Black Enterprise & Voices of Rappahannock

Lovell Williams proved the power of mastery. As a highly sought-after Master Stone Mason, his talent set him apart. In an era when a skilled trade was key to freedom, William's success was powerful. His greatest work is the majestic stone house he built on Sperryville Pike, which he proudly called his 'masterpiece.' This landmark structure remains vivid evidence of his remarkable skill and success as a Black entrepreneur.

Others found stability by balancing two worlds. Tommy Starks embodied this crucial dual identity, working as both a proficient Brick Mason and a successful Farmer. This balance was foundational: he used his trade for immediate income while simultaneously investing in agricultural land, which provided generational assets. His approach secured his family's long-term prosperity and financial control.

Finally, the Kilby and Timber families stand as the pillars of the agricultural community. Their history is defined by successful, long-term farming enterprises and the priceless holdings of owned land. By sustaining sizable farms, they were vital to the county's economy. Their legacy represents powerful, generational Black enterprise built upon the dignity of hard work and the enduring strength of the land.

Complementing the written record are the voices of living repositories of history. Faye Jordan Nicholas and William “Willie Lee” Jackson serve as essential community memory keepers, offering the personal narratives, context, and traditions that bring the past to life. Both Nicholas and Jackson are honored as co-recipients of the Dreamkeeper Award, underscoring their dedicated service as storytellers and community historians.

As a local historian and author, James D. Russell took on the crucial responsibility of creating the essential, documented record of the community's past. Through his work, including books such as Beyond the Rim, Russell provided a factual, indispensable record that complements the elders' oral traditions and secures historical truth for future generations.

Book information below

Lillian Baltimore Sloan represents the powerful role of education in advancing the community. She is honored for her unwavering commitment to teaching. In a time when opportunity required a strong start, educators like Sloan provided the foundation of knowledge and aspiration essential for students to succeed in skilled trades, higher education, and entrepreneurship. Her dedication is a powerful reminder that education is the bedrock of freedom and progress.