African American History

African American History: A Struggle for Equality and Justice Amid Resistance
Gene Kilby

This Sunday, guest speaker Gene Kilby will share about the contributions African Americans have made to Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, including his family's journey from segregation to integration in Warren County. While progress has been made, the struggle for equality and justice remains necessary today.

Gene Kilby, a native of Warren County, graduated from Warren County High School where he excelled in academics and football. Gene received a full scholarship in football to attend Howard University where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with majors in civil engineering and management.

Gene’s professional career spanned over 40 years, starting with the number one corporation in the world, General Motors in 1975 as a production supervisor in Warren, Ohio. Gene later served as computer programmer/analyst with the J C Penney Company and AT&T Long lines. While holding full-time positions Gene also started a construction and real estate investment company in Atlanta, Ga.

Gene returned to the Washington Metropolitan in 1990 and accepted a position with the District of Columbia Public Schools as a construction manager. During his tenure with DCPS, Gene served as Environmental Safety O􀆯icer, Maintenance Manager and Director of Facilities Management.

Gene has served as a Construction Consultant for various construction companies, managing construction projects throughout the east coast, mainly under government contracts.

After retirement in 2017, Gene returned to Front Royal to take care of his ailing mother. While in Warren County, Gene has decided to utilize his developed skills to give back to the community. Gene currently serves as the President of the Warren-Page Branch NAACP and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Samuels Public Library. 

Gene is the last surviving son of James Wilson Kilby, who was instrumental in the desegregation of the Warren County Public Schools and other institutions.

Notice: Our worship services are live streamed and recorded. Click here for more information.