Bill Robertson: a legacy of leadership, education and inspiration

by S. Rotan Hale

British philosopher Herbert Read once said, “A man of personality can formulate ideals, but only a man of character can achieve them.” William Bernard Robertson was by all means a man of ideals – backed unequivocally by character forged in principles, old world dignity and an abiding desire to serve.

Robertson, a Roanoke native, was one of many stellar products of the famed Lucy Addison High School at which he would return later as a teacher. Throughout his career he taught at elementary, junior high and high school levels and was once principal at Hurt Park Elementary School. Ultimately he rose to administration and became Supervisor of Roanoke City Public Schools. Later after moving to Florida, he taught at Sligh Middle School in inner-city Tampa. Continue reading An exceptional life of service →

Tina Crowder wipes the tears from her eyes as she realizes her hard work has paid off.

“There were times when things weren’t going right but I just kept in mind that I have something to look forward to,” said Crowder.

In July, Tina became a graduate of the Family Self-Sufficiency program at the City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The FSS program is a 5-year employment and saving program that connects participants with resources and opportunities designed to assist them on their path toward self-sufficiency and economic independence. A portion of any rent increase is placed into escrow savings account monthly and will be disbursed to the participant upon program graduation. Continue reading Family Self-Sufficiency program at Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority →

The Roanoke Branch NAACP is proud to announce Uyen Tran as a NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics) National Gold Medal winner from Roanoke. We congratulate Uyen for winning her second National Gold Medal in the category of Biology/Microbiology. In 2020 she won her first National Gold Medal in the category of Chemistry/Biochemistry. Uyen was also the 2021 Valedictorian for William Fleming High School and the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Math and Science.

In addition, we are also proud of our local gold medal winners; London Paige (STEM-Medicine and Health), and Janiah Merchant (Short Story) for their participation in the 43nd National NAACP ACT-SO Virtual Competition. Over 450 Olympians from across the country competed in the 34 categories from July 7-July 9, 2021 and everyone was outstanding. Continue reading National ACT-SO 2021 winner announced →

On Sunday, July 18, AD Lodge #109 youth group, The Knights of Pythagoras – ES Brown Council #2, awarded 2 of their members a scholarship of $500.

The Knights of Pythagoras is a youth group affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, under the leadership of its Grand Master, The Honorable Richard Townes. The members receiving the scholarship were: Keanu Arrington attending Virginia Western and Ricky Shifflet attending Averett University. Both are graduates of William Fleming High School and will be attending colleges next semester.

Ricky and Keanu have been vital leaders of the Council, which wanted to express its appreciation and best wishes for a successful collegiate future.

We are proud to congratulate Jada Robinson on receiving several scholarships to help further her education. Jada graduated this year as a Distinguished Scholar Honor Student from William Fleming High School and receiving a R.O.T.E.C Outstanding Achievement Scholarship, Schneidermen Scholarship, Black Caucus Presbyterian of the Peaks Award and a Highlander Distinction Scholarship from Radford University where she will be attending this fall and plans to major in Psychology. Continue reading Congratulations to Jada Robinson →