black history month

Feb 08, 2024

For the second week of Black History Month, we will be highlighting one of the most prominent figures in Charlottesville history, Mr. Benjamin Tonsler. Benjamin Tonsler was born to parents, Edward and Martha Tonsler, in April of 1854 in Albemarle County, eleven years before slavery was abolished in Virginia. Though not much is known about […]

Feb 06, 2024

Abundant Life Ministries is celebrating Black History Month 2024 by taking time to reflect on historical events and notable people who have contributed to our unique Charlottesville community. Creating history isn’t easy, and we are thankful for all who led and continue to lead the way to a better tomorrow. To kick off this month […]

Feb 28, 2023

As Black History Month comes to a close, we want to remember that history is always being written and we are grateful for those who pioneered and continue to pioneer against the odds.  We would like to dedicate this Highlight to Community Activist, Educator, Entertainer, and Motivator, Mr. Alex-Zan. Mr. Alex-Zan began his activism when […]

Feb 24, 2023

This week we are highlighting educator, Esther Vassar of Lane High School who stood in the gap for her students at a time of racial discrepancy.  Lane High School, Preceeding Charlottesville High School, was a segregated High School in Charlottesville up until 1959, following a three-year battle in federal court to avoid integration of schools […]

Feb 08, 2023

For our second week of Abundant Life Black History, we’d like to highlight a community of thriving black residents in Charlottesville, Virginia, that was destroyed in 1964 as part of a citywide redevelopment program. This neighborhood was known as Vinegar Hill, which extended through Main Street and the east end of the Downtown Mall.  Post-Civil […]