By Jordan Bell
The Claude Moore Complex, formerly the historic Lincoln Theater on First St. downtown, was the setting as the community honored three prominent members of the Chubb family: Perneller Chubb Wilson, Richard Chubb, and Mignon Chubb-Hale – a trio of high-achievers, to say the least.
Their story originated in Chubbtown, Georgia founded in 1864 by their ancestor Henry Chubb. According to census records the name Chubb goes further back than 1864. An 1820 census record indicates Nicholas Chubb as a free-colored male being head of household. Chubbtown consisted of a general store, blacksmith shop, grist mill, distillery, syrup mill, saw mill, wagon company, cotton gin, casket company, and several farms, a self-operated post office, all owned and operated by the Chubb family. This history is what helped to shape siblings Perneller, Richard, and Mignon.
Emcee Ryan Bell, opened the program with by saying “We are here to honor legacy in the community. A family who has fought for civil rights, equal education, and the rights of all people. They have not only impacted the city of Roanoke but also the state of Virginia. Through the Chubb family, Roanoke is a better city.”
The room was filled with family, friends, community members, and elected officials all coming to honor the legacy of the Chubb family.
Mayor Sherman Lea spoke about the impact the Chubb family has had on him moving to Roanoke many years ago from Danville, Virginia. He said as soon as he arrived in Roanoke he heard the name Chubb and when he got on Roanoke City Council Perneller Chubb Wilson would and still does call him regularly to make sure the City of Roanoke is on top of Civil Rights issues. He spoke about the influence Richard Chubb has had on so many in Roanoke, especially Black men encouraging them to be examples of dignity. Mayor Lea ended his remarks by stating that both Perneller and Richard Chubb have received keys to the city, the highest honor any citizen can be given by the city. The mayor proceeded to present a third key to the youngest of the Chubb trio, Mignon Chubb Hale for her tireless work in civil rights, Black history, and education.
Perneller Chubb Wilson, the eldest of the Chubb siblings, and founder of The Roanoke Chapter SCLC was the first to be honored. Her tireless community service over the past 60 years has awarded her the opportunity to meet such people as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he visited Danville in 1963. Her work in civil rights has garnered the recognition of many local, state, and national leaders. She was given the Martin Luther King Jr. presidential award by Dr. King’s son. She has also received presidential recognition from four U.S. presidents. Wilson was given the Key to the City in 1995 and received an honorary doctorate degree from Bethlehem Bible College & Seminary. She states that she did not get into Civil Rights work for awards but to speak up and speak out for those who Dr. King spoke out for.
Richard Chubb was a longtime educator in the city as principal at Harrison and Hurt Park elementary schools until retiring from the school system in 1991. In 1977, then-Mayor Noel C. Taylor awarded Chubb the Key to the City. Later, Chubb started R.L. Counseling service and consulting firm after retirement and created an at-risk program for Roanoke City School youth, and has been a continuing supporter of education. Known as “Coach Chubb” by some, he is also considered by many as the “father of the community” because of his support of so many people throughout his lifetime. Chubb clings to his vow to “always give back and help when and where he can.” One of his famous quotes is “Carry the dream on.”
Mignon Chubb Hale, the youngest of the Chubb siblings, was a long-time educator and civil rights worker in the city. She was one of the first Black educators to integrate Roanoke City Schools working at Wasena Elementary School, Lincoln Terrace Elementary, and Lucy Addison High School. Mignon was one of the first teachers to implement local Black History into her classroom and conduct Black History tours in partnership with the City of Roanoke.
Dr. Nathaniel Bishop, first cousin to the Chubb siblings said that all three of his cousins had helped to shape the man that he is today.
Musical selections were by Community ArtsReach which also co-sponsored the event along with Roanoke Public Libraries, Gainsborough Southwest, and Gainsboro Revisited. The night ended with two Community ArtsReach elementary school students reciting Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Without question, the Chubbs is an example of the very reason family and community are so important to the fabric of this country. The greatness of a community and its people flourishes from the principled guidance and encouragement of high-minded gate-keepers as the Chubbs who pave the way for the promise of a better tomorrow for all.
