Dear friends, There was a time when it was routine to sit and listen to seniors and to read voraciously about the past. Today’s society digests pop culture analysis of history that’s often based on a self loathing perspective of America and our leaders and people. It’s true that nothing is perfect and American society has had seemingly hypocritical disconnects and flaws but that’s hardly unique and not a reason to discredit our culture or trash the nation. On April 15th we will be joined by the 94 year old former Governor of Virginia Doug Wilder. He was the first black person elected Governor in America and has held a variety of important political roles during the Civil Rights movement through to today. And now Wilder is remarkably candid about the successes and failures of his own political party and the trajectory of our nation. His story and unique perspective are important to document as we try to understand our past and chart a path to the future. Opportunities to hear from historic figures like him in person are rare and I look forward to the Governor’s presentation and the chance to interview him on stage too. Please join us for this historic moment as I step away for one night from my own contemporary campaign efforts for Lt. Governor and sit down to interview a former Lt. Governor and one of the most consequential leaders in modern Virginia history. Get your tickets here. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the Virginia Forum.   Get your tickets today for our next event! Governor Doug Wilder April 15, 2025 7pm at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center  “THE VIRGINIA WAY: USING HISTORY TO SHAPE A BETTER FUTURE” PURCHASE TICKETS HERE Since Doug Wilder’s tenure as governor, Virginia’s political landscape has transformed into a battleground of competing interests. His leadership marked the end of an era defined by civility and fiscal responsibility. How can we restore those principles today? Governor Wilder will offer his insights on reclaiming that legacy. L. Douglas Wilder’s distinguished public service career spans more than 70 years. In 1990, he made history as the first African American elected governor in the United States, serving as Virginia’s 66th governor until 1994. Renowned for his strong fiscal stewardship, he successfully balanced the state budget during challenging economic times. Under his administration, Financial World magazine recognized Virginia as the nation’s best-managed state for two consecutive years. Today, Governor Wilder is a Distinguished Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs where he lectures and hosts symposia, including “Race in Academia,” “The Triple Pandemic,” and "Racism, Health, and Accountability," and most recently "HBCUs and the Absence of Support." He is also the author of "Son of Virginia: A Life in America’s Political Arena," published by Lyons Pres General Admission and VIP tickets are available here. Virginia Election Updates: Virginia to elect first woman governor - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno Democrats look to ride anti-Musk sentiment to victory in Virginia next - POLITICO By Liz Crampton Youngkin, Earle-Sears join 'FOX & Friends' in Henrico County By Anna Bryson 7 things to know about Virginia's historic 2025 governor's race - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey Spanberger vows to sign legislation increasing the minimum wage - Virginia Scope By Brandon Jarvis Which House districts have primaries - by Brandon Jarvis DLCC pours money into Virginia races, citing ‘All eyes on 2025’ • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods Money: Top Donors By VPAP.ORG  Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates: Disaster declaration covers 17 Virginia localities, with 16 more still under review - Cardinal News By Susan Cameron President Trump approves major disaster declaration for Virginia By Anthony Sizemore Youngkin backs removal of alleged MS-13 gang leader without trial | WVTF By Brad Kutner (6) Samuel B. Parker on X: "CONTEXT: Avula’s budget includes over $800,000 in combined raises for City Hall directors, deputy directors, and staff already making more than $150K per year — including himself." / X Ranked-choice voting advocates hope gubernatorial veto won't be a set back | WVTF By Michael Pope Northern Virginia leaders plead for state's help amid federal job cuts | AP News By Olivia Diaz Records show low-rated Virginia nursing home was 'highly profitable' By Tyler Layne Lawmakers call for action over 'chicanery' found in nursing home investigation By Tyler Layne ‘Political stunt after political stunt’: Tensions flare as Goochland Schools appoints new superintendent after sudden firing | WRIC ABC 8News By Victoria Lucas Which Sanctuary Jurisdictions Have Released the Most Criminals? By Jessica M. Vaughan [Virginia ranked Third with 1,601 released]  The Virginia Council presents Un-Cancelling History and Heroes Symposium  RESERVE TICKETS HERE Tickets per event: $30 and includes: 10:30am Welcome coffee & presentations 12:30-1:30pm Lunch with speaker 1:30-2:30pm Additional presentation and discussion Hanover Tavern 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd Hanover, Va 23069 Articles, News, & Quotes: Is the DOD Deep State Sabotaging Trump & Hegseth? By Defend Arlington At Schools Like UVA, DEI Holdouts Demand A Reckoning By Breccan F. Thies ICE says Fairfax