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Archived: Roanoke Black History Panel Discussion

Archived: Roanoke Black History Panel Discussion

Monday, Sept. 14 2020 from 12 - 1 p.m. via Zoom

Gainsboro
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The history of Roanoke's Black community is rich with tales of success and self-sufficiency - the education of its own educators, entrepreneurs, doctors and lawyers and one of the most vibrant Black business districts in the South. But it's also fraught with barriers and destruction, from the dark shadow of Jim Crow and efforts to codify Black and White neighborhoods to the physical leveling of vast swaths of Black neighborhoods during urban renewal and city leaders' stubborn refusal to integrate schools.

As the nation grips questions of social justice and racial equality and equity, we bring together numerous voices and perspectives to discuss Roanoke's Black history, how this city arrived at this moment, and where we might go next.

The panel discussion and Q&A kicks of a month-long exploration of Roanoke's Black history via a self-guided 5k tour of Roanoke's historic Gainsboro neighborhood, the hub of Roanoke's Black community and home to local and national civil rights pioneers and luminaries.

 

 

Meet the Panelists

Jordan Bell

 

Jordan Bell

Local Historian, Activist and Community Advocate; Special Education Aid for Roanoke City Public Schools, and Camp Director for Apple Ridge Farms

Matt Chittum

 

Matt Chittum

Veteran Roanoke Journalist, and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's Communications and Web Manager

Dolly Davis

 

Dolly Davis

Architect; President and Co-Founder Ladies and Gents of the Blue Ridge - Transgender Alliance; Vice Chair for Diversity Camp, Inc.

Gloria Manns

 

Gloria Manns, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Therapist

Stephanie Moon Reynolds

 

Stephanie Moon Reynolds

Former Roanoke City Clerk; 2020 Roanoke City Council Candidate

Reggie Shareef, Ph.D.

 

Reggie Shareef, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Political Science, Radford University

PRESENTED BY:

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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Logo
Welcoming Roanoke
Roanoke Graduate Student Association Logo