The Black Experience in Modern Rappahannock County

The number of African-American families in Rappahannock has steadily declined over the decades. Limited housing, fewer job opportunities, and generational land loss have reshaped the county’s Black population.

The Kilby family's story includes both Black and White branches linked by a single ancestor. Their history reveals the complexities of race, identity, and kinship in rural Virginia.

Rappahannock remains a food desert, with limited access to affordable groceries. Many residents also push back against outside development—known locally as the ‘Don’t Fairfax Us’ culture—which affects growth, housing, and community life.

From preserving history to supporting youth and families, today's community leaders, including Marie Davis, Cristol Porter, and Joann Aylor Baltimore, continue to advocate for a stronger, more equitable Rappahannock.