Celebrating Roanoke’s Black History: Highlighting Community Members from the Works of David Ramey

Learn about the history and achievements of Roanoke’s storied Gainsboro community as featured in the exhibition David Ramey: Gainsboro Road and Beyond.

Dr. Carla James-Jackson with the Roanoke Higher Education Center will discuss the Gainsboro History Project, an interactive history and walking tour of African American influence in Roanoke that provides stories, connections, and the history of this community.

Local historian Jordan Bell with Gainsboro Revisited will share the amazing stories of some of Gainsboro’s most notable Black community members and locations including the Hale Family, Lucy Addison, Dr. Wendell Butler, Oscar Micheaux, the Virginia Theatre, Dreamland, and Harrison School.

This event is free and welcoming to all, though registration is highly encouraged to reserve your seat.

David Ramey: Gainsboro Road and Beyond is co-organized by the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and the Taubman Museum of Art.

The exhibition is on view and admission is free at both locations through March 30.

Guests are encouraged to visit both museums to experience the more than 200 original drawings and handwritten stories created by late local artist David Ramey, Sr., detailing his beloved Gainsboro, Henry Street, and Northeast Roanoke prior to the impacts of urban renewal.