Historic preservation can be self preservation, but what are we preserving, and for whom? In Newsome Farms–a stone’s throw from the future site of the Virginia African American Cultural Center–an unclaimed cemetery thwarts Mr. Kirkly and his neighbors from the tidiness they aspire to. What is your relationship with your appearance and your personal safety?

Transitioning from policing the streets of Brooklyn to the boardwalk of Virginia Beach, John Bell realizes fairly quickly that he’s “not in Kansas anymore.” As he grapples with cultural shifts and racial tensions, the question arises: Can one truly live the dream of being a policeman when faced with the complexities of fairness, empathy, and justice?

Step into Mill Dam–specifically the Haynes family's world, where basketball games with a makeshift hoop and a home that was a haven for kids reveal a profound tale of communal care. When trying to build a village, does nostalgia move us forward or hold us back?

From the bus stop to the courthouse–In Gracetown, hard-earned advances came with some unintended impacts. “Old Fashioned Fannie” followed in the footsteps of her grandfather–standing up for herself and her community. Is it possible to preserve community connections in the face of change?

Reverend Jean Thoroughood delves into a bygone era of midwifery, where compassion and community played vital roles. Amidst the struggles and triumphs, her narrative prompts a reflection on the progress — or lack thereof — in Black maternal care. The legacy of midwives raises a poignant question: Have we truly evolved, or do echoes of the past still linger in today's maternal healthcare landscape?

Hey-We are glad you are here. We hope you are HERE in Virginia Beach to experience the stories where they happened, but we welcome you wherever your heart may be at the present moment.