Anissa Turner-Randolph first discovered BLK RVA while scrolling through Instagram. After learning about the organization’s mission at the Second Street Festival, she began following its account. So when a call for advisory committee members appeared in her feed, she didn’t hesitate to step up.

Today, she serves as the board chair of the BLK RVA Advisory Committee, helping guide the organization’s mission to amplify and celebrate Black culture.

“I appreciated all things Black growing up,” she said.

Her work with BLK RVA, a nonprofit initiative that celebrates and promotes Black culture in Richmond, aligns perfectly with her professional path and personal values. She’s the marketing director at Radio

One Richmond, a company that owns and operates four local stations. Her career with the company began in 2016 as an intern. After a brief stint in the Norfolk area, she returned to Richmond, steadily rising through the ranks. She sees Radio One as a platform for representation and empowerment for Black media and local businesses.

Born in San Diego, Turner-Randolph relocated to the East Coast when she was 6 years old. The family lived in the Washington, D.C., area and eventually settled in Virginia Beach, where she graduated from high school.

Turner-Randoph has faced hardship — her mother died when she was just 17 — but her family continues to be her anchor. She’s the second of five siblings and is close with her father, stepmother and younger sisters.

“I’d like to get married eventually, but I want to find the right one,” she said, noting that her father has set a virtuous example for what she is looking for in a partner.

Outside of her professional life, Turner-Randolph enjoys the arts. Whether she’s attending a concert, browsing a museum, or binge-watching her favorite shows, she’s always plugged into culture. However, she also enjoys quiet time, unwinding with her dog or spending time with her family.

What is BLK RVA? It’s a program created by the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation to highlight and celebrate the Black cultural experience in the Richmond Region.

What is BLK RVA’s mission? The mission of the BLK RVA initiative is to attract visitors to the Richmond Region and inspire locals to embrace what’s in their backyard. The program aims to serve as a beacon of equity and inclusivity by supporting a thriving ecosystem of diverse hospitality and tourism businesses, and ensuring that Black-owned businesses share in the economic impact of local tourism.

When was BLK RVA founded? It was founded in August 2019 as a community effort to celebrate and highlight the rich Black cultural experience in the Richmond Region.

Who were the founders? BLK RVA began as a roundtable discussion with Richmond Region Tourism staff and over 20 community members, including Janine Bell, Ken Johnson, Angela Wright, Adele Johnson and others. There was an action committee, a community of people who came together to serve the community. Enjoli Moon, Katherine O’Donnell, Josh Epperson and Amy Wentz were members of the original action team.

Who are BLK RVA partners? We partner with several locally Black-owned tourism and hospitality-based organizations and businesses.

How is BLK RVA funded? BLK RVA is a program under the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation, funded through corporate sponsorships and grants.

What is BLK RVA’s target audience? We aim to attract travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences. We also seek to inspire locals to embrace what is in their own backyard. To achieve this, we promote and support established and new Black-owned businesses and ventures.

When did you get involved with BLK RVA and why? I got involved in 2022 because it represents more than just a cultural initiative; it’s a movement that celebrates, affirms, and amplifies Black excellence, creativity, history, and joy in Richmond. I was elected chair in 2024.

What is your strategy as chair? I aim to continue shining a light and providing platforms for Black creatives and business owners in our community by elevating the mission and creating meaningful opportunities that celebrate, empower, and unify Black businesses in the area.

What’s your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge is striking a balance between a bold vision and practical execution. I want to keep people engaged and maintain momentum, especially in a climate where DEI rollbacks have affected our business.

How has BLK RVA made an impact in the region? BLK RVA has consistently celebrated Black excellence and fostered a sense of community pride. Through initiatives like the BLK RVA Community Awards, we honor local leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives who inspire and uplift our community.

Beyond recognition, our grant program supports local events and Black-owned businesses, providing crucial funding and resources that help them grow and thrive. These efforts create economic opportunities and strengthen connections across Richmond’s Black community.

How can readers get involved and connect with BLK RVA?

Support our locally owned Black-owned businesses! We have events listed on visitblkrva.com. Follow us on social media at @visitblkrva on Instagram and Twitter, and we invite your readers to join us at our signature event, the BLK RVA Community Awards, on Friday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theater.

What is the Black RVA Community Awards event? The 2025 BLK RVA Community Awards is a restatement of Black excellence, showcasing the achievements and contributions that continue to shape our vibrant cultural landscape. We invite the community to join us for a celebration of history, resilience, innovation and economic impact on the Black community in the Richmond Region.

What’s the ticket price and what’s included? Tickets are $69. Our awards go beyond just recognizing achievements; we authentically celebrate Black excellence and showcase the leaders who are transforming Richmond. The event offers a unique opportunity.

How do you start your day? I start my day by reading Scriptures and thanking God for my life and the blessings He’s given me. I also enjoy a very large cup of coffee to energize me!

What are three words that best describe you? Resilient, purposeful and visionary.

Who is your dream dinner party guest? I would invite Issa Rae because she is a true inspiration for me, and I would love to learn from her.

What are the top three on your musical playlist? Right now, I am loving Cleo Sol, any type of ’90s R&B, and good gospel!

What’s something that you love to do that most people would never imagine? I love the performing arts — plays, ballet, musicals and operas.

Who influenced you the most? My father is my biggest influence. He is a hard worker, family-oriented, and very serious about his passions. I am thankful for how he raised me. It’s the foundation for the woman I am today.

What are you currently reading? “Successful Women Think Differently,” by Valorie Burton. It teaches various values and mindsets to maintain and set proper goals, making decisions to live a purpose-driven life.

What’s your next goal? I aim to continue to build a life and business that reflects who I am and what I value.

I’m focused on launching my content and marketing services in a way that’s aligned with my strengths and purpose. I also want to be intentional about creating balance, both spiritually and personally, as well as professionally, so that everything I’m building is sustainable and meaningful in the long term.