Philip Cobbs tells the story of his family’s land, and the remarkable ancestors who were determined that their legacy would be equality.
Author Archives: Philip Cobbs
Philip Cobbs was born and raised in Albemarle County, and his family lineage extends back at least four generations in the county. A graduate of Piedmont Virginia Community College, he is a craftsman, author, educator, businessman and farmer.
Posted inFirst person
It was once his family’s farm — the largest Black-owned farm in Albemarle County — but now we all own part of it
Philip Cobbs tells the story of his birthplace, and why we should all know its history.
Posted inCommentary/Opinion
Commentary/Opinion: The coronavirus is doing something we find hard to do: Change
We are a wealthy nation with vast resources, yet we have been walloped by a microscopic thing that doesn’t have a single living cell. It certainly doesn’t process with a brain like us. How could such a simple thing wreck our lives and cause such havoc? The answer may lie within us. We think of […]
Posted inCommentary/Opinion, Government and public institutions
Commentary/Opinion: Truth is hard to find. What is reconciliation without it?
By now, truth is hard to find. It’s elusive and hidden in a world of attractive falsehoods. One must go looking for it with unselfish intent, otherwise they will be wowed by sirens singing irresistible tales. The search is difficult because nothing of value is found easily. Like prospectors of old seeking gold, we must […]
Posted inCommentary/Opinion, Government and public institutions, Health and safety
Commentary/Opinion: Video of police interaction on Rugby Road a wake-up call
When I watched the video of the police cam recording of their encounter with Mr. Hoffman, I became extremely upset. I knew this feeling all too well. It was one I’d felt many times. My heart pounded and tears welled in my eyes as I stared at a scene familiar to me. This reaction suddenly […]
Posted inCommentary/Opinion, Health and safety, How we learn
Commentary/Opinion: ’Hoo Cares?
Recently, the word “care” has become one of the most common terms used to describe a feeling we all want. But what is care? As a noun, it is defined as: the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance and protection of someone or something. As a verb, its definition is: feel […]
Posted inGovernment and public institutions
We have understood climate better over time. What about race?
The Storm Some storms come with a warning; others come out of nowhere. I had no idea my life would be turned upside down that August morning in 2011 as I went out to water my blueberry plants. It was a calm respite in a hectic routine of preparing my mother for her weekly outing […]
