned with. I met Kelli through a mutual friend and started watching her Coffee with Strangers series and instantly fell in love. I have mad respect for her efforts to bring a community together through the art of conversation. Her coffee house, Urban Hang Suite is a place of warmth, good food, talk, and music. She helped create the Jackson Ward Collective, a program that provides resources to Black-owned businesses, with a goal of helping the businesses owners learn, grow and own through networking hubs in historically Black communities. Additionally, she heads the initiative for establishing the Richmond Times Dispatch and Richmond.com as the leading source of video in the region and hosts A1 Minute, a daily snippet of RVA news. Kelli reigns as entrepreneur, consultant, media personality, and storyteller—a true Queen Bee.

DeShon Rollins, Dancer/Educator

I met DeShon as he was joining The Latin Ballet of Virginia. His vibrant personality shone as he soared through the air at great heights and his strength as a passionate dancer cannot be denied. This Virginia State University alumnus has been featured in the Washington Post and has studied at the prestigious Joffrey School of Ballet in New York City. He is currently dancing and teaching at The Latin Ballet of Virginia and recently toured and performed in Spain!

Glen Lewis, Dancer/educator/Choreographer

Just like DeShon, I met this shining star while working at The Latin Ballet of Virginia. Glen’s performances are full of grace and power. He has a B.F.A in Dance and Choreography and was awarded Outstanding Choreographer in 2009 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Glen's training began at the Governor School for the Arts and then continued at Richmond Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and the 'Nederland Dans Theater'. While studying at NDT, he was in the original cast set by internationally acclaimed choreographer Marco Goecke.

Photo by: Cullen B. Strawn

Justin Golden, Musician/Instructor/Loan Officer

Justin and I met at an open house strangely enough. When this Mortgage Advisor at America Mortgage LLC isn’t helping others buy homes, he is not just playing stages across Virginia, but most recently in France where he graced them for 2 weeks of bluesy magic. This impressively talented Piedmont Blues style guitarist is part of the Virginia Folklife Program where teaches Piedmont Blues and Gospel Guitar, Travis Picking, and Aural Training to all levels. He might be singing and playing the blues, but he is a joy to be around. Make sure you catch his next gig!

Spring Henderson Neal, Owner of Elite Catering

Just like her name, Spring reflects all that is joyous and flourishing. I met Spring at an event last year where her and her friendly staff laid out a spread full of heart and goodness. Her company Elite Catering, has provided delicious and savory dishes for many a wedding, corporate, and special events. Spring is one of those “memorable” people and her food is as well. She specializes in Southern cuisine and you’ll be licking your fingers for sure! Spring along with her sweet staff can bring soul to any event.