Biography

Dr. Grace M. Pleasants was perhaps best known as founder of Living the Dream (Community Learning Week). She envisioned the “Living the Dream” (formerly Community Learning Week) in 1978 to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and empower the community for positive change. With the assistance of the Black Clergy, community leaders, Virginia Union University, and community organizations, Living the Dream (CLW) emerged under her leadership as one of the original observances in the nation commemorating King's birthday.

Dr. Grace M. Pleasants was a natural leader and a woman before her time. Her leadership abilities were attributes in education and community activities in Richmond. She envisioned programs that would enhance individuals’ lives, and worked diligently to ensure the success of her visions. While a student at Virginia Union University, her fellow classmates affectionately called her “Miss Student Government Association” because of her leadership skills.

Dr. Grace Pleasants was one of Richmond’s most distinguished educators. She had a compassion for education, and embarked upon a mission to develop the minds and skills of young people. She encouraged them to take advantage of all opportunities available to them. She helped high school graduates obtain scholarships and loans for college, and worked unselfishly to assist them to take advantage of all opportunities available to them.

She started the first program of “Distributive Education in Black Schools in Virginia;” and sponsored an annual Sales Institute that attracted nationally known speakers in the business world. She was the national resource person for “A Better Chance” program that enabled gifted minority students to enroll in some of the country’s leading preparatory schools.

A graduate of Armstrong High School, she received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from Virginia Union University, a Master’s Degree in Merchandising from New York University, a second master’s degree in Guidance from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Doctorate of Education Degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1977.

Upon graduation from Virginia Union University, she worked three years as a reporter and women’s page editor for the Norfolk Journal and Guide Newspaper, and later as assistant editor of the Virginia Teacher’s Association Magazine. She wrote business and social columns for the Washington-Pittsburgh Courier and the Richmond Afro-American Newspapers.

Dr. Grace Matthews Pleasants was employed with the Richmond Public Schools for 23 years in positions as Guidance Counselor, Director of Guidance Services and Coordinator of Distributive Education. After departing this position, she joined the faculty of Virginia Union University as Director of University Counseling Services from 1972 until her retirement in 1984.

Dr. Pleasants served on Longwood College’s Board of Trustees. She was also on the boards of the Greater Richmond Urban League, the Greater Richmond Transit Company, Jobs for Virginia Graduates, and the Commonwealth Girl Scouts Council. In 1956 the Phi Delta Kappa Sorority honored her as “Woman of the Year.”

Dr. Grace Pleasants died in 1985. She is remembered as an outstanding educator and community leader. Her Virginia Union University colleagues describe her as brilliant, insightful, with a genuine concern for the future of young people.

Highlights

• Founded Living the Dream (formerly Community Learning Week) in 1978 to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and empower the community.
• Distinguished Richmond educator; encouraged and supported students to access scholarships, loans, and educational opportunities.
• Pioneered Distributive Education in Black schools in Virginia and supported national programs benefiting gifted minority students.
• Served Richmond Public Schools for 23 years; later served at Virginia Union University (University Counseling Services) from 1972 until retirement in 1984.
• Served on boards including Longwood College, Greater Richmond Urban League, Greater Richmond Transit Company, Jobs for Virginia Graduates, and the Commonwealth Girl Scouts Council.
• Remembered for wisdom, insight, and a genuine concern for the future of young people; passed away in 1985.

Biography

Rev. Millner is a graduate of George Washington Carver High School, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL. He also has done study at Harvard University and New York University-School of Continuing Education. He was ordained to Christian Ministry in 1971, and returned to pastor Morning Star in 1991.

Rev. Millner had the gracious opportunity to horn his leadership and administrative skills while serving as Executive Vice President at Virginia Union University and Director of Minority Affairs at Virginia Power (now Dominion Power).

Rev. Millner has been a very active clergyman and pastor in community affairs. He has to his credit several very creative programs designed to advance the cause of social justice and cultural preservation, including Richmond’s Community Learning Week, which became recognized as a National Model for observing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Another is the Citizen’s Awareness Program ¬Blue Ribbon Campaign – organized since coming to Morning Star as an education and outreach ~Ministry in the community. And the Joint-Convention Model for the United Holy Church (first demonstrated in the Virginia Diocese) – hosting of convocation and several conventions into one major church gathering. Rev. Millner has received numerous awards and honors and is sought after as a church and civic affairs speaker.

Living the Dream, Inc. invites 11th and 12th grade Richmond Public Schools students from each high school to participate in this annual event. A panel of professional judges evaluates the students’ presentations.

The contest provides a positive and inspiring forum for young people. It is designed to highlight the speeches and ideals of Dr. King while encouraging excellence in writing and public speaking. Through participation, students strengthen their presentation skills, poise, self confidence, and healthy competitive spirit.

Each year, the event is hosted in partnership with Virginia Union University and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, both of which help create a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved.

Highlights

• Pastor of Morning Star Holy Church.
• Served as Executive Vice President at Virginia Union University.
• Director of Minority Affairs at Virginia Power (now Dominion Power).
• Developed the Richmond’s Community Learning Week, which became recognized as a National Model for observing the Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Developed the Citizen’s Awareness Program ¬Blue Ribbon Campaign – organized since coming to Morning Star as an education and outreach ~Ministry in the community
• and Joint-Convention Model for the United Holy Church (first demonstrated in the Virginia Diocese) – hosting of convocation and several conventions into one major church gathering.