Explore BLACK SWVA

Perspectives Blog / January 8, 2019

Black History is all around us, this will never change. It does not matter the years that may pass by swiftly without much notice. The world is made up of many interesting places and I find myself eager to travel, to discover, and immerse myself in them. However, I find most intriguing, a small town in SWVA, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. SWVA is filled with a plethora of experiences and culture directly relate to African American life in the region.

During Black History Month 2019 is a great continuation of celebrating and honoring black culture. Take some time this month to educate and communicate with our children, family, and friends the truth behind why it matters that we take a stand against any and everything that doesn’t serve people of color. It’s a pledge to continue to educate and communicate outside of the shortest month of the year.

If you are interested in exploring black experiences and culture in SWVA, below are a few locations and events you can visit during Black History Month 2019.

Roanoke
• Harrison Museum of African American Culture
• The first all black rescue squad- 830 Moorman Road Roanoke, VA- Ride by and see!
• Lucy Addison High School Monument Wall- Now Lucy Addison Middle School
• 2/15/19- Africa Unplugged – 8pm-10pm- The Spot on Kirk- Tickets sold on Eventbrite.
• 2/16/19- 2019 HBCU College Fair – 10am-2 pm- William Fleming High School
• 2/19/19- Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges – 7:15pm-9pm- Grandin Theatre; Free to public.
• 2/21/19 Fades & Braids Vol. 2 – 5:30pm- Gainsboro Branch Library
• 2/22/19- The Speakeasy – 8pm- 601 11th Street Roanoke, VA Tickets sold here: Speakeasy19.eventbrite.com
• 2/23/19- Free Family Films Celebrating Black History Month– 2pm- Gainsboro Branch Library-
• 2/24/19 Gospel Jubilee 2019 – 4pm-6-pm- Charter Hall at the City Market Building

Christiansburg
• Christiansburg Industrial Institute – a primary and secondary education for African Americans established in 1866.
• Saturday February 16 – Brother Outsider Viewing and Discussion-4pm-6:30pm- Asbury United Methodist Church

Lynchburg
• Legacy Museum of African American History
• The Lynchburg Museum
• House and Gardens of Anne Spencer
• 2/21/2019- The Listening: (We Gone Be) ALRIGHT 
• 2/24/19- Black History Month Celebration – 3pm- Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

Martinsville, VA
• 2/23/2019 African American Read-In + Family Day

Hardy, VA
• Booker T. Washington National Monument






Ashley Rhame

Ashley Rhame is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. She has self-published two books, Soul Cry and God’s Eye. She is currently writing her third book of poetry, Chasing Sun. Her work has been featured in the Artemis Journal alongside poets like Nikki Giovanni, Natasha Trethewey, and others in the Appalachian area. Ashley has also lead workshops at Hollins University, Girls Rock Roanoke, church youth departments, and other local organizations. She currently leads a regular youth writing workshop, TeenSpeak with Roanoke Public Libraries. You can find her every other Wednesday night at Soul Sessions using her voice to create a space that is loving, reflective, and healthy. When Ashley is not writing, she enjoys photography, reading, sipping tea, wandering around art galleries, and indulging in sweets.

Ashley Rhame
Perspectives Writer