African American Fellowship Program

It’s year four of the African American Fellowship at Preservation Virginia (PV)! Since 2023, PV has hosted cohorts of fellowship participants focused on researching and preserving African American history in Virginia. Past programming support was generously received from the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Eleven Fellows have worked on projects from across Virginia: Charlottesville, Gloucester, Richmond, Alexandria, Fluvanna, Petersburg, Cumberland, and Danville.

Our program is two-tiered. We seek to document African American history and historic sites while growing the number of African American researchers and preservationists. Fellowships are available to students and nontraditional preservationists— community members undertaking preservation efforts without formal training. Nontraditional preservationists often address local issues and need support and education to preserve African American history and historic sites.

The summer curriculum includes key interdisciplinary principles related to historic preservation—anthropology, architecture, sociology, urban and regional planning, and finance—and applies them to independent study projects. The program combines coursework, in-person residency, field trips and conference attendance. A designated PV staff, board member, or community practitioner mentor supports each participant.

Dr. Lisa Winn Bryan, Community Outreach Manager, has led this initiative at Preservation Virginia since its beginning. “Our organizational goal is to continue to offer this fellowship for years to come,” said Dr. Winn Bryan. “The 2025 program was another phenomenal success; each cohort is growing better, and we’re excited to continue the vital work of documenting African American history and connecting with descendant communities in 2026.”

“It’s a priority at Preservation Virginia to cultivate and support the next generation of historic preservationists,” said PV CEO Will Glasco. “The Fellowship program is a tangible way to connect research and community preservationists to the resources and mentors needed to further their research, careers or, in some cases, personal projects.”

Meet The 2026 Cohort

Rachel Pretlow

Norfolk, VA

Rachel Pretlow is a rootworker based in Norfolk, Virginia with ancestral ties to the Tidewater region and as a member of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, she works to expand the knowledge and practice of nature-based healing in African American communities. Pretlow’s work will focus on African American rootwork and healing.

Dr. LaDarius Thompson

Richmond, VA

Dr. LaDarius Thompson is an educator, community engagement practitioner, and researcher based in Richmond, Virginia, whose work centers on storytelling, belonging, and the preservation of underrepresented histories. Dr. Thompson’s research will focus on Black Queer Virginia history.

Taekia Glass

Chesterfield, VA

Taekia Glass is a creative placemaker, nonprofit leader, and community-engaged practitioner based in Chesterfield, Virginia, whose work blends architecture, public art, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Glass’ research will focus on the Historic Vaughan Estate Community.

Malique Middleton

Petersburg, VA

Malique Middleton is a scientist, farmer, educator, and entrepreneur based in Petersburg,Virginia, whose work is dedicated to preserving African American agricultural traditions while building a more sustainable future through regenerative agriculture. Middleton’s research will focus on Black Virginia Farmers.

For more information or questions contact Dr. Lisa Winn Bryan | lwinnbryan@preservationvirginia.org