Social Issues

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A collection of 49 posts

At Roanoke's Historically Black Old Lick Cemetery, New Caretakers Confront Old Sins

In recent years, a group of churchgoers has been tending to the cemetery, a "gaping wound" of Roanoke's urban renewal history.

Henri Gendreau Jul 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Neighborhoods

Claytor Clinic Gains State Historical Marker, But Future of Gainsboro Property Unclear

Gainsboro's historic Claytor Clinic has gained statewide recognition, but breakdowns over city negotiations leave the property's fate uncertain.

Henri Gendreau Jul 9, 2024 • 3 min read

Education

Roanoke School Board Appears Receptive To Restricting Student Cell Phone Use

Superintendent Verletta White said she would convene a working group that will come up with more concrete recommendations.

Henri Gendreau Apr 23, 2024 • 3 min read

Racial justice

In Segregated Roanoke, Black and White Churchgoers Gather To Study the Bible — and Find Ways To Improve the City

The bible study sessions, organizers say, are but a small step in overcoming generations of institutionalized segregation in Roanoke.

Ralph Berrier Jr. Apr 16, 2024 • 9 min read

Food Access

Northwest Roanoke Residents See Glimmer of Hope As Grocery Store Plans Take Shape

The Market on Melrose is slated to open in November in the heart of a food desert. The store will create up to 70 jobs in its first year.

Henri Gendreau Mar 26, 2024 • 4 min read

Education

After Threats Shutter Roanoke Schools, Parents Scrutinize How Officials Respond

Some parents see the school district as changing tack after community members raise concerns, which school officials deny.

Henri Gendreau Feb 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Homelessness

City To Seize Land of Homeless Hangout in Southeast Roanoke

The city’s planned seizure marks the second time Roanoke has taken over properties that owe taxes and where people have set up camp.

Henri Gendreau Feb 20, 2024 • 4 min read

Essay

My Stories Revealed Roanoke’s Urban Renewal History. In Plans for Evans Spring, I Hear Echoes.

What happened long ago has new relevance for the future of Evans Spring, home to African Americans and others who fear a new version of urban renewal.

Mary Bishop Feb 13, 2024 • 12 min read

Gun violence

Roanoke Gun Violence Panel Selects Nonprofits For Grants, Focusing on Northwest Youth

Commissioners said probing from City Council resulted in the quick turnaround time between grant announcement and project completion.

Lindsey Hull Jan 16, 2024 • 3 min read

Housing

Roanoke Housing Authority Seeks Affordable Developer For 8-Acre Gainsboro Property

The housing authority’s ownership of the steep-sloped woods traces back to urban renewal.

Henri Gendreau Jan 9, 2024 • 4 min read

Gun violence

In $300,000 Question, Roanoke Leaders Ask Who Should Get Grants To Reduce Gun Violence

City staff say organizations must spend this second cycle of grant funding by the end of June.

Henri Gendreau Jan 2, 2024 • 4 min read

Housing

Roanoke Steers Millions To Nonprofit TAP with Goal of Spurring Affordable Housing

Roanoke officials heralded progress with the city's land bank and the creation of a $2 million affordable housing fund.

Henri Gendreau Dec 19, 2023 • 4 min read

LGBTQ

Roanoke City Nets Highest Score in LGBTQ Equality Index After Years of Failing Grades

The city joins six other Virginia localities in scoring 100 on the Municipal Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign.

Henri Gendreau Nov 21, 2023 • 3 min read

LGBTQ

'You're There To Help': Meet Roanoke Police Department's First LGBTQ Liaison

Roanoke police created the role in part to improve the city's score on a measure indicating how LGBTQ-friendly a locality is.

Lindsey Hull Oct 3, 2023 • 6 min read

Policing

Roanoke Valley Police Have New Helpers Responding to 911 Calls: Mental Health Therapists

The Marcus Alert system, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020, went live last month in the Roanoke Valley.

Henri Gendreau Aug 1, 2023 • 5 min read

Addiction

Drug Recovery Home Moves Into Longtime Roanoke Homeless Shelter That Shuttered

Trust House, which focused on veteran homelessness, has become a 26-bed halfway house from Anderson and Associates.

Henri Gendreau Aug 1, 2023 • 4 min read

LGBTQ

Roanoke's Drag Scene Is Booming, and Performers Are Taking the Show on the Road

Drag performances have become increasingly common in Roanoke and beyond, with performances at breweries, coffee shops and hip new restaurants.

Lindsey Hull Jun 13, 2023 • 10 min read

Housing

Roanoke Started a Land Bank in 2019. It's Just Now Getting Off the Ground.

Officials hope a change to the program run by the nonprofit Total Action for Progress will get more abandoned homes restored.

Henri Gendreau Jun 6, 2023 • 4 min read