Anita James Price announced her bid for reelection as a Democratic nominee for Roanoke City Council on Friday, Jan. 15. “I make this announcement to seek reelection on Council as a public servant as I have a sincere desire to continue to serve the people of our Star City. I have always tried to follow the teachings of my parents in that once one begins something, it must be finished. There is still much work to be done in our great city and it is my intention to serve the citizens of Roanoke to the best of my ability.”
Price has worked to reinstate the city’s Youth Services Citizens Board which had become inactive in recent years. The board is now operating and has sponsored youth activities such as the annual Youth Summit, which provides an opportunity for youth to have voice and civic engagement. Her work has received national recognition as she has recently been appointed as vice chair of the National League of Cities’ Council on Youth, Education and Families. This Council is composed of not only local elected officials but also youth members and representatives from national organizations working to improve the welfare of children and families.
“This is one of many reasons I wish to continue my work on council. Children and families are the fabric of our cities. I echo the phrase used by our school system; “Strong students, strong schools, strong city.” Our economic health and sustainability of our city lies in the preparation of our children to lead productive, happy and successful lives. I ask for your continued support on February 13 and vote at the Burgland Center from noon to 7 p.m.”
Anita James Price, a native of Arlington, VA, attended Hampton University (Hampton, VA) and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocational Education and Home Economics from Morgan State College, (Baltimore, MD). She later earned her Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Virginia Tech. She taught at Patrick Henry High School for ten years and later became a counselor during the transition of Roanoke City Schools to the middle school concept. In 1991, she became a guidance counselor at Round Hill and Huff Lane Elementary Schools.
Mrs. Price dedicated 35 years to public school education and prides herself as an advocate for the youth of Roanoke. She is involved in much civic, state, national and church related organizations and truly enjoys giving back to the community as a public servant. In 2008, she was the first African-American woman elected to Roanoke City Council and was re-elected in 2012. As a true lifelong educator, Councilwoman Price has devoted her platform as an advocate for children, youth and their families. She is happily married to Charles A. Price Jr. and she is the proud mother of three adult daughters and is blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren.
