New Exhibit To Recognize Roanoke’s Influential History Makers
In anticipation of the Grand Opening of Melrose Plaza, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys announces the inaugural class of the Living Legends exhibit – seven remarkable Roanokers whose lasting impact continues to shape and inspire the Roanoke community. This annual exhibit will honor visionary leaders and celebrate the legacy they’ve built for future generations.
“The Living Legends of Melrose Plaza are changemakers who continue to have influence,” said Richmond Vincent, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. “When we unveil the Melrose Plaza History Wall in July, these seven leaders will be recognized for their lasting contributions.”
The Living Legends exhibit is an extension of the Melrose Plaza History Wall. Updated annually, the rotating exhibit will honor community members who have made extraordinary contributions to education, civic leadership, journalism and cultural preservation.
“It’s important that these honorees know their efforts are seen and appreciated,” said Jordan Bell, local historian. “Their stories will live on at Melrose Plaza and inspire generations to come.”
The inaugural class of Living Legends to be featured at Melrose Plaza are Richard Chubb; Doris Ennis; Sherman Lea, Sr.; Peter Lewis; Peggy Sue Mason; Reginald Shareef and Claudia Whitworth. Full biographies will be revealed during the Grand Opening ceremony on the Living Legends display.
This year’s honorees are the first in what will become an annual tradition, with new Living Legends added each year to keep Roanoke’s history alive and evolving.
The honorees will be formally recognized during Melrose Plaza’s Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, July 31. For more details about the event, visit https://melroseplazaroanoke.com/.