The Honorable Vanessa Reese Crawford, Sheriff of Petersburg, is the distinguished recipient of the 2024 United Negro College Fund “Keeper of the Flame Award.” This prestigious accolade honors individuals who have illuminated pathways of opportunity for deserving students and the broader community. Throughout her esteemed career and dedicated public service in Petersburg and across the Commonwealth, Sheriff Crawford has exemplified the UNCF mission that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in®.”
Sheriff Crawford’s unwavering commitment to serving as a beacon of hope and advocating for educational access and equity resonates deeply with the core values of the UNCF. Her tireless efforts in fostering opportunities for students and her significant contributions to the community embody the spirit of the “Keeper of the Flame Award.” Sheriff Crawford is to be commended for her exemplary leadership, compassion, and dedication to empowering future generations through education and mentorship.
Congratulations to the Honorable Vanessa Reese Crawford, Petersburg’s first female Sheriff, on this well-deserved recognition, and may her legacy continue to inspire and uplift all those whose lives she touches.
