Danville residents central to the city’s Black history were recognized Monday with the unveiling of a bus wrap featuring their faces. This is the city’s third bus wrap, but the first to include only local figures.
The 13 people featured on the bus span a variety of occupations, roles and time periods, and fit this year’s bus wrap theme: “Honor the Past, Embrace the Future.”
They were chosen by the city’s Transportation Advisory Committee and were recognized at a ceremony at the Danville Regional Airport.
“This bus wrap serves as a moving canvas adorned with images of those most remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the city of Danville and surrounding areas both in their lifetime and through their enduring legacy,” Major Alonzo Jones said at the ceremony.
Each honoree — or their family, if the honoree has died — was recognized before the bus wrap was revealed.
“These individuals have not only shaped our community, but have also inspired generations like myself with their resilience, their leadership, and their unwavering commitment to progress,” Jones said.
The bus will be placed on different fixed-route runs, according to a news release from the city. It can also be viewed at Danville’s Transfer Center during scheduled service breaks at 10 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. every day except Sunday.
The bus wrap cost $1,400 and was funded by the Danville transit budget, according to Danville public information officer Arnold Hendrix. Street Level Media, which designed the wrap, donated services to lessen the cost.
Choosing the figures on the bus wrap was a challenge, said Tyrell Payne, a member of the school board and the Transportation Advisory Committee.
There are so many people who have made contributions to Danville, but ultimately, the figures chosen have “paved the road” for others, including Payne himself, he said.
“I’m a little emotional because a lot of these individuals sowed into my life, growing up through the ranks in the city of Danville, they have poured into me and inspired me to continue to move forward, even if things get tough,” he said in an interview after the ceremony.
Payne said that he hopes that the bus wrap, which is intended to be permanent, continues to inspire Danvillians, especially young people.
“It’s great for our students and our school system to see that we have great citizens here,” Payne said. “If you stay the course in your education, you may be one of the ones selected to be on one of our city buses. … That’s important for our youth in our city.”
Honoree Shelby Irving, the city’s first female firefighter, said she was excited to be included, but even more excited because when she found out who the other honorees were.
The bus wrap made her think about the progress that Danville, which is often known as the last capital of the Confederacy, has made.
Another honoree, Dr. Zachary Hairston, one of the city’s first Black dentists, said that it was special to be placed among other people who have influenced him.
“We came up together,” he said. “From running on the playground to something where there’s leadership and they’re recognizing us.”
Irving and Hairston’s faces are joined on the bus wrap by C.B. Clairborne, Doris Wilson, Charles Harris, Xelia Hickson, Norma Brower, Kirby Wright, Judy Fallen, Bishop A.R. Linder, Carrie Ashe, Harry Johnson, and C.G. Hairston.
Each of these people “encapsulates the spirit of excellence and determination that best defines our city,” Jones said. “Their stories remind us of the boundless potential that exists within each one of us.”
Who’s who on the bus wrap
More information about these individuals can be found on the city’s website.
Carrie P. Ashe was a teacher for Danville Public Schools for 32 years and has also been involved in education workshops around the state, and in local community and volunteer work.
Norma Brower worked for the city of Danville as a housing and redevelopment specialist. She became known as a resource for housing issues, neighborhood stabilization and federal housing programs. She died in 2021.
C.B. Clairborne is a professor and former basketball player. A Danville native, he was the first Black player on the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team and later taught in the business school of Texas Southern University.
Judy Fallen is a pillar of Danville’s Camp Grove community, a historically Black neighborhood. She works with children at the neighborhood’s recreation center as part of the city’s parks and recreation department and is a mentor and mother figure for many of the young people there.
C.G. Hairston started Hairston Oil Co., the city’s first Black-owned energy company, and several other local businesses after getting his start in the used car industry and becoming one of the first Black Americans to do business with Fiat and Volvo. He died in 2020.
Dr. Zachary Hairston is one of Danville’s first Black dentists and has more than 40 years of experience as a dentist. He has worked to expand dental services for Medicaid members, and he now serves as the state dental consultant with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services’ Medicaid Smiles for Children program
Charles Harris was Danville’s first Black mayor and first Black city councilman since Reconstruction. He was mayor from 1980 to 1984 and was still serving on the city council when he died in 1988.
Xelia Hickson was a high school music and choral teacher in Danville for 37 years and an active member of Vance Street Missionary Baptist Church, where she played and taught music. She died in 2023.
Shelby Irving is division chief of the Danville Fire Department. She was the city’s first female firefighter and its first Black chief officer, and is currently the highest-ranking Black officer in the fire department.
Harry Johnson was a physical education teacher and football and basketball coach at George Washington High School in Danville before becoming the school’s head coach. During his time as coach, the school won 348 games, earned 14 district titles, six Holiday Shootout championships, three final four appearances and one state title. After retiring, he remained involved with civil groups and the city’s youth. He died in 2020.
Bishop A.R. Linder has served as a member of Danville’s Shepherd of Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God for 53 years. He has worked in ministerial roles throughout the city, in addition to working at Dan River Mills.
Doris Wilson is a Danville native who witnessed the city’s integration of public schools during her time as a teacher. She began teaching at Langston High School, a school for Black students, but when schools desegregated in 1970, she moved to George Washington High School. She was named Teacher of the Year by the Future Teachers of America in 1971.
Kirby Wright, a lifelong Danville resident, is an educator, entrepreneur and mentor. He worked in Pittsylvania County Schools for 37 years, started several local businesses and has served on numerous boards and commissions in the community.