Over the last 70 years, Roanoke has received the National Civic League’s All-America City recognition eight times — a record in Virginia.
To celebrate the city’s most recent win, which was announced this spring, residents of Roanoke and local business and government leaders gathered Wednesday in the municipal building, after rainy weather resulted in a last-minute change in the original plan to hold the event outside at Lacks Plaza.
Mayor Sherman Lea talked about what it means for the Star City, which first received the award in 1952.
“One of the most heartening aspects of this award is that it recognizes not only what we have accomplished, but also the values we hold dear,” Lea said. “This award really underscores our commitment to being a safe, caring and economically vibrant community.”
In the 75th annual year of the award, the National Civic League chose 10 winners out of 20 finalists to recognize civic innovation. This year’s theme was “Strengthening Democracy through Local Action and Innovation.” (Two other Virginia cities, Danville and Newport News, also were honored this year.)
The National Civic League acknowledged Roanoke’s community inclusion programs to address language barriers and limited job opportunities for immigrants and refugees, zoning reforms to expand equitable housing, and advisory boards that have renamed public spaces of the city — including Lacks Plaza, once named for Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee but now honoring Henrietta Lacks, a native of Roanoke whose legacy lives on in medical research.
Katie Hendrick, assistant to the city manager, said the recognition shows the importance of the city’s collaboration with community organizations and nonprofits.
Tim Cerebe, president of Blue Ridge Literacy, said the organization plays a key role in the inclusivity within Roanoke’s immigrant and refugee communities.
“One of the things that always comes out in the All-America City awards that Roanoke has won over the years is inclusion, equity and really being a welcoming community.”
Maureen McNamara Best, the executive director of LEAP (as the Local Environmental Agriculture Project is known), talked about how the city’s investment in the local food system has supported her organization’s infrastructure needs and farm share program.
“We are thankful and honored to be entrusted with funding and support, and then also just humbled by the community of people that continue to prioritize food and farming in our city and in our region,” Best said.
Though Lea said the recognition doesn’t mean Roanoke “is perfect,” he encourages the Star City to “build on our successes, address our challenges and ensure that Roanoke remains a place where dreams can be realized and where everyone feels at home.”
