INSIDER
Southside man buys plantation for family events, learns his enslaved ancestors worked on property
Read full article: Southside man buys plantation for family events, learns his enslaved ancestors worked on propertyFred Miller bought a plantation in Pittsylvania County with the hopes of hosting family gatherings. He later learned more about his family and his ancestors who were enslaved on the property.
Family members of enslaved people at Buffalo Forge gifted cemetery
Read full article: Family members of enslaved people at Buffalo Forge gifted cemetery10 News introduced you to two lifelong friends in our Black History special last year about Buffalo Forge revealing enslaved people in Rockbridge County.
Democrats and Republicans hold Black History Month celebrations with an eye on November's election
Read full article: Democrats and Republicans hold Black History Month celebrations with an eye on November's electionBlack History Month was celebrated in the nation's capital with dueling events on Tuesday highlighting the divide between Democratsโ and Republicans' approaches to courting Black voters in the 2024 presidential election.
Calfee Community Center leaders talk about annual gala
Read full article: Calfee Community Center leaders talk about annual galaDr. Mickey Hickman from the Calfee Community & Cultural Center in Pulaski spoke. The center has a vision to increase awareness of local African-American history. There will be a Night to Remember gala that benefits the community center.
WATCH: Honoring the lives and legacies of hometown heroes for Black History Month
Read full article: WATCH: Honoring the lives and legacies of hometown heroes for Black History MonthFebruary is Black History Month, and all month long, 10 News will be telling the stories and honoring the legacies of notable figures from our region.
WATCH: Honoring the lives and legacies of hometown heroes for Black History Month
Read full article: WATCH: Honoring the lives and legacies of hometown heroes for Black History MonthFebruary is Black History Month, and all month long, 10 News will be telling the stories and honoring the legacies of notable figures from our region.
Roanoke teacher dresses up as historical figures in honor of Black History Month
Read full article: Roanoke teacher dresses up as historical figures in honor of Black History MonthRound Hill Elementary School teacher, Chwanda McLaughlin dresses up as a different Black historical figure every day during the month of February in honor of Black History Month.
From White House, Biden says 'Black history matters'
Read full article: From White House, Biden says 'Black history matters'President Joe Biden says โhistory matters, and Black history matters,โ a forceful declaration that comes after the state of Florida blocked a new advanced course on African American studies from being taught in its high schools.
How Vonetta Flowers made history for Black Olympians worldwide
Read full article: How Vonetta Flowers made history for Black Olympians worldwideWith the first weekend of the Winter Olympics coinciding with the first weekend of Black History Month, itโs a good time to look back at how both Olympic and Black history was made 20 years ago this month at the Winter Games.
How Merry Clayton turned โGimme Shelterโ by the Rolling Stones from good to legendary
Read full article: How Merry Clayton turned โGimme Shelterโ by the Rolling Stones from good to legendaryLast year, news broke that 77-year-old rock โnโ roll legend and Rolling Stones member Mick Jagger had purchased a mansion in Florida for his girlfriend, which led to people on social media saying โGimme Shelterโ about the transaction.
โBond of Familyโ event in Rockbridge County to honor enslaved ironworkerโs legacy
Read full article: โBond of Familyโ event in Rockbridge County to honor enslaved ironworkerโs legacyโHidden History: A Black History Special,โ explores once-undiscovered hidden elements of Southwest Virginia. One family featured in our program is the focus of a black history month event happening in Rockbridge County on Feb. 18, 2023.
Ever heard of George Walker? Decades ago, he accomplished something no African-American had ever done
Read full article: Ever heard of George Walker? Decades ago, he accomplished something no African-American had ever doneGeorge Walker probably couldโve been doing many things in his early 70s that were way more relaxing.
Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, stories
Read full article: Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, storiesWhether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.
Canโt make an MLK Day event in person? No problem! Here are ways to serve, celebrate the holiday
Read full article: Canโt make an MLK Day event in person? No problem! Here are ways to serve, celebrate the holidayHere are some ideas on how you can serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day if you canโt make it to a live event.
Biden outlines COVID plans, says it's time to return to work
Read full article: Biden outlines COVID plans, says it's time to return to workPresident Joe Biden says โitโs time for Americans to get back to workโ and he's announcing new efforts to allow people to return to normal activities safely after two years of pandemic disruptions.
