Experience our heart by celebrating our soul.
Heart & Soul invites you to celebrate life, creativity, and Black culture as it’s happening right now in Virginia. From the thriving arts scene in Richmond to the soulful sounds of Hampton Roads, the spirit of our communities shines through every neighborhood, every plate of food, and every beat of music.
Click a pin to exploreCharlottesville
Sip your way through Charlottesville as you experience world-class wine, interactive art, and shopping from local makers.
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Your coastal getaway can include a sprawling arts scene, landmark events, and seafood you won't soon forget.
Learn MoreNorthern VA
Experience must-see attractions, vineyards, shopping destinations, and natural splendor just south of our nation's capital.
Learn MoreRichmond
Virginia's capital city is rich with art, history, and a food scene that'll impress no matter what neighborhood you're exploring.
Learn MoreRoanoke
Take in all the Star City has to offer, from breathtaking vistas to downtown antiquing and cultural highlights.
Learn MoreBlack Virginia Can't-Miss Experiences
Whether you want to eat your way through the capital city, sip local wine and enjoy mountain views, or get up and groove on the coast, Virginia is ready for you. Use these featured experiences as a starting point to plan your trip.
Jackson Ward
Once known as the Harlem of the South, this neighborhood is a hub for Black culture, small businesses, and history.
Learn MoreMonticello Wine Trail
Explore over 40 acclaimed wineries, whether you'd like to savor award-winning vintages, take a tour, or attend an event.
Learn MoreHampton Coliseum
This architectural standout hosts electrifying events year-round, including the landmark Hampton Jazz & Music Festival.
Learn MoreConnect with the culture
Community organizations, city programs, and directories around Virginia are ready to inspire your trip and fill your itinerary.
BLK RVA
A Richmond Region Tourism program celebrating all things Black culture in Virginia's capital city.
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Black Cville
Charlottesville's directory of Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and activities to inspire your journey.
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Newport News AACE
Discover cultural experiences including art, history, and events with this Newport News initiative.
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Upcoming Events
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Meet the Curators Behind Heart & Soul
Xavier
Xavier Tramaine Duckett is a community leader, artist, entrepreneur, traveler, and mentor based in Roanoke, VA, where he was raised in a culture of service, generosity, and love for community. In 2015, Xavier moved back to Roanoke after finishing his football career at ODU, with the mission to not only give back to his community, but to uplift it. He recognized the need for local youth empowerment programs and founded nonprofit The Humble Hustle Co. with that in mind. Xavier has leveraged his diverse background to impact youth and inspire others. His work continues to uplift his community and its members.
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Matt
A resident of Charlottesville, Matt Harmon spent the past 5 years developing a love of wine. As his passion for wine developed, he wanted to share that passion with family and friends. As he did so, he noticed people’s preconceived ideas about wine, and who “should” drink wine and sought to change this perception. And thus, his entrepreneurial journey with Harmony Wine was born. Matt challenges the perception of who and what wine drinkers should be in his everyday life—sometimes he drinks wine in a suit, sometimes he kicks back and drinks his wine wearing his joggers.
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Tashira
It’s all fashion on Tashira’s corner of the internet. So, what keeps her going in the DC Metro area? Find out more as she takes us through her Alexandria City Guide. Tashira Halyard—known to her online community as Tashira Garcon—is an attorney, equity consultant and fashion content creator. She’s a breast cancer survivor who seamlessly blends style, self-care and social justice into her brand “Politics & Fashion.” Her Instagram and YouTube channel are hubs for not only fashion inspiration, but also a rapidly growing sisterhood.
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Jarrell
Jarrell Williams of Nomarama is the father of two beautiful boys, Lennon & Leo, and promotes a lifestyle of positivity, self-worth and exploring the world with his partner, Heidi Joy. His online brand, Nomarama, highlights an authentic lifestyle of travel, food, power of play and exploration of nature, all while supporting local businesses. On his shows, “The City with Bite” and “Just Droppin’,” he takes you on food journeys around the state and beyond. You might also recognize him from his small business incubator the Munchie Market, or his adventures as a tourism ambassador, nature aficionado, and overall creative powerhouse.
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Paris
Born and raised in Richmond, Paris is a flight attendant by day and a full-time Content Creator whose creativity never really turns off. For someone who travels daily for a living, coming home to RVA always feels like a “big hug after a long stretch of time away.” She’s had the chance to see the world and truly enjoys being immersed in other cultures and expanding her worldview, but the 804 will always be her home.
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Mike
“Spurweezy” knows how to throw down in the kitchen, but even the best home chef wants to let someone else do the cooking sometimes. Mike Spurlock is an event professional and content creator who’s built a loyal, food-loving following on TikTok with his authentic and relatable approach to food and cooking. While grateful for his virality on the platform and the opportunities that have come along with it, Mike is most passionate about creating content that truly connects with his audience and wants to create a more inclusive space for all creators and viewers alike.
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