Melrose Plaza is honoring historical figures, people, places, and landmarks integral to Roanoke’s Northwest Community through the Melrose Plaza History Wall. The nominees were selected based on historical significance, community impact, achievement and legacy.
Our goal is to create a memorial that honors the diverse and impactful leaders and events that shaped history in Roanoke. Nominees were shared via a form on this page for public feedback during the month of October 2024, and we thank those who participated. Your input was invaluable in helping us honor the rich history and inspiring individuals in our neighborhood.
This History Wall is an anchor in the center of the Plaza. A Living Legends exhibit and a Hidden in Plain Site virtual reality exhibit will also be featured at Melrose Plaza. Combined, these features aim to tell the story of history-makers and overlooked locations that represent the history of Northwest Roanoke.
Living Legends
Each year we will celebrate current individuals whose lives have strengthened our community, preserved it’s history, and inspired others through service, leadership, faith, education, music, journalism, and civic engagement. Each inductee has left an enduring mark on the Roanoke Valley. We call them Living Legends.
Class of 2026
REV. EDWARD T. BURTON, pastor
DURELL COLEMAN, musician
STAN HALE, editor of the Roanoke Tribune
REV. WILLIAM LEE, pastor
CARLA LEWIS, librarian, Apple Ridge Farm
Class of 2025
RICHARD CHUBB, educator
DORIS ENNIS, educator
SHERMAN LEA SR, civic leader, former City of Roanoke mayor
PETER LEWIS, educator, founder of Apple Ridge Farm
PEGGY SUE MASON, educator
DR. REGINALD SHAREEF, professor at Radford University
CLAUDIA WHITWORTH, editor of the Roanoke Tribune
Sankofa Award
The Sankofa Award honors individuals whose lives and leadership have strengthened our community and whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
2026 Recipient: Antinette “Chinene” Beane
2025 Recipient: Richmond Vincent