Board of Directors

Founder & Chairman

​The Honorable Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond

Hon Dr. Ross-Hammond, is a newly re-elected Councilwoman for the City of Virginia Beach, the current Chair of the Hampton Roads Transit Commission, and the Founder & Chairman of the Virginia African American Cultural Center, Inc. (VAACC). She chairs the Mayor’s Inclusion Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA Commission) for the City of Virginia Beach and is also an Appointee by Governor Ralph Northam to the Hampton Roads Transit Commission. She holds a PH.D. in Education Leadership, Curriculum, and Instructions with a Minor in Ethnomusicology from the University of Denver. She is also a graduate of the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership, University of Virginia. Dr. Ross-Hammond retired from Norfolk State University as Distinguished Professor Emerita and Director of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement for the University.

A community leader, Dr. Ross-Hammond is the President Emeritus for the Young Audiences, Arts for Learning Virginia, President of the Virginia Beach Beautification Commission, Secretary for the Vibes Creative District, a member of the Virginia College Affordability Policy Council, the Mayor’s African American Roundtable, and a founding member of the National Black Women for Positive Change organization.

Under her leadership, and vision, the City Council of Virginia Beach unanimously gifted 4:83 acres of land to build the Cultural Center. Its Board implements cultural, historic and art enrichment programmatic activities within the community, City Public Schools, and local cities. Her recent accomplishment is the collaboration with the VB Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to publish the city’s 1st Self-Guided Tour brochure of African American History in Virginia Beach. Articles about the brochure were written by the Tidewater AAA Travel magazine, Philadelphia Enquirer, AARP, the VirginianPilot Newspaper, and placed at Welcome Centers across Virginia.
​
Dr. Ross-Hammond is the recipient of numerous awards from the Urban League of SHR Young Professionals, the National Association of Blacks in Higher Education, a Resolution of Accomplishments declaring December 13, 2016, as "Amelia N. Ross-Hammond Day" by the City of Virginia Beach, the first recipient of the late Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf’s Achievement in Government plaque from the VB Human Rights Commission, and the “Impacting Lives Award” from the New Journal & Guide. In 2019, Congresswoman, Elaine Luria read a “Letter of Commendation” for Dr. Ross-Hammond’s Community Service at the U.S. Capitol during a Congressional session. She loves travel, cultural events, and family. She is the proud mother of one adult son, Anwar.

Dr. James C. Bonds, Vice Chair

Bio

Dr. James Bonds holds a Doctor Degree in Public Administration 2016 from Capella University, a Master Degree in Public Administration with emphasis in Public Management 2004 from Troy State University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology 1982 from Bethel College; additionally he is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate from NAVSEA.

 On 06 February 1983, Dr. Bonds reported and completed Basic Training in Orlando Florida. Concurrently he attended IC “A” school in San Diego, California and numerous other advance electrical “C” schools including C-7 School.

Dr. Bonds  Enlisted Sea/Shore assignments were  USS IOWA (BB-61) battleship home ported in Norfolk, Virginia from 1983-1986. He was ordered to NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA SECURITY DEPARTMENT 1989-1991, while onboard he was promoted to Petty Officer First Class 1989.  His last sea tour as enlisted was onboard USS STUMP (DD-978) A Spruance Class Destroyer home ported in Norfolk, Virginia from 1992-1997 during his tenure onboard he qualified as Engineering Officer of the Watch, Combat System Officer of the Watch, Junior Officer of the Deck (underway), selected STUMP’s Sailor of the Year, selected DESRON 2 Sea Sailor of the Year and nominated Atlantic Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year for 1995.  Prior to transferring Dr. Bonds was selected to Chief Petty Officer  while  serving at Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA). He was commission an ENSIGN under the LDO/CWO Program June 2000. 
​
Dr. Bonds initial sea assignment as a Commission Officer was onboard USS NORMANDY (CG-61) a Guided Missile Cruiser home ported in Norfolk Virginia 2000-2003. His next sea assignment was aboard USS PONCE (LPD-15) home ported in Norfolk Virginia February 2006- May 2007. Ashore, Dr. Bonds was assigned to Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic as OIC of the Casualty Response Cell (N43R1) September 2003-October 2004. ​His final shore assignment was at Assault Craft Unit Four as Repair Officer, December 2009-2011. Dr. Bonds retired as a Lieutenant from the United States Navy February 01, 2011 after serving faithfully and dutifully this Great Nation for over 27 plus years.   
​
Dr. James C. Bonds is currently a Senior Quality Assurance Instructor and curriculum developer for McKean Defense Group a Federal Contracting Agency supporting the United States Navy Workforce Development Program located in Virginia Beach Virginia for the past four and half years.  He has had continual support from his wife the former Regina Ann Goings from Toledo Ohio for the past 35 years. They have two adult children Carl (36) and Crystal (32).  He also has an older son, Monroe (38).

