Roanoke, Virginia is often called the "Star City". Who are famous African-Americans (past and present) with roots in the Valley? The first ones that come to mind for me (KOH) are Booker T. Washington (from Franklin County - legendary world leader), Oliver Hill (Roanoke - late civil rights attorney), Oscar Micheaux (Harlem Renaissance filmmaker), Charles "Big Dog" Thornhill (Roanoke - '60s college football) and Al Holland (Roanoke - major league baseball), but there must be many others before them and since from all throughout the Valley (including the surrounding counties) - and from all professions. We would like to post this so that the world will see our stars! This will be compiled, updated regularly and listed at: http://roanokerelatives.weebly.com/roanoke.html. This list is of all African-Americans from the Valley, not just relatives.
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Show of hands; how many of you have seen your names on that outstanding Hylton-Joyce Family Tree (now filled with over 3,500 names)? My apologies to the historians, especially Cousin Lawrence Hylton, but I took liberty and created a very, very, very rough (short) video and slideshow teaser for those who have not seen the tree yet! A better version is coming soon. http://roanokerelatives.weebly.com/hilton-side-family-notes.html. It is my understanding that it will be on display in Charlotte, NC at the 2013 family reunion. I know this teaser is rough and unpolished, but what the hey. Thoughts about the tree or my efforts to spread the word? |
Keith Orlando Hilton, PhD
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