Roanoke-based organizations host fireside chat focused on empowering Black fathers
Read full article: Roanoke-based organizations host fireside chat focused on empowering Black fathersTo close out Black History Month, Black Father Family and United Way of Roanoke Valley hosted, โA Fatherโs Hands: Fatherhood, Family and Faith.โ
Biden closes out Black History Month with White House event
Read full article: Biden closes out Black History Month with White House eventPresident Joe Biden welcomed Black leaders to the White House Monday for a jovial Black History Month celebration, where he used the moment to call on Congress to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, and pass voting rights bills.
WATCH LIVE: President Biden and the first lady host a Black History Month celebration
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: President Biden and the first lady host a Black History Month celebrationPresident Joe Biden First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are hosting a celebration to mark Black History Month with Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, State and local elected officials, Civil Rights leaders, and Divine Nine leadership.
WATCH: 10 News looks to the past, present and future in our Black History Month special
Read full article: WATCH: 10 News looks to the past, present and future in our Black History Month specialIn recognition of Black History Month, weโre saluting pioneers of the past, celebrating the present and looking forward to the future.
This storeโs Black-created products will have you wanting all the things
Read full article: This storeโs Black-created products will have you wanting all the thingsThese items โhonor the sacrifice of Black leaders of the past while amplifying and celebrating the voices of the Black community today.โ
Lynchburgโs Old City Cemetery holding fundraiser to honor prominent African American educator
Read full article: Lynchburgโs Old City Cemetery holding fundraiser to honor prominent African American educatorThat man is James Mozee, who dedicated a half century to education, teaching African American students during segregation.
These movies, shows and documentaries should be required viewing for Black History Month
Read full article: These movies, shows and documentaries should be required viewing for Black History MonthAs we all know, February is Black History Month, so itโs a great time to brush up on Black history and educate yourself.
This Harriet Tubman mural is so powerful โ just like the moving story of how it came to be
Read full article: This Harriet Tubman mural is so powerful โ just like the moving story of how it came to beMichael Rosato knew he had an incredibly important assignment on his hands when he was commissioned to paint a Harriet Tubman mural in Cambridge, Maryland.
Black members of Biden's Cabinet mark Black History Month
Read full article: Black members of Biden's Cabinet mark Black History MonthBlack members of President Joe Biden's Cabinet came together Thursday for a Black History Month event highlighting their roles in the administration, some of which are historic firsts.
Virginia Tech honors diversity among U.S. military women with new exhibition
Read full article: Virginia Tech honors diversity among U.S. military women with new exhibitionThe Military Womenโs Memorial is bringing a traveling exhibition to Blacksburg this February in honor of Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of women students at Virginia Tech.
Uncharted waters: Kristen Hayden becomes first Black woman to win U.S. national diving title
Read full article: Uncharted waters: Kristen Hayden becomes first Black woman to win U.S. national diving titleWhile the worldโs attention is about to focus on the Winter Olympics when they start next week, one woman who competes in a Summer Olympics sport is rightfully basking in history.
That time Betty White stood up for a Black dancer -- and the impact it has had since
Read full article: That time Betty White stood up for a Black dancer -- and the impact it has had sinceBetty White has rightfully been remembered fondly for many aspects of her legendary career ever since she died at the age of 99 on New Yearโs Eve, just weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
In your own words: What does Juneteenth mean to you?
Read full article: In your own words: What does Juneteenth mean to you?Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved Black people learned they had been freed, is often celebrated by families across the nation -- with events including cookouts, parades or community festivals.
In photos: The rise of Kamala Harris, our countryโs first woman of color to serve as vice president
Read full article: In photos: The rise of Kamala Harris, our countryโs first woman of color to serve as vice presidentVice President Kamala Harris has had quite the rise over the past decade or so: From San Franciscoโs district attorney and Californiaโs attorney general, to the Golden Stateโs senator and now our second in command, right behind President Joe Biden.
Virginia State Health Commissioner continues to blaze trails personally, professionally
Read full article: Virginia State Health Commissioner continues to blaze trails personally, professionallyAfter high school, Oliver said he became involved with the civil rights movement, which shaped his outlook on life. At the age of 36, Norm Oliver decided he wanted to be Dr. Oliver, but faced a major challenge: โI had not gone to college,โ Oliver said. AdHe soon earned his bachelorโs degree and at the age of 40 started medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Webb said Dr. Oliver has continued to serve as a mentor to him. Dr. Oliver later became chair of the Department of Family Medicine and worked to make its clinics more patient-focused.
