Zann Nelson is a historical investigator, writer, and advocate for historical accuracy and social justice. She received a bachelor’s degree from UNCG with concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University, and a Virginia Supreme Court certification as a trained meditator.

 

As an advocate for social justice and racial bridge-building for more than 40 years, she has published 700 plus columns, feature articles, and journal chapters focused on African American history. Nelson spear headed the passage of SJR 297 in the 2019 Virginia General Assembly - a landmark resolution apologizing for lynching in Virginia.

 

Current Projects include: "Right the Record” (A community based racial reconciliation program); " "The Tangled Web of the Domestic Slave Trade;" and "Lynching in Virginia: Is there a Path to Reconciliation?" She serves on the Lynching Study Group for the Virginia MLK Legislative Commission; the Orange County African American Historical Society Board; a founding member of the African American Heritage Alliance (Culpeper); project manager for the Church St. Project (Orange, VA) and the Davis St. Project (Culpeper, VA) (both commemorating through interpretive panels the vibrant Black commercial districts).

 

She has recently launched a ground-breaking project to bring justice to the estimated 120 victims of lynching in Virginia, a modicum of reconciliation to the families and an element of healing to the communities.