Black representation in government was on display at The Gloucester Institute’s Sunday Dinner program at Holly Knoll on the historic Moton Conference Center campus in Cappahosic.

Don L. Scott Jr. (D-Portsmouth), Virginia’s first African American Speaker of the House of Delegates, was scheduled to be the guest speaker on Sunday, but was unable to attend. Del. C.E. “Cliff” Hayes Jr. (D-Chesapeake) stepped up to address the gathering and to accept the 2024 Robert Russa Moton Legacy Award on Scott’s behalf.

The Sunday Dinner program also included an appearance from Virginia Poet Laureate Margaret O. Daramola, who recited her poem “Promised Land.”

Hayes accepted the Legacy Award for Scott from Gloucester Institute founder Kay Cole James. The award is given to someone who possesses the leadership qualities that James said she wants to see within her students.

“I think that his story is an inspiration to the students who are here. I have never met anyone who is more committed to ...