These movies, shows and documentaries should be required viewing for Black History Month
Read full article: These movies, shows and documentaries should be required viewing for Black History MonthAs we all know, February is Black History Month, so itโs a great time to brush up on Black history and educate yourself.
Historians search for name of enslaved woman who made Christiansburg coverlet 150 years ago
Read full article: Historians search for name of enslaved woman who made Christiansburg coverlet 150 years agoCoverlet found in Montgomery County Museum that historians believe was made by a Christiansburg slave 150 years agoCHRISTIANSBURG, Va. โ Passed down through generations, a family story and a blue handwoven coverlet are all that remains of the woman who made it more than 150 years ago. โThose public records that you can usually find for white families were not kept for African Americans,โ said Montgomery County Museum Curator Sherry Wyatt. The coverlet, donated by the descendants of the Trigg family who owned a large plantation in what is todayโs downtown Christiansburg, is now on display at the Montgomery County Museum. Wyatt has combed records looking for clues, including records of slaves owned and sold by the Trigg family. Anyone who may have any information about the Trigg family or the coverlet is asked to contact the Montgomery County Museum.
Flemingโs coaching duo: Teaching the game of life through the skills of basketball
Read full article: Flemingโs coaching duo: Teaching the game of life through the skills of basketballROANOKE, Va. โ Heโs been a fixture at William Fleming High School for nearly three decades, with the title of โTop Colonelโ for 18 years. Boys basketball head coach, Jeffrey โMickeyโ Hardy has passed on his passion for the game to some of the best talent to come from the Star City with one goal in mind. Just as Michael Jordan had Scotty Pippen, Mickey Hardy has his own right-hand man, in assistant coach Marshall Ashford. Thatโs when he learned more about this standout JUCO player, Jeff โMickeyโ Hardy. One on one with Mickey Hardy
One year later: How the killing of Ahmaud Arbery is changing local communities
Read full article: One year later: How the killing of Ahmaud Arbery is changing local communitiesAccording to our sister station, WJXT in Jacksonville, Arberyโs death was said to be due to a citizenโs arrest and initially, no one was charged. Arberyโs death also inspired change hundreds of miles away in southwest Virginia. It resonated with the owners of Fleet Feet Roanoke who feel running should be safe and inclusive. Fleet Feet Roanoke raised more than $3,700. For Black History Month, Fleet Feet Roanoke is selling shirts that say โStronger Togetherโ to benefit Humble Hustle and the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia.
Roanokeโs first Black firefighter reminisces on his career
Read full article: Roanokeโs first Black firefighter reminisces on his careerQuarles was one of the first two Black firefighters hired by the department in 1963. โThatโs what I wanted to do, but I said, โI never saw any minority firefighters,โโ Quarles said. Quarles eventually rose through the ranks and became Roanokeโs first Black fire chief in 1989. โI was the first Black lieutenant, the first Black deputy chief, the first Black chief fire marshal,โ Quarles remembered. He remains Roanokeโs only Black fire chief.
Black superintendents in southwest Virginia make strides in and out of the classroom
Read full article: Black superintendents in southwest Virginia make strides in and out of the classroomROANOKE, Va โ During Black History Month, 10 News continues to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of African-American leaders across southwest Virginia. As time went on and she continued her path in educational leadership, Edwards became the first Black female superintendent at Lynchburg City schools. โI grew up in poverty with, with two parents, neither who finished school,โ Martinsville City Schools Superintendent Zeb Talley said. Verletta White will soon wrap up her first year as superintendent with Roanoke City Schools. โRepresentation matters because perspective matters,โ Roanoke City School Superintendent Verletta White said.
Quite frankly, โPeanutsโ character Franklin had a major cultural impact
Read full article: Quite frankly, โPeanutsโ character Franklin had a major cultural impactIf there were ever a list of fictional beach meetings that made significant cultural impacts, then this would likely be on it. On July 31, 1968 in the famous โPeanutsโ comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown and Franklin met on a beach.
