On March 20, 2026, at the Virginia Forum held at Shenandoah University in Frederick, VA, I participated in a panel with Kristen Laise and Brenda Nelson. Our discussion centered on “The Slave, Freedman, and Enslaver: The Story of Monday Robinson.”
Kristen Laise, the Executive Director of Belle Grove Plantation, will present an exhibit titled “Monday Robinson: A Life of Thorns & Roses.” The opening is scheduled for September 26.
Please join us!
Yesterday, December 4, 2025, Alexandria lost a beloved citizen. McArthur Myers was a dedicated volunteer civic leader. He left his mark across Alexandria, advocating for the inclusion of Alexandria’s African American History in the city’s overall history. At many public meetings, he was the only African American volunteer to show up and participate. McArthur’s famous saying, “You’ve got to step up and step in.”
He was a dear friend of mine and will be missed by many of us who call Alexandria home.
McArthur Myers was among the recipients of the 2020 Living Legend honor. You can read his bio on the Living Legend’s website at: https://alexandrialegends.org/myers-mcarthur/.
The Zebra’s Newspaper has a beautiful obituary on McArthur and his work in Alexandria at https://thezebra.org/2025/12/04/mcarthur-myers-obituary-alexandria/.
In this week’s Alexandria Times Newspaper is an article on Charles Lyles. Charles has faced many obstacles in his life. One of the obstacles not mentioned in the article was when he was 16, he and his siblings played Cowboy and Indians using BB guns. One of the BBs hit Charles in one of his eyes, which caused him to lose his vision. In addition, to losing his sight in one eye and having other accidents in his life, Charles excelled as a model employee.
This photo shows Charles Lyles receiving an award for his excellent contribution to the Department of Justice, Drug and Enforcement Administration.
You can read other incidents in his life in the Alexandria Times Newspaper on page 11 at https://alextimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/8.10.23-Layout-1.pdf.
George K. Combs was a thoughtful and kind person. He was the Branch Manager at the Alexandria Library Special Collections for over two decades before he retired. I will never forget George assisting me at the Alexandria, Virginia Library. I could depend on George and call him for any research questions that I might have. He was always willing to help.
Recently, I learned of George’s passing. I was in disbelief. George was such a kind soul. He will truly be missed by many whom he came in contact with.
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