Black History Month: A Young Family Story

In one family in our community:

In 1960, a mother became the first Black registered radiologist at MCV. Some patients refused her care because of her skin color. Some called her slurs. She kept showing up. She provided excellent care. She paved the way for others.

A father left school after fifth grade and began working as a porter at 15. Years later, he became the first Black foreman at William Byrd Press. Some white machine operators protested, saying they would not take orders from a Black man. They called him terrible names. They refused to sit with him in the lunchroom. He persevered, and over time, respect followed.

Their family became the first Black family to own a home on their street in Henrico County. It was a milestone marked by both pride and pressure.

The next generations continued breaking barriers.

First Black student body president.

First Black drum captain.

First Black associate underwriter hired without starting in the mailroom.

Each generation opened doors the next generation could walk through.

History is not only something we study. It is still being written in exam rooms, on factory floors, in classrooms, and in neighborhoods across our community.

What kind of legacy are you building? What ceilings are you pushing through? What doors are you opening for someone else?

The work of building something better continues, one life and one family at a time.

Many thanks to Young, REAL LIFE Housing Manager, for allowing us to share his family’s story.