Who was Bob Hayes? Heโs still the only athlete to do this
Read full article: Who was Bob Hayes? Heโs still the only athlete to do thisIf any members of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to try and win an Olympic gold medal, they wouldnโt be the first to achieve both a Super Bowl title and a gold medal.
Bedford County alumni group starts fundraiser to honor educator who helped Black community
Read full article: Bedford County alumni group starts fundraiser to honor educator who helped Black communityBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ One Bedford County alumni group is kicking off a fundraising campaign to honor a woman known for serving the Black community. The group wants to raise $70,000 to recognize Susie G. Gibson, the late superintendent of Bedford County Black Schools when institutions were segregated. The current Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center already acknowledges the educator in certain ways, but the fundraising money would go towards a historical street marker, signs outside the school, as well as a portrait and exhibit inside the building. Harriett Hurt, president of the alumni association, says Gibson was the foundation of education for Black students. It was recorded in the newspaper of those times that if you wanted anything done, you better talk to Susie Gibson,โ said HurtAdThe alumni association hopes to reach its goal and have the dedication complete by Memorial Day Weekend.
โI get to be an exampleโ: VMIโs first African-American superintendent ushers in era of change
Read full article: โI get to be an exampleโ: VMIโs first African-American superintendent ushers in era of changeChange is in the air at VMI: masks on cadets, a controversial statue removed and new leadership at the helm. Now interim superintendent Wins was once Cadet Wins. His decision to leave Maryland and come to VMI was based largely on the opportunity to play Division One basketball. I think that I was asked to come down and at least begin the implementation of the right change,โ Wins said. Thatโs something he hopes to instill in cadets, leading by example at a school under the spotlight and creating change.
Henrietta Lacks: How a Roanoke-native coined โmother of modern medicineโ
Read full article: Henrietta Lacks: How a Roanoke-native coined โmother of modern medicineโโIt started a whole new phase in medicine which was investigative; able to create vaccines, able to address cancer, able to study cancer. They used her cells in different areas, even in space, even in the atomic bomb to see the effect of the cells,โ Quiroz said. The Lacks family found out nearly 25 years later. Dr. Quiroz says the industry has learned from it and that Larkโs title of โMother of Modern Medicineโ is not just because of her cells. AdSome, like Dr. Reed, believe not enough is being done to address the unjust done to Lacks and her family.
Christiansburg unveils driving tour to teach Black history
Read full article: Christiansburg unveils driving tour to teach Black historyCHRISTIANSBURG., Va. โ You can now learn Black history by hopping into your car and going for a drive. From the locations where slaves were once sold, to the playground where children were once segregated, Christiansburg holds valuable Black history. Thatโs why Christiansburg Institute created a map highlighting five locations to create a driving tour. The non-profitโs executive director, Chris Sanchez, said he hopes the 3.4-mile trail will inspire people to preserve the legacy African-Americans have already paved. AdSanchez said he hopes to work with other organizations to expand the tour and cross county lines to highlight other monumental areas.
Shining a light on Montgomery County minority and women-owned businesses
Read full article: Shining a light on Montgomery County minority and women-owned businessesCHRISTIANSBURG, Va. โ The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has released a new directory to help minority and women entrepreneurs. Based on the chamberโs expenditure data last year, 40%of funding went to small businesses while only 8% of that small businesses funding went to Black-owned businesses. Now the chamber is calling on large businesses and customers to show more support this year with their dollars. โOur job is to promote support and grow businesses in this community,โ said Sharon Scott, the chamberโs executive director. Chamber membership is required but there are some scholarships available to help pay for the fees.
Radford mayor celebrates Black History Month through Facebook posts
Read full article: Radford mayor celebrates Black History Month through Facebook postsHe says itโs an easy and important way to share the messages of the people whose impacts can still be felt all over the city every day. RADFORD, Va โ Radford Mayor David Horton wanted to do something special for Black History Month, so he got in touch with his community in the fastest way he could, through Facebook. โIt provides an avenue for conversation for people to share their memories, their stories and to connect over wonderful people whoโve done so many wonderful things in our community,โ Radford Mayor David Horton said. AdCarter said the posts have started important conversations for the community about representation and inclusion. He said itโs an easy and important way to share the messages of the people whose impacts can still be felt all over the city every day.
