Alumni from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) gathered to reflect on how their personal histories, campus experiences and community connections shaped their commitment to social change, and in doing so, provided a multigenerational look at what drives activism and how it endures through changing times.

The event at Cabell Library is tied to the exhibit “Voices of Change: Student Advocacy and Action”--which is on view through August on the fourth floor. 

The conversation brought together voices from different generations, eras and movements, each tracing a distinct path into advocacy. For Krissi Vandenberg (MS Sociology ‘08, BS Biology ’96), that journey began in the 1990s after encountering a flyer about factory farming. What started as outrage over animal cruelty soon expanded into broader political engagement in Richmond, where grassroots organizing and collaboration helped build the confidence to challenge systemic issues.

IBé Bulinda Hereford Crawley’s (B.A. in Humanities ’83, MA English ’86) activism is rooted in family history, particularly connections to the 1963 civil rights protests in Danville, Va. Growing up surrounded by meetings organized in homes and churches, she developed an early understanding of collective action. Her time at VCU further shaped that perspective, especially through a course titled “Education of Self,” which encouraged reflection on identity and personal value, strengthening her ability to advocate publicly.

For others, activism emerged from the search for belonging. C. A. P. Ward (BFA Communication Arts with a Minor in Painting & Printmaking '21) described navigating college as a queer, Black student and finding community among peers with shared experiences. That sense of connection led them to advocacy work focused on improving resources for marginalized groups, particularly transgender students.

Dale M. Brumfield (BFA, School of the Arts ‘81 and MFA, Humanities and Science ‘15) recalled earlier struggles on campus, including efforts to push back against censorship at VCU’s student newspaper, The Commonwealth Times, in the late 1970s. That experience ultimately led to the creation of an alternative publication, Throttle Magazine, underscoring a recurring theme: When institutions resist change, students often create new platforms to make their voices heard.

Despite their varied paths, the speakers shared common challenges—ranging from institutional barriers to social resistance—and reflected on what sustained their activism during their time at VCU.

Several pointed to Richmond itself as a catalyst. Living in an urban environment exposed them to issues such as housing insecurity, food access and systemic inequality. These realities, they said, made social problems impossible to ignore and reinforced a sense of urgency.

Community also played a critical role. Being surrounded by other organizers—whether through protests, mutual aid efforts or awareness campaigns—helped maintain momentum even when progress was slow. Some of the panelists described activism as a long-term commitment, grounded in the belief that meaningful change may take years or even decades.

Others emphasized the role of personal values. Crawley described an “internal script” shaped by family and upbringing, including caring for a parent with a disability. That experience fostered a lifelong dedication to service, which continued after graduation through work with disabled youth and other vulnerable populations.

For students advocating for accessibility, shared struggle became a powerful motivator. Ward recounted organizing efforts to expand gender-neutral and accessible restrooms on campus—sometimes using unofficial tactics to draw attention to the issue. While these campaigns occasionally brought conflict with administrators, solidarity among students helped sustain the effort.

The long view of activism was perhaps most evident in Brumfield’s post-graduation work with Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Early in his career, a state senator dismissed his efforts, insisting that Virginia would never abolish capital punishment. Rather than discouraging him, the comment became motivation.

Brumfield described how effective advocacy often requires adapting messages to different audiences. When engaging with conservative groups, he emphasized themes such as fairness and the impact on victims’ families rather than relying on ideological arguments. This strategic approach—combined with persistence—helped build broader support for reform. In 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to abolish the death penalty.

While much of the discussion centered on serious issues, the panelists also highlighted the importance of joy and personal fulfillment in sustaining activism. Engaging in meaningful work, whether through volunteering, creative expression or community support, can help prevent burnout and maintain long-term commitment. Relationships, they noted, are equally essential. Listening to others, building trust, and working collaboratively not only strengthen movements but also make advocacy more effective. 

The speakers also emphasized that activism often begins with self-discovery. College should be seen not only as a time for academic achievement but also as an opportunity to explore interests, build community and develop a sense of purpose. Crawley described her own college experience as both transformative and joyful, filled with exposure to art, theater and new ideas. That period of exploration, she said, was just as important as formal education in shaping her worldview.

Others echoed the sentiment, challenging the notion that students should focus solely on grades. Instead, they encouraged engagement with the broader world—finding like-minded communities and experimenting with new forms of expression.

Across generations, the panelists shared a common perspective: sustaining social change requires a combination of lived experience, personal values, community support and persistence. Whether through small campus initiatives or statewide policy shifts, their stories highlight the enduring impact of collective action—and the role universities like VCU can play in shaping the next generation of advocates.