Social Issues

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A collection of 59 posts

Site of Roanoke's Second Lynching Marker Changes After More History Uncovered

Recently uncovered history — in part brought to light by The Rambler — reveals William Lavender was more likely hanged near the Wasena Bridge.

Henri Gendreau Feb 7, 2023 • 6 min read

Photography

These 7 Historical Photographs Offer A Glimpse Into Roanoke's Winter Holiday Past

We dove into the archives at the Virginia Room to find moments of our community's Christmases and winters past.

Roanoke Rambler Dec 27, 2022 • 2 min read

LGBTQ

Roanoke Valley Schools Take Wait-and-See Approach As Governor's Policy on Trans Students Goes Into Effect

If the past is any guide, school districts may largely ignore aspects of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s policy.

Henri Gendreau Oct 25, 2022 • 4 min read

Education

At One Roanoke Elementary School, 2 in 5 Students Were 'Chronically Absent' Last Year, Data Show

Effects from the pandemic contributed to more than 3,500 students missing weeks of instruction, data show.

Henri Gendreau Oct 18, 2022 • 5 min read

Racial justice

130 Years After Roanoke's First Lynching, Community Begins To Acknowledge City's Violent Past

Few places in Virginia have gone through the process of acknowledging their lynchings through the Equal Justice Initiative.

Henri Gendreau Sep 6, 2022 • 7 min read

Incarceration

This Roanoke Neighborhood Has One of the Highest Rates of Imprisoned Residents in Virginia, New Data Show

Across Roanoke, predominantly Black neighborhoods have disproportionately high rates of incarceration, data show.

Henri Gendreau Aug 30, 2022 • 5 min read

Addiction

Roanoke's New First Responders to Overdose Calls: People in Addiction Recovery

The Roanoke Valley Collective Response is hiring three peer recovery specialists who will respond to calls with police and paramedics.

Henri Gendreau Aug 9, 2022 • 3 min read

Feature

For Roanoke's Forgotten Dead, City Makes Final Arrangements

When a person dies in Roanoke and officials can’t find the person’s family, it becomes the city's responsibility to arrange for a cremation.

Henri Gendreau May 24, 2022 • 6 min read

Homelessness

Overall, Homelessness in Roanoke Region Has Declined. But Count of Those Living Outdoors Projected To Reach Record Highs.

Officials who track homelessness are finding more people eschewing shelter life in favor of living outdoors.

Henri Gendreau Apr 26, 2022 • 5 min read

Business

This Roanoke Couple Has Launched A 'War on Books.' Don't Worry, It's Not What You Think.

War on Books is a pop-up, mobile bookstore focused on just the kind of controversial literature being challenged across the country.

Henri Gendreau Apr 20, 2022 • 5 min read

Policing

Who Is Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman? Sometimes Even He Doesn't Know For Sure.

Sam Roman's two years as top cop has faced a pandemic, gun violence, protests for racial justice and a severe officer shortage.

Henri Gendreau Apr 12, 2022 • 10 min read

Addiction

Potent Batch of Opioid Drugs Leads to Uptick in Overdoses, Deaths in Roanoke Region

A potent batch of opioids has led to an uptick in overdoses and deaths in recent weeks, according to advocates.

Henri Gendreau Apr 5, 2022 • 3 min read

LGBTQ

Roanoke Ranks Last Among Virginia Localities On LGBTQ-Friendly Laws, Again. Why?

While Roanoke has made strides since 2018, the City has remained in last place among Virginia peers on an LGBTQ-friendly score.

Henri Gendreau Feb 2, 2022 • 7 min read

Addiction

Proposal to ‘Reimagine’ Catawba Hospital Points To Need For More Addiction, Mental Health Care

A proposal from Del. Sam Rasoul would study how a transformed Catawba Hospital could expand into addiction treatment.

Henri Gendreau Jan 12, 2022 • 5 min read

LGBTQ

New LGBTQ Nonprofit Aims To Bring Pride To Southwest Virginia

A new nonprofit aims to unify the region’s LGBTQ community through year-round Pride festivities and educational programs.

Henri Gendreau Jan 12, 2022 • 3 min read

Homelessness

Roanoke Homeless Pushed To Periphery, Shelters As Ban on Downtown Camping Takes Effect

A new city law has sent people who sleep outside in downtown Roanoke into shelters — and other parts of the city.

Henri Gendreau Jan 5, 2022 • 4 min read

LGBTQ

New Book Reveals Roanoke's Hidden Queer History

Did you know Roanoke was once home to five gay bars and clubs in the late 1970s?

Roanoke Rambler Dec 8, 2021 • 12 min read

Addiction

Millions of Dollars To Fight Opioid Epidemic Are Heading To Roanoke. Will It Be Enough?

For decades, painkillers flooded the Roanoke Valley as part of a push by pharmaceutical companies that helped fuel a nationwide opioid epidemic.

Henri Gendreau Nov 24, 2021 • 6 min read