Visit the birthplace of Booker T. Washington, one of the most influential African American leaders in history.
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Black History in Virginia's Blue Ridge
Black History in Roanoke, VA
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a region with amazing Black history and culture.
It’s a unique blend of people, organizations, and communities who played a major role in the growth and development of Roanoke and the surrounding region, as well as people with local connections to the area who were influential worldwide.
Prominent figures of Black history in Virginia’s Blue Ridge include people like Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute and one of history's most influential African American leaders. There’s also Oliver White Hill, a civil rights attorney whose work was part of the Brown v. Board of Education case that overturned segregation in public schools. Hill grew up on the same block as Edward R. Dudley, who would become the first Black Ambassador in United States history.
You can find all kinds of amazing information about Black history in the region by visiting locations such as the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and Booker T. Washington National Monument, or by participating in the Self Guided Walking Tour of Historic Gainsboro.
You can also learn more about Roanoke's hidden history by experiencing the Hidden in Plain Site Virtual Reality tour.
To help you plan your visit, we recommend using our 3-day itinerary of Black history & culture of Virginia's Blue Ridge >
A look back at the Black history of our region also requires us to acknowledge difficult and uncomfortable truths.
The Black History of Roanoke & Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a history with similarities to so many communities around the country. It’s a history that includes local men and women who would achieve remarkable things and create lasting change that would impact generations, and they did so while living with the difficulties of segregation and racism.
Black history is an integral part of the overall history and heritage of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and we invite you to experience it during a visit to the region. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and legacy of the past.
Historical Places to Visit
This museum in Downtown Roanoke showcases and celebrates the art, history, and contributions of African Americans.
Take a self-guided walking tour of Roanoke's Historic Gainsboro community, which was a vibrant center of Black culture and commerce.
Learn More About Local Black History
Learn the stories of the incredible Black men and women from Virginia's Blue Ridge who will be remembered in history.
This virtual, interactive tour experience will introduce you to Roanoke's hidden history of Black culture and heritage.
Learn interesting things you didn't know about Booker T. Washington, who was born in Franklin County in Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Other History Experiences in Virginia's Blue Ridge
Get to know more about the rich history of Virginia's Blue Ridge by visiting the local sites and museums.
Plan a history-filled getaway and check off every location on this list of historical places of interest.
Explore the charming City of Salem with a self-guided walking tour that showcases the history of the community.
More Resources for a Visit
We have lots of helpful information and resources to help you make the most of a visit to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Take advantage of the pages below to help you plan your getaway.
A 3-day itinerary of Black history & culture in Virginia's Blue Ridge, showcasing local black-owned businesses and places of interest.
A guide to Black-owned businesses throughout the region, including restaurants, shops, and services.
Book a room at one of many amazing lodging options for your next visit to Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Want the latest on Virginia’s Blue Ridge? Securely sign up for our FREE e-newsletter:
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that welcomes and celebrates the unique backgrounds, abilities, passions, and perspectives of our vibrant community. As our region’s only destination marketing organization, we have a responsibility to showcase the best the Roanoke Region has to offer, and those assets and strengths come in varied forms. We embrace differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, language, visible and invisible disabilities, and all the intersecting identities that make Virginians and visitors alike so unique. We believe our differences make us stronger– and better.
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