Richmond's Valentine's 2026 History Makers Awards Announced

The annual awards recognize community leaders, advocates, and organizations making history and uplifting communities across Richmond and beyond.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Valentine, one of Richmond's oldest museums, has announced the honorees for the 2026 Dominion Energy Richmond History Makers Awards. The awards recognize publicly-nominated changemakers across five distinct categories, including Building Inclusive Community Neighborhoods, Creating High Quality Educational Opportunities, Establishing Rewarding Work Environments, Promoting Access to Healthy Communities, and Inspiring Residents to Thrive. The Young History Maker Award will also be presented to Elijah K. Lee, a 12th grade student at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, for his work as a child advocacy leader.

Why it matters

The Richmond History Makers program has been recognizing community leaders and organizations for over 20 years, highlighting the important work being done to uplift and support Richmond's diverse communities. This year's honorees showcase the breadth of impact these individuals and groups are having, from improving educational opportunities to promoting healthy living and empowering residents.

The details

The 2026 Richmond History Makers honorees are: Brian Koziol, Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Coalition, for Building Inclusive Community Neighborhoods; Cheneica Murray, known as The Art Fairy, for Creating High Quality Educational Opportunities; Danielle Gilbert, Founder and President of Manifest In You Consulting, for Establishing Rewarding Work Environments; Victor McKenzie, Jr., CEO of Virginia Health Catalyst, for Promoting Access to Healthy Communities; and Barbara Brown, Older Adults Program Coordinator at Peter Paul RVA, for Inspiring Residents to Thrive. The Young History Maker Award will be presented to Elijah K. Lee, a 12th grade student at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, for his work as a child advocacy leader.

  • The 2026 Dominion Energy Richmond History Makers Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 23.
  • The Richmond History Makers program is now in its 21st year.

The players

The Valentine

One of Richmond's oldest museums, dedicated to engaging, educating, and challenging diverse audiences by collecting, preserving, and interpreting Richmond's history.

Brian Koziol

Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Coalition, honored for Building Inclusive Community Neighborhoods.

Cheneica Murray

Known as The Art Fairy, honored for Creating High Quality Educational Opportunities.

Danielle Gilbert

Founder and President of Manifest In You Consulting, honored for Establishing Rewarding Work Environments.

Victor McKenzie, Jr.

CEO of Virginia Health Catalyst, honored for Promoting Access to Healthy Communities.

Barbara Brown

Older Adults Program Coordinator at Peter Paul RVA, honored for Inspiring Residents to Thrive.

Elijah K. Lee

A 12th grade student at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, recipient of the Young History Maker Award for his work as a child advocacy leader.

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What’s next

Tickets for the April 23 ceremony honoring the 2026 Richmond History Makers are on sale now.

The takeaway

The 2026 Richmond History Makers Awards showcase the breadth of impact these community leaders and organizations are having, from improving educational opportunities to promoting healthy living and empowering residents. Their work is vital in uplifting Richmond's diverse communities and making the city a better place to live.