Goodwill Industries of the Valleys recognized five outstanding individuals Friday, July 31 for their contributions as 2026 Living Legends honored in a festive ceremony. The newly recognized legends, Rev. Edward T. Burton, Carla Lewis, Rev. William Lee, Stan Hale and Durell Coleman will become part of the Living Legends display on the Melrose Plaza History Wall.
Mayor Joe Cobb welcomed all in attendance for coming out to help honor the inductees. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing positive leaders in the community.
“Every community tells a story about itself by the people it chooses to celebrate. Perhaps the most important aspect of the living legend wall is that it gives the next generation something tangible to aspire to. I would dare say every person who walks through these doors could look at these stories and see the greatness isn’t made by somebody else it spilled over a lifetime of service perseverance creativity and leadership.”
Richmond Vincent remarked how the offerings of Melrose Plaza provide a “sense of belonging” to the community.
“We are so fortunate to have such visionary leaders who have dedicated their time, talent and passion to strengthening the Roanoke community,” said Richmond Vincent, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. “From entertainment to education, these living legends have made positive impacts across generations of Roanokers.”
Prior to the presentation of the honored guests, the attendees were entertained by a performance from the musical group, The YUNGENS (Youth Unifying & Narrating God’s Encouragement, Name & Salvation) led by Tiphaney Helm.
Ryan Bell and Donna Davis eloquently announced and presented the “Living Legend” custom engraved diamond crystal trophy to each recipient.
Rev. William Lee, a pastor, community advocate and founder of New Horizons Health Care, was recognized for decades of leadership that strengthened access to health care, fostered unity and improved lives throughout the Roanoke Valley.
“Even after retiring from the pulpit Rev. Lee continued to serve the community with the same dedication that has defined his life,” remarked Ryan Bell.
Carla Lewis, a beloved librarian and educator, spent nearly four decades preserving Black history, and expanding literacy. She transformed the Gainsboro Branch Library into a lasting community resource. She was described as being “both a steward of history and a champion of literacy.”
Stan Hale, is the longtime associate editor and multi-tasking handler of the family-owned newspaper, The Roanoke Tribune. Hale has helped sustain its legacy as one of Virginia’s oldest Black-owned newspapers – celebrating 87 years of publishing. As the self-proclaimed “Mayor of Melrose,” Hale spoke of how he as a young man “dreamed of the day he would grow up and become “a newspaper man” like his grandfather. Hale maintains the business with the help of his sister Eva Shaw-Gill and a small staff dedicated to the paper’s mission.
Rev. Edward T. Burton, is the renowned pastor emeritus of Sweet Union Baptist Church and an Army veteran, whose lifelong service has advanced racial equality, strengthened the local community and inspired generations of area citizens.
Also honored was Durell Coleman, an award-winning R&B and soul singer whose victory on Star Search in he mid 80s launched a recording career and brought national recognition to his hometown. Coleman was not present for the ceremony.
In addition to these honors, the Sankofa Award was presented to retired City of Roanoke librarian Antinette Beane. The Sankofa Award recognizes leaders who have made a transformational impact on the community. “Beane believes that every person deserves kindness, respect, grace and the opportunity to belong,” remarked Anita Price. Beane’s service to various Roanoke Public Libraries spanned 21 years, before her retirement as branch manager of the Melrose branch library earlier this year. Beane is celebrated as a trusted presence for generations of families who grew up visiting Roanoke’s libraries. In recognition of her lasting contributions, the City of Roanoke proclaimed May 15, 2026, as Mrs. Antinette Beane Day.
