by Shawn Nowlin
April 28, 2023, is a day that will go down in the Roanoke history books.
Last Friday, Kennedy Park on 19th Street in the northwest part of the city, was officially renamed to honor the late Estelle McCadden, an iconic, beloved member of the community who served as a neighborhood advocate, educator, leader, and many other roles throughout her life.
In attendance for the park unveiling were Mayor Sherman Lea, Superintendent Dr. Verletta White, community activist Jordan Bell, Apple Ridge Farm Camp founder Peter Lewis and retired Roanoke Times writer JoAnne Poindexter, among numerous others.
All four of Estelle’s children and most of her grandchildren were present for the celebratory occasion. Her son, Mac, said to all in attendance, “I want to thank our city leaders for realizing that we didn’t have to start the petitions because they were going to do it anyway. She just meant that much to the City of Roanoke. I know she is looking down and appreciating each and every one of you for being here.”
Added the former city councilman, “Our family is immensely proud to see what you thought of her. Before I leave, I would all like us to collectively sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a momma who would have turned 97 today.”
Other speakers at the dedication included family friend Shirley Bethel, Rev. Dava Hensley, Roanoke Parks & Recreation Director Michael Clark, Pat Daniels, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Danville, and Stephen Niamke, president of the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum.
Expounding on McCadden’s impact in the community, Niamke said, “I wrote a little something for her that I think reflects who she is and how she presented herself: ‘I am McCadden real, you know the deal, I am going to say what I have to say; I am McCadden strong, no I won’t wait too long, you need to call me back today; I am McCadden true, you know what to do, now tell me what you have to say; I am McCadden bold, no I’m not too old, we have some work to do today.’”
A walking path, a picnic shelter, scenic mountain views, and spacious fields are all offered at Estelle H. McCadden Park. The two individuals who befittingly unveiled the cover for the new sign were longtime family friends Shirley Harris and Virgie Craighead.
Among the prestigious awards Estelle won throughout her life includes Roanoke’s Mother of the Year (1994), Roanoke Citizen of the Year (2008), the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council’s Woman of the Year (2019), and the Friendship Foundation’s Vision and Values Award for Teamwork (2021).
The Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference, an organization she founded, is a non-profit that continues to work and promote healthy, safe neighborhoods across the Commonwealth.
After McCadden’s passing in Jan. 2022, Del. Sam Rasoul spoke about her legacy on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates and elected officials on both sides of the aisle honored her with a moment of silence, a gesture greatly appreciated by her family.
