North Tidewater News

Jan. 11, 2024 — Mayor Donnie Tuck has announced the honorees for this year's Hampton Heroes ceremony, which will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The ceremony, held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, aims to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the city of Hampton, Virginia, in ways that honor the spirit and legacy of Dr. King.

One of the highlights of this year's ceremony is the inclusion of the Aberdeen Gardens supporters among the list of heroes. Aberdeen Gardens, a historic neighborhood in Hampton, has a rich history and is known for its significance in African American heritage. Arthur Howe, who submitted the proposal for Aberdeen Gardens to the federal government, Hilyard R. Robinson, the Black architect who designed the neighborhood homes, and William R. Walker, Jr., the community manager of Aberdeen Gardens, are among those being honored for their contributions to the development and preservation of the neighborhood.

Also being recognized is Evelyn D. Chandler, a key leader in obtaining Aberdeen Gardens' historic designation, and Roosevelt Wilson, a leader of Aberdeen Gardens groups in the 1980s and '90s. Claude Vann Jr. and Claude Vann III. are also being honored for their involvement in the restoration and continued leadership of the Aberdeen Gardens Museum complex. Margaret Wilson, who has been instrumental in sharing Aberdeen's stories locally and nationally to keep its history alive, is also among the heroes being recognized.

In addition to the Aberdeen Gardens supporters, former Councilman Will Moffett will be honored in the category of Modern-Era Trailblazers in Public Service. Moffett, a dedicated neighborhood and city leader, has been a champion for the Y.H. Thomas Neighborhood Center and services for young people in Hampton.

The ceremony will commence at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, in the lobby of the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Following the indoor presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the new names. The event is free and open to the public, allowing everyone to come together and celebrate the remarkable individuals who have made a positive impact on the community.

This year's Hampton Heroes ceremony not only pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy but also recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals like the Aberdeen Gardens supporters and Will Moffett, who have dedicated their time and efforts to improving the city of Hampton.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://hampton.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5521