The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 14

in the 'noke
Celebrating Black Culture in Roanoke
written by Kianna Price Marshall
Here's a local guide on how to thoughtfully honor Black History Month in February and throughout the year.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Statue and
Bridge is at the end of Henry Street.
American education in the early 20th century.
Lucy Addison Middle School, formerly Lucy
Addison High School, was named after her. The
monument resides outside of Lucy Addison
Middle School. 1220 5th St NW, Roanoke
Henrietta Lacks Plaza. Henrietta Lacks
Plaza, located in downtown Roanoke, stands
as a tribute to Henrietta Lacks, whose cells
revolutionized medical research without her
knowledge or consent. The plaza serves as a
commemoration of her contributions to science,
advocating for ethics and acknowledgment of
her pivotal role in advancing medical discoveries.
410 3rd Street SW, Roanoke
B
lack History Month, observed every
February, stands as a pivotal moment
to commemorate the profound impact
of Black Americans on our nation's
history, culture and society. Beyond a
mere calendar event, it serves as a catalyst for
acknowledging the invaluable contributions
that have shaped our collective narrative.
Virginia's Blue Ridge is steeped with remarkable
Black history and culture. The following are
just a few sites and cultural resources you should
visit and support to learn more about the rich
history of African Americans in our region.
Dumas Center for Artistic and Cultural
Development. The historic Gainsboro neighborhood
stood as a vibrant emblem of Black culture
and commerce. Tragically, the 1950s Urban
Renewal initiative by the City of Roanoke led
to the destruction of the Gainsboro neighborhood,
resulting in the demolition of 1,600
homes, 200 businesses and 24 churches. Henry
Street hosted legendary artists like Louis
Armstrong, Count Basie, Lena Horn, Dizzy
Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Ella
Fitzgerald and Nat " King " Cole, elevating its
status as a cultural mecca. Presently, only two
structures stand on Henry Street, one being the
Dumas Center, formerly Hotel Dumas, a safe
place providing first-class accommodations for
traveling African Americans during segregation.
Today, you can experience Gainsboro's oral
history and photographs along Henry Street.
Take the self-guided tour and learn more
about the richness of this historical neighborhood,
referred by some as " Roanoke's Black
Wall Street. " At the end of Henry Street is the
Martin Luther King Jr. Statue & Bridge. 108
1st Street, NW Roanoke
Oliver White Hill home place. Oliver White
Hill, a civil rights attorney whose work was part
of the Brown v. Board of Education case that
overturned segregation in public schools, grew
up and later practiced law at 401 Gilmer Avenue,
NW Roanoke
Gainsboro Walking Tour. Join local historian
Jordan Bell on a walking tour of the historical
Gainsboro neighborhood. Learn more about
local Black history such as Edward R. Dudley,
a graduate of Lucy Addison High School and
successful attorney, who was promoted as the
first African American to hold the rank of
ambassador. Visit the land where the prominent
home of Dr. John Claytor, a physician
and a founder of Burrell Memorial Hospital,
once stood. Discover his family's influence
in Roanoke, including his children who later
became doctors, a dentist and one a Tuskegee
Airman, the elite Black World War II fighter
pilots. Tours are by request, or follow Gainsboro
Revisited Facebook page for advertised tours.
Lucy Addison High School Monument Wall.
Lucy Addison was an influential educator
and trailblazer in the field of education, particularly
known for her dedication to African
Booker T. Washington National Monument.
The Booker T. Washington National
Monument commemorates the life and legacy
of the influential educator and civil rights
leader, Booker T. Washington. Situated on the
plantation where Washington was born, the
monument preserves the historic buildings and
landscapes while offering insights into his early
years and the impact of his ideas on American
history. 12130 Booker T Washington Hwy, Hardy,
Virginia
Harrison Museum of African American
Culture. The Harrison Museum of African
American Culture is a cultural institution dedicated
to preserving, presenting and celebrating
the rich heritage and contributions of African
Americans. Through exhibits, programs and
artifacts, the museum showcases diverse aspects
of local and national African American history,
art and culture, serving as an educational
resource for the community. Many of the exhibits
feature the sites and individuals mentioned
previously. The Museum is located on the 2nd
floor of Center in the Square.
Black History Month isn't solely about historical
remembrance but also about acknowledging
the present and its ties to the past.
Celebrating the achievements of both historical
figures and leaders, business owners, educators,
change agents and artists of today underscores
the legacy and ongoing contributions of Black
individuals across diverse spheres. I
KIANNA PRICE MARSHALL, a native of Roanoke, is an award-winning multimedia journalist proudly sharing the stories of her hometown for 15 years with radio listeners, TV viewers and
lifestyle magazine readers. She is a graduate of University of Richmond with a double major in Leadership Studies and Communications. Follow her on Instagram @kiannainthecity.
14
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The Roanoker January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker January/February 2024

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The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover3
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https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/rkr-jan-feb-2025-with-vbrl
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-nov-dec-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-sept-oct-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2024-updated
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-november-december-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-sept-october-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2023
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https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-november-december-2022-2
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https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2022
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https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/RKRND21
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/RKRSO21
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanokerJA2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_2020_1112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20191112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20181112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20171112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanoker_JulyAugust2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanoker_MayJune2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20161112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20151112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20141112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_201402
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com