Soul of Cville

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

📣 Charlottesville… this is your invitation.

Whether you’re a small business owner…
an artist…
a performer…
a volunteer…
or someone who simply believes community matters…

There’s a place for you at Soul Of Cville 2026.

History isn’t made by spectators.

It’s made by people who decide to show up.

🗓 August 10-15, 2026

✨ Follow the Soul Of Cville page to stay up to date on announcements, tickets, and opportunities to get involved.

🛍 Interested in becoming a vendor?
Applications are now open:

https://forms.gle/ALVSouV11Wi6gGDV8

We can’t wait to build this year’s legacy together.

06/18/2026

✨ This is YOUR ballot.

The businesses that have you in a chokehold.
The community leaders who show up.
The creatives changing the game.
The people who make Charlottesville feel like home.

They’re all counting on this community to see them.

This year’s ballot includes fun, fresh, conversation-starting categories alongside meaningful recognitions that honor excellence, service, culture, and impact.

From the people serving “Main Character Energy” to those making us say, “The City Needed This,” we’re celebrating the people who leave a lasting mark on our community.

Don’t assume someone else will nominate them. 😩

Be the reason they’re recognized.

🗳️ Submit your nominations today:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/DSID1/_2026BestInBlackCvilleNominationForm

Then come back and tell us:

👇🏾 What new category are you most excited to see this year?

06/17/2026

Last year, our community showed up in a big way.

Together, we:

* Honored 33 Best In Black Cville award recipients.
* Celebrated 80+ Black-owned businesses.
* Welcomed 350 guests to the awards ceremony.
* Engaged 4,500 community members through nominations and voting.
* Hosted 10 events across 6 venues.
* Kept youth and family programming free and accessible.
* Brought people together from six states to celebrate culture, community, and Black excellence.

And in 2026…

We’re dreaming even bigger.

More opportunities to connect.
More stories to preserve.
More experiences that remind us our community is one of our greatest heirlooms.

🗓 August 10-15, 2026

Follow our page and be part of what’s next.

Be a vendor:

Applications are now open ⬇️

https://forms.gle/ALVSouV11Wi6gGDV8

06/16/2026

Every year we hear the same question:

“Why don’t we see more new people on the ballot?”

This year… we listened.

For 2026, we’re introducing a rotating category model.

That means some of our traditional categories are taking a well-deserved break while we make room for fresh voices, hidden gems, neighborhood favorites, and the people making a real impact every day.

✨ More than 25 reimagined categories
✨ New opportunities for micro-businesses and emerging entrepreneurs
✨ Recognition for people whose impact can’t always be measured by popularity

Because Best In Black Cville has never just been about who’s the biggest.

It’s about celebrating the people shaping our culture, strengthening our community, and making Charlottesville better.

Who’s been quietly doing incredible work?

Go nominate them.

🔗 https://www.cognitoforms.com/DSID1/_2026BestInBlackCvilleNominationForm

06/15/2026

https://www.29news.com/2026/06/15/nominations-open-2026-best-black-cville-awards/

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Best in Black Cville Awards.

06/15/2026

*Disclaimer* ⚠️ Photosensitivity Warning: This video contains flashing lights and visual effects that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light sensitivities. Viewer discretion is advised.

The future isn’t something we inherit. It’s something we create. 🤏🏾

Every tradition started because someone decided it mattered enough to begin.

That’s the heartbeat behind Soul Of Cville 2026.

This year, we’re exploring one powerful idea:

Future Heirlooms. We Are the Ancestors.✊🏾

What are we leaving for the next generation? What stories, businesses, traditions, relationships, and opportunities will outlive us?

For one unforgettable week, we’ll celebrate the people who came before us while creating something worthy of those who come after.

Because legacy isn’t just remembered.
It’s built.

🗓 August 10-15, 2026

Follow the Soul Of Cville page to be the first to hear event announcements, ticket releases, volunteer opportunities, and special surprises.

🛍️ Interested in becoming a vendor? Applications are now open:

https://forms.gle/ALVSouV11Wi6gGDV8

06/12/2026

The Jefferson School Foundation, in partnership with Prolyfyck Run Creww and Soul of Cville, is proud to announce 100 Years Strong: A Legacy Run , the official kickoff event for Soul of Cville Week and a signature event honoring the 100th Anniversary of Jefferson
School.

As the opening event of Soul of Cville Week, 100 Years Strong: A Legacy Run will bring together runners, walkers, alumni, families, neighbors, community leaders, and supporters to honor the generations who helped shape Jefferson School while celebrating the partnerships and people who continue to move its legacy forward.

“As a part of The Legacy Run we invite the community to join us as we pass the torch. This is a living symbol of one generation passing wisdom, stories, sacrifices, and opportunities to the
next. The ceremonial torch handoff reminds us that none of us arrived here on our own. We are carrying dreams that were entrusted to us by those who came before, and we have a responsibility to pass something meaningful forward. As Jefferson School celebrates 100 years
of impact, we’re honored to help create a moment where legacy holders and legacy carriers can stand side by side, recognize how far we’ve come, and commit to where we’re going next.”

06/09/2026

The nomination window for the 2026 Best In Black Cville Awards is officially OPEN!

The theme for the 2026 Soul Of Cville Festival is “Future Heirlooms: We Are Ancestors.”

And before anybody says, “Ancestors? That’s for the old folks…” AHT AHT, let us stop you right there.

We’re talking about YOU.

TLDR? Go nominate ⬇️:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/DSID1/_2026BestInBlackCvilleNominationForm

by Khalilah Jones The nomination window for the 2026 Best In Black Cville Awards is officially OPEN! The theme for the 2026 Soul Of Cville Festival is “Future Heirlooms: We […]