Harrison Museum of African American Culture

10/15/2026

Claudia Whitworth never let our stories go unwritten.

As editor of the Roanoke Tribune, she documented and preserved the milestones and history of our community. Under her leadership, the paper never missed an issue. Not even after the building was firebombed.

It’s no wonder that Claudia was chosen to be an inaugural Living Legend on the Melrose Plaza History Wall. Her contributions to the community and the history she protected will live on for generations.

Thank you, Claudia.

09/30/2026

📚🦋 4th Annual “It’s Cool to Learn”

What an incredible day of reading, learning, creativity, and community!

Diaspora Whispers Inc. celebrated our 4th Annual “It’s Cool to Learn” literacy initiative with children and families enjoying a special book reading, The Secret Pollinators screening, Writers Lab, butterfly crafts, educational activities, and free literacy bundles.

We were honored to have Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb join us, read with the children, and participate in the butterfly craft activity. 🦋📖

A huge THANK YOU to all the families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who helped make this year possible. We also continued the impact by distributing literacy bundles to other local youth programs.

09/28/2026

What a day at Elmwood Park! 🧡❤️💜

From the music and dancing to the vendors, activities and generations coming together, the 2026 Henry Street Heritage Festival was filled with moments worth celebrating.

Thank you to everyone who performed, participated, volunteered, supported and joined us for this year’s festival. Here’s a look back at some of the sights, sounds and smiles from the day. 🎶✨

Want to help make moments like these possible? Join our volunteer community and get involved with future events and programs: https://harrisonmuseum.com/contact/

09/21/2026

09/20/2026

Ready to shake things up? We have NEW events joining the line-up this week. ⏬ 💃🏽

We can't wait to hang out with you this week at Melrose Plaza!

Carilion Clinic Pure Barre Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Fitness fun with Tracy

09/18/2026

The groove is coming to Henry Street! 🎶🔥

Get ready for Northeast Groovers to bring that unmistakable go-go energy to the Henry Street Heritage Festival this Saturday!

Come for the music. Stay for the culture, community and Family Reunion experience. We’ve got a full day of entertainment waiting for you — and you don’t want to miss it.

📅 Saturday, September 19
🎟️ Tickets are available now: https://harrisonmuseum.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F55636

Tag your festival crew and meet us at the Family Reunion! 🙌🏾



📷: x

09/17/2026

Welcome to The Family Reunion 🗣️🎉❤️

This Saturday, we’re pulling up with our cousins at for the Henry Street Heritage Festival and adding to a day rooted in family, culture, community, and good times!

And when we say it’s a FULL DAY… start preparing now. 👀☀️

🏃🏾‍♀️ 7AM — Family Reunion Workout
Start the day at Elmwood Park with for a workout before the festivities begin! Bring the family, bring your energy, and come ready to move. 💪🏾

🚪 Doors Open at 1PM
Tickets🔗https://harrisonmuseum.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F55636

🍰 Mama Donna’s Pound Cake Bake-Off

Come ready to taste because only 50 people will get to participate in the FREE official taste test and voting!

🃏 House Rules

Pull up to the card tables and see who really runs the family function. And remember… NO RENEGING! 😂

📸 Family Portraits

Grab your blood family, chosen family, cousins, aunties, uncles, and everybody in between for a Family Reunion photo.

🎙️ Podcast

Step up to the mic and reminisce about your favorite Henry Street memories, stories, and moments.

🎶 Live performances throughout the day

Come early and stay awhile because the stage will be active all day long!

🗣️ Then at 5PM, we’re turning up the Family Reunion experience!

Wear your family reunion shirts or family colors, bring the whole crew, and come ready to see which family has the MOST representation. 👀🏆

This Saturday we’re 🎶 Reunited and it feels so gooddd… 🎶

📍 Elmwood Park Amphitheater | Roanoke, VA
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ Workout at 7AM | Festival Doors Open at 1PM