Cheryl Davidson, Secretary

Bio

Cheryl Davidson is a graduate of Virginia State University, BA in Social Work. Cheryl has
worked over 20 years in the mortgage field as a Mortgage loan processor, Community
outreach originator, loan officer and Vice President of Lending
Cheryl is an active citizen in the City of Virginia Beach, while working as the
housing chair for Virginia Beach NAACP she was instrumental in acquiring the
NAACP office, Cheryl has held many positions within the NAACP and is a lifetime
member of the NAACP. Cheryl has been a member for the Virginia Beach Workforce
Housing board for over 10 years. As a board member she conducted the First-time
buyer’s classes and has qualified buyers for Workforce Housing. While serving with
the workforce housing board seven homes were built for qualified borrowers. Cheryl
is a member of The Virginia Beach Health Services advisory board since April 2013,
was a member of the Virginia Beach Mayor’s African American Roundtable. Cheryl
is also, on the Executive board for the African American Cultural Center since May
2015, she holds the position of Secretary and the Event Committee Chair. The
African American Cultural Center will be built in the city of Virginia Beach, VA. The
center will be a place where residents and visitors can learn about the richness and
diversity of the African America Experience. Relating to their lives, historically,
aesthetically, and culturally. It will highlight the contributions of African American
to the region.
Davidson’s greatest strength is compassion for helping others and her commitment to
her community, she has volunteered for the Salvation Army, United Way and Voter
Registration.
Davidson Lives in Virginia Beach with her Husband. She is a mother of two adult
sons’ graduates Hampton University and Virginia State University. When she is not
working, she enjoys reading a good murder mystery.

Kelvin W. Arthur, Treasurer

Bio

Kelvin Arthur is a Virginia licensed Certified Public Accountant with over 35 years of accounting, tax and financial management experience. 
​
Mr. Arthur began his career in 1984 in the government business sector with International Business Machines, (IBM) in Norfolk, VA. After four years of financial management experience, he joined the Internal Audit staff of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and relocated to the Washington DC area. In 1995, Mr. Arthur moved into non-profit sector as the Assistant Controller for MacNeil-Lehrer Productions, producers of the nightly PBS news show, “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” After five years in this role, Mr. Arthur relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina area and served as Finance Director for the Charlotte, North Carolina Arts & Science Council, and later as CFO for the York County, South Carolina Museums and Foundation. Throughout his time in the Carolinas, Mr. Arthur was committed to volunteerism serving on corporate and advisory boards of numerous civic and community organizations. In 2008, Mr. Arthur returned to his alma mater, Old Dominion University to oversee accounting operations, endowment administration, financial reporting for the University’s Educational, Athletic and Real Estate foundations. During each year of his tenure as Foundations CFO, all three of the University Foundations received unqualified audit report opinions with no required adjusting entries. Mr. Arthur left ODU in 2011 to establish his  own tax consulting practice, specializing in service to small business owners and nonprofit organizations. 
​
Then, in October 2012, the Norfolk State University (NSU) Foundation Board decided to restructure its operations and establish its own management team. Mr. Arthur was offered the opportunity to become the NSU Foundation’s first Managing Director. In this role, he would report directly to the NSU Foundation’s Board of Director and would be responsible for the establishment and implementation of foundation fundraising, administrative and financial policies. Mr. Arthur led the NSU Foundation’s operations for the next six years growing its endowment, implementing new fundraising initiatives, restructuring its financial reporting, and establishing new community partnerships.   
In March 2019, Mr. Arthur decided to return to private practice. 
​
Continually committed to his belief in volunteer service, Mr. Arthur recently completed multiple terms as a Director on the Boards of the ODU Alumni Association and the Larkspur-Salem Recreation Association. He currently serves as Financial Counselor of the City of Virginia Beach Minority Business Council (MBC) and as President of the Salem High School Sundevil Baseball Association.

