Sinclair Holian - Report for America

Sinclair Holian is a Report for America corps member covering segregation. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; support Sinclair today at the top of this page or at www.roanokerambler.com/support-us

Roanoke, VA

Neighborhoods

Northwest Roanoke Leaders Aim To Change Narrative of a Once-Notorious Street. Now the City Wants To Get Involved, Too.

After years defined by disinvestment, Northwest’s 11th Street has recently attracted new attention from the city.

Sinclair Holian - Report for America Sep 9, 2025 • 11 min read

Racial justice

Roanoke Equity Board Sends Urban Renewal Apology Draft to City Council

Roanoke's equity board is preparing public meetings this fall to get feedback on what specific action items the city should take.

Sinclair Holian - Report for America Sep 9, 2025 • 4 min read

Interview

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with E.B. Smith, Director of Roanoke's Harrison Museum of African American Culture

In this new Q&A series, we invite the community to reflect on living in a divided city. We sit down with E.B. Smith, executive director of the Harrison Museum of African American Culture.

Sinclair Holian - Report for America Aug 26, 2025 • 10 min read

Gun violence

As Roanoke Neighbors and Police Gather, Gun Violence Takes Uneven Toll

Roanoke's National Night Out arrived after a weekend of shootings. While gun violence is trending downward citywide, Northwest remains the most impacted quadrant.

Sinclair Holian - Report for America Aug 12, 2025 • 7 min read

Racial justice

Roanoke Equity Board Plans Public Outreach for Urban Renewal Apology

Three new members to the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board reenergized the conversation after months of limbo.

Sinclair Holian - Report for America Jul 22, 2025 • 7 min read