2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2188

Commending the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026

WHEREAS, in 2026, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of the historic Jefferson School, a high school constructed during the segregation era, which became a cornerstone of local life for the Black community in Charlottesville; and

WHEREAS, the Jefferson School traces its roots as far back as 1875, when residents of Charlottesville began advocating for a new high school for Black students; their long campaign culminated in the establishment of the Jefferson School in 1926; and

WHEREAS, over the course of the Jefferson School's history, generations of Black students passed through its doors, and the school building became not only an important community gathering place, but a symbol of hope and self-determination; and

WHEREAS, after the opening of Burley High School in 1951, the Jefferson School began serving as an elementary school, then subsequently became an integrated middle school and junior high school; and

WHEREAS, the Jefferson School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, and the building currently houses several community-focused organizations, including the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, which recognizes the leadership and achievements of Black residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle County; and

WHEREAS, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center preserves the Jefferson School's legacy by elevating Black voices and creating a space for education, dialogue, and cultural celebration; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center hereby be commended on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Jefferson School in Charlottesville; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for its work to preserve and promote the history of the Jefferson School and its enduring contributions to the community.