Draft:Devon Henry

Devon M. Henry is an American entrepreneur, CEO of Team Henry Enterprises, and manages a portfolio of general construction, distribution and logistics companies including Team Henry Logistics. He gained national recognition for his role in the removal of over 24 Confederate monuments across the south, particularly in Richmond, Virginia.

Early Life and Education
Devon Henry was raised in Virginia. He attended Norfolk State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology and later attended the University of Maryland receiving a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management.

Career
Henry founded Team Henry Enterprises in 2006. Under his leadership, Team Henry Enterprises has grown to become a significant player in the construction industry, known for its commitment to quality and community engagement.

Removal of Confederate Monuments Devon Henry became a prominent figure in the movement to remove Confederate monuments following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent nationwide protests against racial injustice. In June 2020, Henry's company was contracted to remove several Confederate statues in Richmond, Virginia, including the statue of General Stonewall Jackson on Monument Avenue.

The removal of these statues was met with both praise and controversy. Supporters saw it as a necessary step towards addressing the legacy of racism in the United States, while opponents viewed it as an erasure of history. Henry's involvement in the project brought him national attention, highlighting the intersection of business, politics, and social justice. Henry's company, Team Henry Enterprises, was responsible for removing the statue of Robert E. Lee, which had stood in Richmond for over a century. The removal of this monument was a significant event, symbolizing a shift in the public's attitude towards Confederate symbols. Most notably because in 1890, John Mitchell, the editor of the black newspaper the Richmond Planet, wrote, "The Negro…put up the Lee Monument, and should the time come, will be there to take it down."

Media Coverage

Henry's work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including:


 * The New York Times: Highlighting the complexities and challenges faced during the removal of the monuments.
 * The Washington Post: Discussing the personal and professional impact of the project on Henry and his company.
 * Good Morning America: Discussing Henry's role in the removal of Confederate statues and its impact on his business.
 * MSNBC: Featuring interviews and discussions on the broader implications of the monument removals.

Awards and Recognition

Henry has received several awards for his contributions to the community and the construction industry. These include recognition from local civic organizations and industry groups, celebrating his leadership and impact.

Personal Life
Devon Henry is actively involved in his community and supports various charitable initiatives focused on education and economic development. He serves on the board of Village Bank and Trust (NASDAQ:VBFC), Bon Secours Hospital System and Norfolk State University, where he is currently the elected Rector of the board of visitors. and is a renowned speaker, having presented at events like SXSW and The Big Dipper Summit. Devon is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He served the fraternity as its 26th Eastern Regional Director and chartered a new chapter on the continent of Africa in Accra, Ghana on February 29, 2020.