Black History

VIA Heritage Association To Induct Its Class of 2025 Into Hall of Fame

Seven exceptional individuals will be inducted into the VIA Heritage Association Hall of Fame on June 20 in Charlottesville, celebrating achievements in athletics, education, and leadership that shaped Black Virginia history.
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NJG Newswire
Special to the Guide
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Seven individuals who have made outstanding contributions through high school, college and professional careers have been selected to the 2025 class of the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association (VIAHA) Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees represent outstanding contributions in athletics, education, and community leadership, continuing the legacy of excellence that defines the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA).

Members of the 2025 class will be presented and inducted into the VIAHA Hall of Fame during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet to be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Charlottesville, VA.

The 2025 inductees, celebrated for their excellence in athletics and leadership, include:

Athletes:

James Eric Hammond – South Side High School, Dinwiddie, VA
Shirley Marshall Lee – Parker Gray High School, Alexandria, VA
Reverend Charles Roberts – Douglas High School, Leesburg, VA
Larry Short – South Side High School, Dinwiddie, VA

Contributors:

Sharon Bonner Yates – South Side High School, Dinwiddie, VA
Calvin Pearson – Phenix High School, Hampton, VA
Ray V. Spain – Union Kempsville High School, Virginia Beach, VA

“The Hall of Fame is a testament to the resilience, talent, and dedication of those who shaped the history of the VIA,” said JAMES HOLLINS, President of the Via Heritage Association. “We are honored to recognize these individuals and their contributions to our community.”

The VIA Heritage Association was established to preserve and promote the rich history of African-American students and educators who participated in the Virginia Interscholastic Association before public school desegregation. The Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to their achievements and the lasting impact of the VIA.

For more information about the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and the upcoming awards banquet, visit Via Heritage Association website.