The Life & Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree 

By Dr. Jan Meck and Virginia Refo 

“This book dedicated to the thousands of families whose stories were lost during  

246 years of Enslavement” 

About the Authors 

Dr Jan Meck and Virginia Refo are native Virginians and long-term residents of Richmond. Dr. Meck is a retired NASA scientist, and Virginia Refo is a retired foster care and adoption social worker and experienced genealogist. Since retirement, they have been docents and researchers at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and received the Volunteers of the Year Award in 2019 for their work on the book to be presented. Dr. Meck also gives a free tour titled “African American Heroes of Richmond.” The authors have worked together since 2017, gathering information from courthouses, libraries, historical societies, community organizations and Emily Winfree’s descendants. 

Available on YouTube following the presentation. 

Thank you, 

The AAHA and Know Their Names, Phase II Team