by Diane Speaks

One of Roanoke’s own local businesses has been selected from a nationwide search to be showcased in front of millions on QVC, HSN and Zulily, thanks to a collaboration with the NRF Foundation to help small businesses navigate the current retail environment. The program highlights 20 Black-owned businesses “as part of the Qurate Retail Group’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within both its company and in society at large.”

Owner Diane Speaks says her store was selected from over 200 applicants. Speaks worked as a flight attendant for 30 years, visiting with some 15 countries before retiring to open her boutique. Inspired by her travels, She’s International Boutique is featured in the heart of downtown Roanoke and carries purses, clothing, jewelry, and other unique items with prices to fit anyone’s budget. Continue reading She’s International Boutique featured on QVC, HSN and Zulily →

by Jazmine Otey

Egette Indelele said coming to the U.S. as a Tanzanian child refugee felt like stepping into a new world. The eight-year-old was born and raised in a refugee camp. Now she would have to attend school for the first time, adjust to a new culture and quickly learn and master English.

“Imagine coming from a world where there’s fighting, violence and a lack of food and clothing to a world where the culture and language are different,” Indelele said. “It was very difficult. For a long time I was like, ‘Is this real? How am I here?” Continue reading Young refugee’s journey from Tanzanian to America →

The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. awarded eleven college scholarships to well-deserved high school graduates. Scholarship funds are raised through the chapters’ yearly Jabberwock production. This year’s recipients are: Continue reading Delta Local Chapter presents 2020 Scholarship Recipients →

Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, retiring teachers left their educational arenas in June without the traditional rituals that mark the end of an academic year or a career. Among them was Mollie DeBerry, a lifetime advocate for education in the Roanoke Valley.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Chi Omega Chapter, joins the Roanoke Valley community in proudly recognizing DeBerry on her recent retirement from Roanoke City Public Schools. DeBerry, a member of the Beta Chi Omega Chapter, retired on June 6, after 40 years with Roanoke City Public Schools. Continue reading Retired educator will always have “class!” →

The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts are gearing up to prepare the community for flu season by providing no-cost flu shot events.

Flu vaccination has many benefits, including reducing the risk of flu illness, reducing flu hospitalizations, and reducing the severity of illness and the risk of death. One reason why individuals may choose not to get a flu vaccine involves the belief that the flu vaccine can give you the flu, however, this is actually a common myth. Flu shots are made with killed flu viruses when using inactivated vaccines, or without flu virus at all when using the recombinant vaccine. Some minor side effects that may occur include soreness, redness and/or swelling where the shot was given, low grade fever, and aches. Continue reading Prepare yourself for Flu season →

Mill Mountain Theatre is paving the way for regional theatre across the country with their free digital release of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical , exclusively on Broadway on Demand.

Earlier this year, Mill Mountain Theatre was granted permission by the writers of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons) and Broadway Licensing to produce a digital version of the production, streamed to MMT’s patrons and community partners through Broadway on Demand. This innovative production takes the place of Mill Mountain’s usual summer tour by providing free entertainment and education to the Roanoke community and beyond. Continue reading Mill Mountain Theatre presents “The Cool Kids Musical” →