We believe it’s important for Black Americans to play a larger role in stewarding the places and spaces that created Black America. Currently, only 1% of preservation professionals are African American. We think that needs to change. 

Preservation Virginia’s African American Fellows (AAF) program, is a Black-focused initiative to change the face of preservation. If you’re African American and have an interest in preserving African-American voices and history, we want to offer financial support for you to learn the art and science of preservation. The AAF program will offer a $7,500 stipend to complete the program. Participants will learn the process of preservation, make valuable connections in the industry, and have a chance to conduct research in their area of interest. 

This initiative is supported through a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. The goal of AAF is to welcome more Black professionals into the field of historic preservation by:

• Identifying, supporting and providing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, emerging professionals in preservation-related fields, African American scholars, creatives and experts in historic, social justice and preservation disciplines
• Amplifying and preserving the full Virginia Story through our Voices Remembered Initiative
• Providing greater diversity in the field of preservation with more significant consideration to the African American communities in Virginia
• Providing participants with a pathway to careers in historic preservation related fields.

Through paid fellowships each year, we will provide the fundamentals, experience and mentorship necessary to prepare preservationists of color for careers, professional opportunities, research and the sheer love of communities unique to you.

The application due date for this Fellowship is Friday, December 30th. If you are interested in becoming a fellow, fill out the application form online, or contact Dr. Lisa Winn Bryan at lwinnbryan@preservationvirginia.org and 804-573-9676.