Virginia Union University Hosts Robert F. Smith for Powerful Fireside Chat on Leadership, Legacy, and Economic Justice
August 29, 2025
RICHMOND, VA — On Wednesday, August 27th, Virginia Union University (VUU) welcomed Robert F. Smith—renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Founder, Chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners—for an inspiring fireside chat. Drawing from his new book, Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Smith explored how Dr. King’s enduring ideas—The Beloved Community, “Two Americas,” and economic justice—can guide today’s leaders to turn principle into practice. The conversation, moderated by VUU President & CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas and Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, invited the campus and Richmond community to lead with purpose and impact.
“Robert, Lead Boldly asks us to do more than admire Dr. King’s words—it calls us to act, Dr. Lucas shared. “Each chapter, framed by a King speech curated with Dr. Bernice King and your own reflection, ends with a challenge that urges us to ‘get into the arena’—to turn conviction into policy, philanthropy, and daily practice that advances social and economic justice.”
The empowering and thought-provoking program preceded the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington (August 28, 1963)—a timely reminder of the progress made since Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the unfinished work of justice that still calls this generation to act. “It is essential that we not only teach and train our children to take risks but encourage them to take risks. That is essential to progress, we may not have all we want, but by aging opportunity, risk, capabilities, our infrastructure, our knowledge to improve our ability to deliver to our community,” Smith said.
In conversation with Smith about how present-day leaders can use the principles of Dr. King to make a difference right now, Dr. Richardson shared, “King had a broad civil rights agenda. He wanted to eradicate what identified as the triple evils of poverty, racism and violence. But his last campaign as some may remember, was around economics, bringing poor Blacks and whites, Native Americans, and people from all walks of life to Washington. He did not live to see it come to fruition, but he wanted to. And today, we're still working.
Honoring Dr. King’s dream, Virginia Union University remains steadfast in advancing our mission and expanding pathways to social and economic justice through education, research, and service. The afternoon also featured Mayor Danny Avula presenting a Key to the City of Richmond, Virginia Delegates presenting resolutions, and the presence of distinguished HBCU leaders: Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston (Norfolk State University), Dr. Darrell K. Williams (Hampton University), and Dr. Makola M. Abdullah (Virginia State University).
“It was an honor meeting Mr. Smith at Virginia Union University, one of the oldest HBCU’s in the United States," said Mayor Avula. His inspiring fireside chat shows us that leadership is not just about personal success; it’s about the lives you touch, the doors you open for others, and the legacy you build that lifts communities. It was an honor to present Mr. Smith with the Key to the City, one of the highest honors a Mayor can give, reserved for those who lives strengthen communities, and create meaningful, lasting legacies. I’m grateful to Virginia Union University for the role they play in shaping future leaders and for continuing to be a pillar of excellence, service, and empowerment for our city and beyond.”
At the close of the program, VUU conferred upon Mr. Smith an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and service. We thank our students, alumni, partners, and guests for joining this important conversation and invite the community to engage with upcoming dialogues and initiatives that carry this work forward. For future programs and ways to support student success, visit www.vuu.edu.
About Virginia Union University:
Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts institution and publicly serves HBCUs with recognition as a private institution through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University was originally established to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Today, the University is a center for excellence focusing on preparing and developing today's students to become advanced leaders of tomorrow. Virginia Union University's programs offer undergraduate and graduate opportunities in high-demand fields that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit www.vuu.edu for more information.