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multitude of leaders, such as Ramsey Clark, Dr. Demetrios G. Kousoulas, Shirley Chisholm, Emperor Haile Selassie, Donny Hathaway, Dr. Nathan Hare, Stokely Carmichael, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Robert Martin, and other music, political, education, scientists, judiciary, and artists and cultural legends during her time on campus. “But I didn’t appreciate exactly the moment in history during that time,” explained Edwards. “That was also during the Motown era, and so we had a lot of Motown related people who were also students and guests. It was a really really exciting place to be. Just seeing the history actually being made. To be able to touch it.” Over the years, Edwards remembers the struggle of being the first African American hired at DLS while her brother, a graduate of Harvard University, joined the military due to an inability to find employment in the late 1970s. She remembers the streets she couldn’t cross to get ice cream in the summertime. She remembers the places she was unable to live in Richmond. She remembers the dirt sidewalks of her childhood village of Woodville, where the community taught

Delegate Jennifer McClellan, Valerie Braxton-Williams (Confidential Assistant for Policy, Commissioner's Office, Virginia Employment Commission), Brenda Edwards (Senior Research Associate, Division of Legislative Services)

its children how to safely interact with the white community. She remembers her maternal grandfather enduring the indignities he suffered for the right to vote, teaching her how to vote, taking her to vote. She remembers getting all dolled up, just to go into the stores on Broad Street, but not being able to try on any clothing. She remembers that even in 1974 there were still places in Richmond that made the illegal choice not to serve her. Despite challenges, Edwards persevered and flourished at her research position in Richmond, climbing to the position of Senior Research Associate, knowing that her work mattered to her community. “I continued to work here (DLS) in spite of the challenges because I love the work and I was always taught to persevere and to have hope,” said Edwards. “Remember, I grew up during Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement and that experience develops mettle. My family and church family were my support and safety systems. They encouraged me not to give in or give up and reminded me that I had been divinely placed here for a purpose.” “It has been a blessing working here,” Edwards continued. “It’s been a real blessing. The Lord has used even all of the negative things

that I’ve endured here for my good. He’s used it for my good. He’s protected me, provided for me, he’s done everything. I couldn’t ask for anything else.” In August, Edwards’ house was struck by lightning for the second time. She explained that there were probably minerals in the soil that drew the lightning to her house. But her attitude was not one of defeat. Her voice contained a lightness. Her spirit sang of hope. Our country’s history of racial injustice is not one that can or should be denied or forgotten. This history of injustice has shaped both individuals and communities throughout our country Edwards being one of them. These are individuals who can think quickly on their feet. Individuals who can present solutions to problems with confidence. Individuals who can have their houses struck by lightning and respond with hope and resilience. For forty-one years, DLS has had one of these individuals using tenacity, quick-wittedness, and optimism to direct legislative commissions. Lydia Freeman is a graduate of Bluefield College, former intern at David Bailey Associates, and currently Teach for America fifth grade teacher in Northampton County, NC.

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Brenda and her late husband—  The Rev. Glenn T. Edwards, Sr.

Hugh A. Joyce President cell: (804) 305-9595 hugh@jamesriverair.com

1905 Westmoreland Street Richmond, VA 23230 o ce: (804) 358-9333 fax: (804) 358-4066

www . JamesRiverAir . com

WWW. VCCQM . ORG

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V irginia C apitol C onnections , F all 2016

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