Later this week we'll hold our inaugural Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities at the Altria Theater in Richmond.
Our celebration of 50 years as your state humanities council is continuing despite the challenges to our federal funding that are currently happening at the National Endowment for the Humanities.
We have a lot to be proud of and to look forward to. We hope you'll join us and gain a better understand why the humanities matter, how they help us understand our past and present and the role they can play in shaping a more positive future.
Before the public lecture by David Brooks, we'll honor three individuals/organizations with a "Commonwealth Humanities Award." Lynda Johnson Robb, Dominion Energy, and Elegba Folklore Society will each be honored and will receive a unique work of art made by Page County basket maker, Clyde Jenkins.
Today, we're pleased to share the story behind the baskets Clyde crafted for the award recipients.
You are invited to join us for both the private awards ceremony and the public lecture by David Brooks. If you don't already have your tickets, details on how to purchase them are below.
David Brooks is one of the nation’s leading writers, authors and commentators. Brooks is an op-ed columnist for The New York Times, a writer for The Atlantic, and appears regularly on PBS Newshour. The lecture will examine the intersections of public life and culture, exploring how the humanities are relevant in today’s world, especially in a civically engaged society.
Following the lecture, there will be a moderated conversation by Barbara Hamm Lee. Barbara Hamm Lee is an award-winning journalist, radio and television host of Another View. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance. The event is designed to foster deeper reflection on how the humanities are important to continue to shape our society.
The Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities series is designed to foster deeper reflection on how the humanities continue to shape and respond to societal shifts. This is a signature event of Virginia Humanities’ year-long 50th anniversary celebration.
Join us for a special private dinner and awards presentation before the lecture. During the dinner, we will celebrate remarkable individuals and organizations with three statewide humanities awards recognizing exceptional contributions to the humanities in Virginia.
Individual tickets to the dinner are $350 (and include a ticket to the lecture).
2025 Commonwealth Humanities Awards
Individual Excellence
Lynda Johnson Robb
Corporate Excellence
Dominion Energy
Community Partner Excellence Elegba Folklore Society
