TAP’s 2025 Black History Celebration: Honoring the Past, Acknowledging the Present, Building the Future
On March 18, 2025, TAP proudly hosted its annual Black History Celebration at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Roanoke. Originally scheduled for February, the event was postponed twice due to inclement weather—but the delay only heightened the community’s excitement. The celebration was well worth the wait.
Missed the event? Watch the full recording on WSLS 10’s YouTube channel.
As part of TAP’s 60th anniversary year, the TAP Black History Celebration 2025 offered a powerful reflection on the legacy of Black history and its impact on our communities—past, present, and future. The event welcomed TAP staff, local leaders, and community members for a morning filled with inspiration, unity, and gratitude.
Honoring the Past, Present, and Future
This year’s theme—Honoring the Past, Acknowledging the Present, and Building the Future—was brought to life through moving words, poetry, music, and dance.
Highlights included:
- Nas Wade, TAP AACCI student, as Master of Ceremonies
- A heartfelt welcome from Tabatha Cooper, Vice President of Human Resources
- Purpose and context shared by Angelica Wagner, HUD Housing Counselor
- Reflections from Bishop J.L. Jackson
- Original poetry by Eric Foster (Pathways) and Xavier Banks (AACCI student)
- A musical performance by Kamya Andrews
- A praise dance from Kennedy Helm and Milana Jackson of Tomorrow’s Leaders Mentoring Program
TAP was proud to honor three Roanoke institutions making lasting contributions to the community:
- The Harrison Museum of African American Culture – for preserving and honoring the past
- The Roanoke Tribune – for uplifting Black voices and shaping the present
- Melrose Plaza – for leading the way toward a stronger future
Each honoree reflects the spirit of progress and community advancement that drives TAP’s mission.
Closing Moments & Looking Ahead
The celebration closed with remarks from TAP President & CEO Angela Penn, followed by a benediction and blessing of the meal by Reverend Thomas Harper. Guests then enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Morning Star Baptist Church.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to and attended the TAP Black History Celebration 2025. Your presence and support made it an unforgettable event.
As TAP continues to celebrate its our 60th anniversary throughout 2025, this gathering serves as a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go when we move forward together.
Stay tuned for blog posts spotlighting each of our honorees and the legacies they are helping to build.
