[2] While an undergraduate at Jackson State University, she studied under poet Margaret Walker Alexander, who she described as an inspirational force throughout her life.

[2][3] Throughout her career, she inspired a love of literature through exposing students to poetry; she also worked to increase the representation of African American authors in Mississippi libraries.

[7] Brocks-Shedd published many poems and articles in Jackson-based magazine Close-Up while serving as managing editor.

[9][2] Brocks-Shedd described the themes of her work as "man's ethical relationships with each other on Earth" and "love (physical and mental)," and said that Black poetry is "one of the best avenues for airing personal disgust and/or grievances".

[2] In 1993 the Piney Woods Country Life School established the Virgia Brocks-Shedd Memorial Fund for Student Scholarships and Literary Achievement.