Maupintown Media, Vinegar Hill Magazine, and the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center present State of the City, a multimedia series exploring the lives and experiences of the first two African American councilors to ever serve on Charlottesville’s City Council at the same time: Mayor Nikuyah Walker and Councilor Wes Bellamy.
The State of the City looks at some of Walker and Bellamy’s most significant undertakings over the last two years, while also taking a deep dive into the personal, political, and professional realities of two Black civic leaders as they attempt to move Charlottesville towards greater equity.
In more than two hours of conversation, Walker and Bellamy reflect on the internal and external battles they’ve faced along the way, how their civic service has affected them, and how they’d like to see the city move forward. They discuss their own self-care, their role in their communities, and give advice to African Americans considering a future political run for office. For the first time, Bellamy also reflects on his decision not to run for a second term, and what his future plans hold in store.
Episode 1: To Move A City Forward
Episode 2: Home to Hope
Episode 3: In Order To Live Here
Episode 4: Ground Is About To Be…
Episode 5: Something That We Could Resolve
Episode 6: It Was Only Right
In more than two hours of conversation, Walker and Bellamy reflect on the internal and external battles they’ve faced along the way, how their civic service has affected them, and how they’d like to see the city move forward. They discuss their own self-care, their role in their communities, and give advice to African Americans considering a future political run for office. For the first time, Bellamy also reflects on his decision not to run for a second term, and what his future plans hold in store.