County and DC are rejecting detainers, releasing violent offenders By Nick Minock Northern Va. unemployment claims jumped 7.1% in February, new data reveals | ARLnow.com By Scott McCaffrey Virginia Universities Continue to Defy Trump's Executive Order Ending DEI | Restoration News By Victoria Manning DEI: a 30-Day Update | Bacon's Rebellion - By James A. Bacon VB board adopts resolution to suspend DEI initiatives | WAVY.com By Madie McDonald & Keagan Hughes Only 59% of Virginians have a Real ID: What to know before May deadline - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno & Anna Spiegel Parents charged after gun in backpack goes off in Virginia school – NBC4 Washington By Andrea Swalec Four arrested in connection with Spotsylvania triple homicide - Fredericksburg Free Press By Taft Coghill Jr. Police: Resident involved in Olde Greenwich shooting won't be charged - Fredericksburg Free Press By Taft Coghill Jr. Revealed: NY Attorney General Letitia James Declares Virginia Home Her ‘Principal Residence’ | The Gateway Pundit | by Guest Contributor Virginia's biggest trade partners among those hit by Trump's tariffs | WVTF By Brad Kutner As demand for AI rises, so do power thirsty data centers • Virginia Mercury By Paige Gross Boar's Head agrees to $3.1M settlement tied to recalled meat products - Virginia Business By Josh Janney Purcellville residents protest elimination of police department | FOX 5 DC By David Kaplan & Julie Donaldson Fairfax economic forecasts show impact of federal job losses could be worse than Covid | FFXnow By Vernon Miles We must solve Virginia's other health care workforce crisis: A lack of educators • Virginia Mercury By Jenna Fisher Henrico became a data center hub seemingly overnight. How did it happen, and what are the impacts? By Rachel Kester VMHC Monthly Events Template Join the VMHC and biographer Richard Brookhiser for a lecture about his latest book, Glorious Lessons: John Trumball, Painter of the American Revolution. Brookhiser tells the story of how John Trumbull, a firsthand witness to the American Revolution and aide to George Washington, dedicated his life to capturing the war’s legacy through art, seeing himself more as a historian than a painter. Two Lights – Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration – VA250 Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775.  Interviews & Videos of Interest (6) John Reid on X: "ICYMI: I was on the @SchillingShow yesterday where I laid out our campaign’s strategy to bring back common sense policies that every day Virginians from all walks of life can get behind! Listen ⬇️ https://t.co/ydsMHrjj1m" / X Exclusive: 7News rides along with ICE in Virginia where removal operations are rising By Nick Minock 'Terror of Trump,' 'Birthing People' & Other Leftist Shenanigans in VA! By The Family Foundation WATCH: Updating a historical location in Fredericksburg - Fredericksburg Free Press By Ted Schubel Lawsuits, Surveillance and a 300-Mile Road Trip: The Story That Went Viral | Podcast Episode on RSS.com By Dutchie Jessee & Jeffrey Schwaner WWI Memorial Sculptor Sabin Howard Revives Classical Art The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty CORTEZ: White House Faith Initiative Advances Responsible Political Change By Daniel P. Cortez Virginia Court of Appeals rules in Prince Edward flagpole case | The Farmville Herald By Brian Carlton The Virginia Council has been blessed with unwavering support from the community since its founding a few years ago. And we decided to add some new ways to thank you for your ongoing assistance in our efforts to educate and inform Virginians. "Announcing The Virginia Council membership reward program. Sign up today on our website for the various levels of support!" Member level: Simple membership is free when you sign up for our email newsletter or attend a monthly meeting. Liberty level: For an annual contribution of $100 you get the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings and a commemorative Virginia Council lapel pin. Patriot level: When you step up to make an annual contribution of $250 you receive first access to tickets to our annual Christmas and Patriot Parties, the commemorative Virginia Council pin, and the newsletter and monthly meeting access. President's Council level: For a commitment of $1000 you receive the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings, 2 lapel pins, 2 invitations to both of our annual parties, and 2 VIP tickets to one Virginia Forum lecture of your choice. We hope you'll find these rewards an added incentive to help fund our efforts to restore a full view of Virginia's history, monuments & role that government plays in our lives. We appreciate all your support and encouragement and look forward to bringing you more compelling voices of liberty, freedom, and conscience over the next year. To become a Liberty, Patriot, or President's Council member, please make a contribution here. To volunteer, click here. The Executive Board of the Virginia Council If you are interested in donating appreciated securities, we now have an account to make it easy for you (see the information below). Contact us HERE for more details.  The Virginia Council Preserving Virginia’s history and creating a more prosperous future for all Virginians. Stay Hopeful. Stay Connected. P. O. Box 5 Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103, United States |
