About Us

The Virginia Black History Month Association (VaBHMA) is a non-profit 501 c 3 tax-exempt charitable organization that provides education and hosts family-centered social events to celebrate African-American history during February and throughout the year.

For almost two decades the VaBHMA has contributed to the cultural awareness of the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.  For 25 years we have welcomed over 23,000 guests to our events with more than 40 different organizations or corporations in attendance.

During the Annual Black History Month Gala, the VaBHMA provides monetary awards to several deserving students based on their creative, academic, and writing abilities. The goal is to challenge the next generation of students on the many contributions of African Americans within our country.

The Annual Children's Writing Contest awards $475 dollars to three 5th graders whose writing skills demonstrate a clear understanding of African American history and their contributions.  The James Farmer  Scholarship awards $1750 to three deserving High School Seniors who demonstrate academic achievements, leadership, and volunteerism within the four counties that participate in the James Farmers Scholars Program. 

New to our annual awards is the Audrey Jones Scholarship of Excellence.  The Audrey Jones Scholarship of Excellence awards one $500 dollar scholarship to one individual who demonstrates excellence in education in honor of Fairfax and Spotsylvania County educator Ms. Audrey Jones. 

Our volunteers create one of the most memorable evenings south of Washington DC. The evening is filled with music, theater, keynote speakers, a writing contest, a broom-jumping ceremony, and much, much more.

There is no alcohol or inappropriate entertainment performed at our gala. Our focus is on the youth within our community and the next generations of community activists.

Over 50 percent of our guests are active duty and/or retired military veterans and their families.  Many are from different cultural backgrounds and ethnic groups.  The other 50 percent are government civilians, government contractors, educators, and other professional backgrounds.

Also on display at our gala are more than 40 different minority businesses that display their goods or services during the Vendor Social Hour providing minority businesses the unique exposure needed to survive in the competitive environment.