Curious what’s under the recently installed sign on the north side of campus near the steps leading up to Fralin Center for Health Professions? It’s a historical marker.

Here is an article from The Roanoke Times about the marker: New Roanoke historic marker will link desegregation with founding of community college

And here is the text for the marker:
“From 1956 to 1959 Virginia mandated Massive Resistance against the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown decision desegregating public education. In 1958, business leaders from around the state created the Virginia Industrialization Group to oppose Massive Resistance and reverse the damage it had done to education and the economy. Their efforts helped establish a system of technical colleges in 1964 that evolved into the Virginia Community College System in 1966. Roanoke Technical Institute, a branch of Virginia Tech, was combined with the University of Virginia’s Roanoke Center to form what became Virginia Western Community College. This was the first community college to open under the new system.”

Interested in Nelson Harris’ work with historical markers, including mention of Virginia Western? Check out this article from Cardinal News: Nelson Harris is Roanoke’s historical marker champion

Join us on Monday, January 22 at 10 am to unveil the historical marker in partnership with the City of Roanoke.