CPA

Wayne Jones, Board Member

Bio

WAYNE C. JONES is a 20 year US Air Force veteran and a graduate of Saint Leo University with a BA in Information Systems in 1989 and a Master of Business Administration in Information Systems from Golden Gate University, San Francisco California In 1918.  He recently retired as Old Dominion University’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure and former Assistant Director of Communications Services. He served as co-principal investigator for a National Science Foundation funded research grant project to design and implement a “Science DMZ” environment and as chief design and implementation engineer for a next generation optical network linking six major research organizations in the Hampton Roads region.  He also led the university’s successful initiative to build the first 100 gigabit network link into the Hampton Roads region as part of a statewide research and education network. He was also a Co-PI in writing and receiving a grant for “CC*IIE Networking Infrastructure: CHARMED—Campus High Availability Scientific Research Environment and DMZ” from the National Science Foundation.  He collaborated and partnered with Mid Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation to secure a BTOP grant of $12 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to build out open access fiber from central to southeastern Virginia.

 Prior to his employment at Old Dominion University, he worked with Verizon as the Systems Engineer for the Large Business Services group producing an excess of $20 million in annual sales. Jones also worked as the Chief Systems Engineer for Virginia Department of Health where he served as lead for the state agency in planning, design and implementing wide networks throughout Virginia. 
In the community, he serves as board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Virginia Peninsula as well as Grafton-Tabb Youth Football League.  “Deac” as he’s commonly referred to at Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News, is a member of Board of Deacons, and other strategic committees.  He also serves on the Virginia Beach Broadband Task Force and Norfolk State University Research and Innovation Foundation Board of Directors.

Jones represents a family legacy of community involvement, civil rights, and education equality from as early as 1966 when he became one of the first African Americans to integrate previously all-white Gaston High School in Northampton County North Carolina.  He led the movement in Northampton County for education equality and was appointed, then elected as the first African American to serve on the school board. Wayne’s sister, Anna Jones, produced a historical documentary film, “Chairman Jones – An Improbable Leader”  depicting Wayne’s role as a student in bridging the divide between the races and ushering in equality in education for African Americans during that turbulent era. With 30 successful years of experience, he and his wife, Shirley, live in Yorktown, Virginia and have two adult children, Tasha and Louverture, and six grandchildren.

Worth Remick, Board Member

Bio

WORTH REMICK has 35 years of experience in industrial leasing, sales, development and tenant/buyer representation. He has leased or sold over 36 million square feet of industrial, flex and office properties. He is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) and has focused on port logistics, defense contracting, food manufacturing and distribution, and maritime developments. Worth has been a long-time member of the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE), and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations, such as South Hampton Roads Habitat for Humanity where he spent 13 years on the Board of Directors, his church’s Vestry and Winter Shelter, and on the Boards of Green Run Collegiate, Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation, and Virginia Beach Vision. He received his degree in Humanities from Hampden-Sydney College where he was a member of the tennis team for 4 years. Much of Worth’s focus is on representing owners who desire to obtain tenants/ buyers or who want to maintain or increase the value of their holdings. His experience through the years, during both strong and weak markets, provides him and his clients with the proper perspective and marketing tools to create, realize and maintain value. He also has worked as Tenant and Owner Representative for Smithfield Foods, Ferguson, Dollar Tree Stores, IMS Gear, and Katoen Natie (KTN). A native of the region, Worth is very familiar with the geography, business climate, and regional economic engines (port/trade and defense contracting) and has numerous contacts to assist him with his daily work.

