A Heart That Beats; Virginian History and Diversity

Diversity in America dates back to the time of the settlement of the first American colony, Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Shortly after, the French founded the colony, Quebec (north of Mexico), the Spanish arrived and moved from Mexico to Santa Fe, and because of slavery at the time, there was quite a large mix of African cultures. In addition were the existing Native American Indians. Today there are well over one billion non-white ethnic groups in America to include African, Hispanic and Asian.

            Rich in history and culture, the Common Wealth, Virginia has been the heart of oppression, liberty and racial equality for many centuries. Norfolk, Virginia alone has over 65 local groups in which promote cultural awareness, recognition and diversity. (Reynolds, 2008)

            Unaware of such diversity, I first came to the area in the year 2000 as an enlisted Sailor in the United States Navy. At first glance it appeared to me, it was the military which created a more diversified state. I felt the majority of the population in this area was African American. However, this large population of African Americans is not by chance. Believe it or not, before the Civil War, Virginia had the largest slave and free Black population. (Shepard, 2008) Many of the African Americans who now reside in Virginia are the descendants of those who fought and won their freedom promised in the Constitution and have shaped and influenced Virginia into the diverse state it is today.

            According to the U.S. census bureau the African American population throughout America has grown from 8.8 million in 1900 to over 36.4 million (black only) in the year 2000. Overall 12 percent of the American population is black, a large percent of which reside in Virginia. Within the state, Norfolk, Virginia is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth with more than 50% of the population being African-American. (Pennington, personal communication May 9, 2008)

            Probably most striking to me, are the cultural elements in this area to include shopping malls and centers, hair salons and even restaurants which cater specifically to minority groups, in particular African Americans. Although Virginia is home to Norfolk State University, one of the largest, predominately black colleges in America, it would never occur to me Virginia at one time, was involved in a Supreme Court decision in 1954 that helped went on to desegregate public schools in Virginia as well as in over 21 other states (Brown vs. Board of Education).