Black legacies matter “It’s more than the building.” That’s how one alumnus describes the 100-year Christiansburg Institute (1866–1966) and the current nonprofit organization striving to save it. “It’s the story,” he continues.
Chris Sanchez, executive director – Christiansburg Institute
GOOD WORK By Tom Field Executive Summary: Christiansburg Institute is a nonprofit organization preserving an African American school that contributed immeasurably to the community.
And what a story was shared at a screening of a documentary presented at Roanoke’s Grandin Theatre on August 3rd. Produced by Michael Hemphill and Buzz television (buzz4good.com) that is broadcast on Blue Ridge Public Television, the event—cosponsored by AAF Roanoke ad club and its public service initiative—drew a sizeable crowd on this Tuesday evening; including folks connected to Christiansburg Institute (CI), videographer Dan Mirolli, and the design agency (Spectrum Media Solutions) that was instrumental in producing the website to share the mission and fundraising effort. CI executive director Chris Sanchez, featured prominently in the two-part documentary, exhibited unquestionable passion in the effort to restore and repurpose a remaining, central building of CI so that the story can be preserved, the legacy of the school protected, and future purpose realized through the building of a cultural center, museum, recording studio, and event venue. Most viewers of the documentary will probably find the highlight to be the segments when we simply listen to the alumni and family members who have deep roots with the school. These older men and women shared stories of pride from such a long time ago; the details are surprising. They named the teachers they had, the academics and skills learned, the respect for teachers and fellow students, the comradery, even the extracurricular activities like the band, cheerleading, and football team. All of the stories culminated in CI’s impact on their lives. It’s not “as if” these former students and graduates were talking about family—they “were” talking about family. Christiansburg Institute, Inc. is the grassroots nonprofit organization charged with the restoration, preservation, and repurposing of the school, and particularly the
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t SEPTEMBER 2021 / vbFRONT.com
