The first accredited high school for Black students in Roanoke, opened in 1928 and named for Lucy Addison, a formerly enslaved woman who became one of the city’s first Black teachers. The school produced generations of leaders who had no choice but to excel within a system designed to limit them. The building now serves as a community center.
Quick facts
- ·Lucy Addison High School opened in 1928 as Roanoke's first accredited high school for Black students.
- ·Named for Lucy Addison, a formerly enslaved woman who became one of the city's first Black teachers.
- ·Produced generations of leaders within a system designed to limit them.
- ·The building now serves as a community center.
- ·Visitor tip: located in Gainsboro neighborhood; tours via the Harrison Museum.
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