THE CONNOISSEUR & CURATOR

Judy M. Braithwaite, daughter of the late Ernest C. Moore and Mittie E. Moore, was the embodiment of exquisite grace and authenticity. And to many, she was the very definition of an exceptional woman of great character, devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Mrs. Braithwaite, was affectionately known in the Tidewater area and beyond as a “Connoisseur of People” and “Curator of Culture.” As a thoughtful leader and trailblazing social activist, Mrs. Braithwaite served as the Executive Director of the Peninsula Association for Sickle Cell Anemia, served as a member and Co-Chair of the Hampton City School Board, was a faithful member of New Life Church where she served in the Children’s Ministry, and she hosted the popular local television show  "Around Town with Judy.” 

Mrs. Braithwaite immensely valued education and cultivating bright, young scholars; as such, the Foundation in her name was founded to not only acknowledge her commitments but to also preserve her legacy. She was a pillar in her community and shined brightly not only as a thought leader in her professional fields of work but also in her personal life as a loving nurturer and renown vegetarian “chef” within her family-friend circle.  Additionally, she was the creator of Hampton's first African American Festival, held in conjunction with Hampton's Jazz Festival that featured various music genres; from jazz and reggae to gospel as well as spotlighted African, African-American and other culturally diverse arts and crafts.  And as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a Public Service Sorority, Mrs. Braithwaite aligned with the mission of the Delta Sigma Theta organization which provides an extensive array of public service through its Five-Point Program Thrust centered on: Education Development, Economic Development, International Awareness, Political Awareness, and Physical and Mental Health.

The recipient of numerous awards, including Woman of the Year by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Outstanding Public Servant award from the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Council of Minority Public Administration, Judy M. Braithwaite was undeniable. She held a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern Illinois University (1971), a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from West Virginia State University (1966), and aspired to obtain a Doctorate Degree - in some circles she was considered to have earned an “Honorary Doctorate.” After passing in 1998 from complications associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE), Mrs. Judy M. Braithwaite was recognized by the State of Virginia’s House of Delegates and Senate as a distinguished citizen for her outstanding service, contributions, and excellence – The House Joint Resolution No. 457 was ratified on March 13, 1998 and  can be found at this link https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?981+ful+HJ457ER+hil.