Today's episode of Streamin' With a Purpose is a lesson in Black history with Linda Thomas.

Linda Thomas is a community volunteer, activist, and civil rights advocate. She is the first African American to serve as President of the Library Board in her community, and she was elected to five consecutive terms. Under her leadership, was the development of a $1.5M building plan for a new library.

As an advocate for students in the public school system, she developed and implemented an African American Studies course in her local high school. She’s been active in her local NAACP for more than 30 years, and has served as Education Committee chairperson, Vice President, and President.

Linda served on the State Conference Executive Committee twice and is the only person who was twice elected as the State President of the Virginia NAACP by unanimous vote. She served three terms as the President. In 2013, Linda was elected to serve as Secretary of the Virginia State Conference NAACP, and in 2014, she was hired to serve as the state NAACP Director of Administration.

Linda continues to serve the Executive Committee as the Chair of the State Police Chiefs and Sheriffs from across the Commonwealth.  Linda is an author, a dynamic speaker, and a resident of my hometown in the great state of Virginia.Linda is not afraid to break down barriers as she unabashedly provides the history lesson we need for a time such as this, and gives us practical strategies to stay engaged in the struggle that has never really ended.