Black History In Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH

The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Virginia Beach was the site of a combination book signing, art exhibit and history forum on June 6 hosted by historian and author Edna Hendrix.

Hendrix used the occasion to introduce her new book on Black History in Virginia Beach entitled  “We’ve Been Too Patient Too Long,” a 300-plus page volume of pictures and prose. She also unveiled a portrait of  Willis Augustus Hodges which she has given to the city to hang on display at the Cape Henry Lighthouse, “to make sure that Black history is on display at that site every day.” Hodges was one of  the first Black Lighthouse Keeper  at Cape Henry  – circa 1870. He was also one of the first Black government officials elected in the locale.