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WPA Heritage Day Ceremony at NBG (Norfolk)
September 20 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join us in celebrating the foundational contributions of 200 African American women and 20 African American men who, employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1938, cleared dense swampland to plant our very first azaleas. Through their unmatched resilience and hard work, a lasting legacy was born that grew into Norfolk Botanical Garden.
WPA Heritage Day is more than a historical look back. It is a vital act of recognition. During the era of racial segregation, the very laborers who poured their sweat into planting the initial 4,000 azaleas, 2,000 rhododendrons, and 100 bushels of daffodils were legally barred from visiting the finished grounds. Today, Norfolk Botanical Garden stands actively committed to being a green sanctuary where everyone belongs.
Schedule of Events
2PM | Commemorative Ceremony in Rose Garden Hall | The afternoon begins with our annual ceremony honoring the original 220 WPA gardeners. The ceremony includes a keynote address and the annual presentation of the Groundbreaker Award. Hosted by the Presidents’ Council on Inclusion and Diversity (PCID), this award recognizes outstanding local leaders who demonstrate groundbreaking service to our community.
3PM | Community Reception in Baker Hall Visitor Center | Following the ceremony, join us in Baker Hall for light refreshments, fellowship and community reflection.
Special Musical Guest: JuJu Drum
We are honored to welcome Norfolk native and acclaimed regional percussion artist JuJu Drum. An educator and Norfolk State University alumnus, JuJu Drum brings dynamic rhythm and deep cultural storytelling to life through his music. Having shared the stage with legendary acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, his high-energy performance will provide a soulful, celebratory soundtrack honoring our original WPA gardeners.
Visit the Memorial: We encourage all event attendees to take a reflective walk through our physical WPA Memorial Garden to view Kathleen Farrell’s Breaking Ground bronze sculpture in person.