Justin Fauntleroy, Board Member

Bio

Justin brings over 24 years of recognized achievement as a visionary leader who is able to unite diverse military and civilian teams and exceed organizational goals. He has proven success in managing multi-million dollar assets and budgets. He's lived in multiple regions of the U.S., including 17 years in Hampton Roads. As an extensive, experienced traveler, Justin has a unique perspective on the impact shared history has on communities.

Justin received his Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering with merit from the U.S. Naval Academy. He has his Master's in Defense and Strategic Studies with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College. He currently works for the U.S. Joint Staff Futures and Concepts Division establishing strategic policy and guidance for 2030 and beyond. He also is an assistant football coach at Great Bridge Middle School in Chesapeake.

Thomas "Tom" Lee, Board Member

Bio

Tom is a counselor at Tidewater Community College, where he assists many students with college transfer information and requirements so they can realize their hopes and dreams. He calls himself a "Growth Mindset Evangelist" with experience helping students and faculty reach their goals at TCC.

He has a Bachelor's degree in math and a Master's in Education-Counseling both from Old Dominion University. Tom has served on the boards of the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation and of Hurrah Players, Inc. for nearly two decades each.
Tom also is a multimedia artist and an FAA-certified drone pilot with his own 
YouTube channel.

Harshad K. Barot, Board Member

Bio

Harshad K. Barot is vice president and financial adviser of Galaxy Group Corp., a family hospitality business. He had served on Virginia Beach’s Minority Business Council, and is a board member of Virginia Beach Vision, a Portsmouth-Suffolk board member for TowneBank and board member for Green Run Collegiate Foundation. He is part of the Windsdays Warriors group to bring awareness of offshore wind and plans to join the board of Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities this fall.

---

VAACC Oral History Committee

Purpose -To collect, videotape, preserve stories, photographs and articles that will be a part of the historical collection from African American seniors, Churches, Historians and other Civic-organizations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

OFFICERS
Margie Coefield and Becky Livas - Co-Chairs
Denice Marsden - Secretary
Regina Taylor - Treasurer
Sharon Felton   - Parliamentarian
Georgia Allen-Prayer Leader

MEMBERS - Gwendolyn Brown, Linda Carrington, Cheryl Davidson, Alys Fentress, Deborah Freeman, Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Edna Hendricks,  Pam and Anthony Williams, Kia Cabbler, Jordan and Justin Lucas, Sara Benson, Lucynthia Rawls, Seko Varner, Mary Dotson and Rita Jones ​

ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN:
Malcolm O. Ashley - Director of Development, Sanaa Holdings, LLC & alumnus of "The House" Higher Ed’s 1st African American Cultural Center, Yale University
Hon. Michael Berlucchi - Councilmember, VA Beach & C.D., Chrysler Museum
Mayor Bobby Dyer - Mayor of Virginia Beach
Hon. Louis Jones – Councilmember & Former Mayor, City of Virginia Beach.
David Kamer – Attorney at Kaufman & Canoles
Stacy Lopez - Chief Operating Officer, FOTHA (Pharell Williams’ Foundation)
Rev. Gary McCollum, Author and Assoc. Minster, Historic Bute Baptist Church
Hon. Robert “Bob” McDonnell - former Governor of Virginia
Dunn Pearson - Grammy & Platinum Award winner: “ the Black Beethoven” 
Worth Remick - Senior Vice President, Colliers International
Hon. William “Will” Sessoms - former Mayor of Virginia Beach
Prescott Sherrod - President/CEO, PEMCCO, Inc.
Bruce Smith – National Football League Hall of Fame
Hon. Louisa Strayhorn – President, LSA Consulting USA
Rob Turner & Donna Speller Turner-President, Advantage Business Strategies 
Shevette Jones - Past VAACC Parliamentarian
Dr. Michael DanielsFormer Pastor, Enoch Baptist Chruch

Experience History

The Center

Learn about our exciting project.

Learn More

Get Involved

Find out how you can make a difference.

Learn More

See What's New

Read our media and see our updates.

Learn More