Sinclair Holian - Report for America

Inside Spectrum: 34 Years of Connection and Conversation Across Roanoke’s Racial Divides

The Rambler's latest Four Quadrants, One City Q&A, features a friendship built on a safe space.

Neighborhoods

Residents Worry Roanoke Is Backtracking on Neighborhood Investment Promises

The city fell short of its own spending goals last year in the Belmont-Fallon area, according to a federal report.

Neighborhoods

Roanoke's Main Street Initiative Aims to Rebuild 11th Street — and Community Trust

For residents and business owners who have endured years of disinvestment, the program could change the street’s trajectory.

Interview

Harrison Museum Historian Brittney Flowers on Finding Belonging in Black History

The Rambler's Four Quadrants, One City series continues.

Education

Roanoke Schools Floated Shuttering New Empowerment Center, Then Changed Course Amid Fiscal Fight with City

A school board member said division will be "collateral damage" of city problems, while Roanoke's mayor said school officials have offered "resistance at every turn."

Interview

Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth on ICE, Crime Disparities in Four Quadrants, One City Q&A

In our monthly Q&A series, Scott Booth sat down with The Roanoke Rambler to answer questions about the city's crime numbers - and he didn't duck others.

Racial justice

Proposed Reparations Fund for Urban Renewal Is Hazy Amid Roanoke Fiscal Mess, Council Members Warn

Multiple Roanoke council members said that strained finances could limit the city’s ability to follow an apology with concrete investments.

Interview

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Former Mayor and Historian Nelson Harris

In this Q&A series, we invite the community to reflect on living in a divided city. We sit down with Nelson Harris, whose experience brings a unique look at where Roanoke stands.

Gun violence

Christmas Event Brings a 'Little Bit of Hope' to Those Impacted by Gun Violence in Roanoke

FEDUP received a new level of community support this year as it strives to help those who have suffered from shootings in the city.

Racial justice

Roanoke Weighs Reparations Fund as Council Warms to Urban Renewal Apology

City Council members offered positive comments about an Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board plan to make sure action follows an apology.

Business

‘A $30 Million Experiment': Goodwill Navigates Uncharted Territory, Deficit During Market on Melrose’s First Year

“You know, our battle has only just begun,” said a Goodwill administrator. “But we are in it to win it, and I don't have any doubt that we will.”

Interview

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Jessica Mahuron of I Heart SE

In this Q&A series, we invite the community to reflect on living in a divided city. We sit down with Jessica Mahuron, Southeast resident and co-chair of neighborhood nonprofit, I Heart SE.

Racial justice

Urban Renewal Apology Moves Closer to City Council Decision

After three community meetings, Roanoke's Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board will take its recommendations to city council.

Interview

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Carolina Smales, Venezuelan American Author

In this new Q&A series, we invite the community to reflect on living in a divided city. We sit down with Carolina Smales, a Venezuelan American health analyst and children's author.

Segregation

These Interactive Maps Show How Segregation in Roanoke Has Evolved Over 50 Years

Explore how lines of residential segregation have proved difficult to erase in Roanoke.

Racial justice

Equity Board Grapples With Low Turnout On Proposed Apology

The board is hoping more will attend two upcoming meetings.

Interview

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Theresa Gill-Walker, Evans Spring and Northwest Activist

In this new Q&A series, we invite the community to reflect on living in a divided city. We sit down with Theresa Gill-Walker, an activist for Evans Spring and Northwest Roanoke.

Neighborhoods

Northwest Roanoke Leaders Aim To Change Narrative of a Once-Notorious Street. Now the City Wants To Get Involved, Too.

After years defined by disinvestment, Northwest’s 11th Street has recently attracted new attention from the city.