โWe Are Artโ rap cypher spotlights Roanokeโs Black talent and culture
Read full article: โWe Are Artโ rap cypher spotlights Roanokeโs Black talent and cultureROANOKE, Va. โ Roanoke is celebrating Black History through hip hop. The video was filmed at the Grandin Theatre and features seven local rappers, each of them writing a verse saluting Black art, culture and accomplishments. The verses were recorded at the Roanoke Public Libraries Melrose Avenue branch. AdโHip hop is sometimes being looked at as negative when in reality thereโs a lot of positive hip hop. AdThe film debuts Friday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. You can watch it on Youtube here or the Roanoke Public Libraries Facebook page.
โUp From Slaveryโ: Preserving Booker T. Washingtonโs Franklin County roots
Read full article: โUp From Slaveryโ: Preserving Booker T. Washingtonโs Franklin County rootsFRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. โ One of the most powerful and inspirational voices for civil rights has his roots in Southwest Virginia. Author and educator Booker T. Washington was born a slave in Franklin County near Rocky Mount. Washington himself told the world of his upbringing in his autobiography โUp From Slavery,โ and his Virginia legacy has been preserved long after his death. Under her guidance, the University Press recently acquired 14 volumes of Washingtonโs writings and documents, which stretch back to his time as a slave in Franklin County. โI donโt know that Iโve had many things that Iโm more proud of than our ability to get his words out into the larger world,โ Moomaw said.
Danville reveals bus wrap honoring 150 years of Black history
Read full article: Danville reveals bus wrap honoring 150 years of Black historyDANVILLE, Va. โ One Danville bus now prominently celebrates Black history. On Wednesday, the city of Danville unveiled its latest wrapped bus, featuring the images of 12 African Americans. One side shows:Rep. John LewisTrey EdmundsTremaine EdmundsTerrell EdmundsBishop Lawrence Campbell Sr.Gloria CampbellThe other:Fannie Lou HamerBooker T. WashingtonCarter G. WoodsonMaggie L. WalkerRalph BuncheW.E.B. In 2019, the city unveiled its first bus wrapping that honored leaders. The bus will be placed on different fixed-route bus runs.
Behind the headlines, examining the history and future of The Roanoke Tribune
Read full article: Behind the headlines, examining the history and future of The Roanoke TribuneROANOKE, Va. โ Any given week on Wednesday afternoon, The Roanoke Tribune is serving the cityโs Black community, rolling off the presses. Fleming Alexander started the newspaper in 1939 and since 1971, his daughter, Claudia Whitworth, has been the one behind the headlines. Roanoke Tribune building on Melrose Avenue in Roanoke, Virginia. The Roanoke Tribune issue dated Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, the day after Joe Biden's inauguration. Everyone at the paper agrees that it is their role to print what other media doesnโt, good news from their community.
Tell us: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Read full article: Tell us: What does Black History Month mean to you?We want to know: What does Black History Month mean to you? Did you talk about it, growing up? Did you attend events? We want to hear, in your words, about your experience with the month.
31 photos youโve probably never seen, showing Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad history
Read full article: 31 photos youโve probably never seen, showing Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad historyHarriet Tubman did so much for others -- she escaped slavery and went on to become a leading abolitionist, leading enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad.
More than 30 years later, Whitney Houstonโs stirring Super Bowl performance still resonates
Read full article: More than 30 years later, Whitney Houstonโs stirring Super Bowl performance still resonatesThe late Whitney Houston gave the world many great musical moments with all her talents, but arguably the biggest gift of all came during Super Bowl XV in Tampa.
Prince Harry speaks about race, marks UK Black History Month
Read full article: Prince Harry speaks about race, marks UK Black History MonthLONDON โ Prince Harry has spoken about his โawakeningโ to race issues as he and his wife, Meghan, launched an anti-racism campaign to mark Black History Month in the U.K. He stressed that his and Meghan's campaign wasnโt about โpointing the finger, it is not about blame.โโThis is about learning. And about how we can make it better,โ he said, speaking from the coupleโs home in Santa Barbara, California. The couple released a list of Black people recognized for challenging prejudice, calling them โnext gen trailblazers,โ along with an opinion piece in the newspaper. Meghan, a former American actress known as Meghan Markle, identifies as biracial.