Iona W. Adkins Courthouse

Above, a plaque hangs high in the foyer in honor of Iona Whitehead Adkins as the Charles City Courthouse is renamed in her honor during a Sunday afternoon ceremony. Adkins was the first African-American, male or female, to be named as a Circuit Court Clerk in the United States since the Reconstruction Era. Adkins served in the position in Charles City for 21 years, bridging the diversity gap and overall attitude of fairness along with bringing the county together. Several dignitaries attended the event including former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (below).

Robb Johnson photos