The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) will launch a new Virginia Civil Rights podcast series, highlighting the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement while amplifying the voices of individuals and communities who helped shape the fight for equality. The Virginia-focused episodes are part of the broader U.S. Civil Rights Trail Podcast, a nationally recognized, narrative-style podcast series.
The podcast explores significant moments and movements across the Commonwealth, sharing stories of everyday citizens whose courage and resilience drove lasting change. Through first-hand accounts, expert commentary, and historical context, the series examines key events in Farmville, Fredericksburg, Danville, and Richmond, featuring voices of those who lived the history alongside historians and scholars who continue to study its impact.
“Virginia’s civil rights story is essential to understanding the broader U.S. Civil Rights Movement,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Through this podcast, we are honoring the individuals who stood up for justice, often at great personal cost, while inviting listeners to engage more deeply with the places and stories that shaped our shared history. These narratives are powerful reminders that Virginia’s communities played a critical role in advancing civil rights in our nation.”
“We were thrilled to have participated in the USCRT Podcast,” said Cainan Townsend, executive director of the Moton Museum. “Being added to the trail in 2017 was a tremendous accomplishment for our institution, as it allows us to share a fuller and more cohesive narrative of the civil rights movement. People often do not associate civil rights history with the Commonwealth of Virginia, but I hope these episodes illuminate these stories and demonstrate the crucial role Virginia played in the fight for equality.”
Episode Highlights
Episode 1: Students Take a Stand
A teenage Barbara Johns leads a student protest at her segregated school in Farmville—an act of courage that would help change legal history in Virginia and beyond.
Featuring: Joan Johns Cobbs, Claude Jones Cobbs, Skip Griffin, Cainan Townsend, and Gary Flowers
Locations featured: Farmville, Richmond
Episode 2: The Movement Arrives
Stories of individuals who sparked real change through school protests and department store sit-ins.
Featuring: Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, Lateefah Muhammad, Mary Malone, Clarence Todd, and Dr. Gaila Sims
Location featured: Fredericksburg
Episode 3: The Price of Protest
An in-depth look at Bloody Monday, a public library protest, and organized marches that were met with violent backlash.
Featuring: Karice Luck-Brimmer, Sherman Saunders, Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, and Dr. Robert Vinson
Location featured: Danville
How to Listen
The Virginia Civil Rights podcast series is available as part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Podcast. Listeners can find the series by searching for “U.S. Civil Rights Trail Podcast” on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
Visit virginia.org/VACivilRightsTrail for more information.
