Voices
Community & Colleagues
What Wilma Jones has created through Arlington Black Heritage Experiences is extraordinary. It is a powerful, deeply authentic cultural experience grounded in impeccable history and fearless truth telling.
A fourth-generation Halls Hill resident, acclaimed historian, and respected civic leader, Wilma brings unmatched credibility, passion, and lived experience to this work. She does not just tell Arlington’s story. She brings it vividly, emotionally, and unapologetically to life.
Arlington is incredibly fortunate to have Wilma Jones preserving and elevating its Black history with such brilliance and integrity.
-Hon. Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr.
Former Two-term President
NAACP Arlington Branch
Resident, Penrose, Butler-Holmes Subdivision
The Halls Hill walking tour Wilma led was one of the memorable community events I have been part of — participants were completely engaged from start to finish, asking questions, sharing reactions, and leaving with a genuine sense of connection to Arlington's history.
Wilma's gift is making complex, layered history feel immediate and personal, whether you're a lifelong Arlington resident or visiting for the first time. I would recommend her tours without hesitation to anyone looking for an experience that is educational, emotional, and unforgettable.
-Mary Dallou
Program Manager
Walk Arlington
I’ve spent decades immersed in Black Arlington’s history.
Here’s what colleagues, community leaders, and partners have to say about my work.
Wilma Jones is one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to Black Arlington history.
As a fourth-generation Halls Hill resident,
she brings generations of family history and years of research to every tour and presentation. Her storytelling makes history come alive, and anyone who learns from her gains a deeper appreciation for Arlington and the people who shaped it.
-Peter Vaselopulos
President, Arlington Historical Society
Wilma Jones has been one of Arlington's most dedicated community historians for as long as I have known her.
She is a fourth-generation Halls Hill resident, a published author, and a tireless advocate for ensuring that Black Arlington's history is documented, respected, and told accurately. Her knowledge of this county's history — particularly the history that has too often been overlooked, is as deep as anyone I have ever met.
-Takis Karantonis
Arlington County Community Leader
Former President Columbia Heights Civic Association
What sets Arlington Black Heritage Experiences apart is its ability to bring history to life in a way that is both accessible and deeply impactful. The life work of Wilma Jones honors the legacy of Arlington’s Black community while creating space for learning and connection across generations and backgrounds. The commitment to preserving these stories and sharing them with authenticity and care is a gift to Arlington and beyond.
I am confident Arlington Black Heritage Experiences will thrive for years to come because it is rooted in purpose, led with integrity, and meeting a need that will always matter: helping people understand where we have been so we can more thoughtfully shape where we are going.
-Monique “Moe” Bryant
Executive Director
Challenging Racism
Partner with ABHE
Info@ArlingtonBlackHeritageExperiences.com
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Operational Standards
ABHE meets the operational standards required by DMCs, luxury tour organizations, corporate incentive and procurement teams. We carry $1,000,000 in general liability coverage and maintain absolute client privacy - no guest photography, no social media, and no disclosure of client or attendee information. Certificates of insurance available upon request.