“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members…a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.”

Coretta Scott King

ON FEBRUARY 6, 2026 FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:

                                     BERNADETTE WHITSETT-HAMMOND

A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, a retired school psychologist.  She has previously worked for the Providence, Rhode Island Public Schools, the Richmond City Public Schools, and most recently for the Charlottesville City Public Schools System. She is active in both church and community organizations, having long-viewed public service as one of life’s priorities.  Through her membership in the Charlottesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she has been active in voter registration efforts, assisted with the collection of personal supplies for local women, and mentored first-generation college-bound high school students as they navigated the college admissions process to name a few of her involvements.  

Over the years, Ms. Whitsett-Hammond has developed a particular interest in the history of the Charlottesville community.  As a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, she is chair of the Legacy Committee which is responsible for the church’s archives.  In 2016, she co-founded the Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery, a non-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the City of Charlottesville’s only African American burial ground.  She serves on the Board of Preservation Piedmont and is also featured on the Beloved Community Charlottesville video tour speaking on both the history of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Daughters of Zion Cemetery.

In November 2019, Ms. Whitsett-Hammond was selected as “Citizen of the Year” by the Xi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.  In January, she received the Alicia B. Lugo Award at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event sponsored by Mr. Alex-Zan.