TAP Turns 60—Join the Birthday Celebration!

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Since April 28, 1965, and born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Total Action for Progress (TAP) has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the Roanoke Valley and Allegheny Highlands achieve sustainable, equitable economic and personal independence. Today, TAP offers over 20 programs that create opportunities and change lives through education, employment, affordable housing, and safe and healthy environments.

🎉 TAP Turns 60 – You’re Invited to the Celebration!

To mark these 60 years of service, TAP is offering a year-long 60 for 60 Challenge and celebrating our official birthday throughout the week of April 28 to May 2—and you’re invited to join the celebration!

Help us mark the milestone by making a symbolic birthday gift of $60 or more in support of TAP’s life-changing programs.

TRAVELING BIRTHDAY PARTY SCHEDULE

Monday, April 28

  • 10:00 AM – Roanoke County
    Roanoke County Administration Center, 3rd Floor Training Room
    5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018
    Roanoke County RSVP
  • 2:30 PM – City of Roanoke
    North Atrium, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
    215 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011
    City of Roanoke RSVP

Tuesday, April 29

  • 9:00 AM – Botetourt County
    Botetourt Administration Center, Auditorium Room 212
    57 South Center Dr., Daleville, VA 24083
    Botetourt County RSVP

Wednesday, April 30

  • 10:00 AM – City of Salem
    Council Chambers, Salem City Hall
    114 N Broad St, Salem, VA 24153
    City of Salem RSVP
  • 11:30 AM – Craig County
    DSS Conference Room
    177 Court St, New Castle, VA 24127
    Craig County RSVP

Thursday, May 1

  • 11:30 AM – City of Covington
    Covington TAP Office
    118 S. Lexington Ave., Covington, VA 24426
    City of Covington RSVP
  • 1:30 PM – Bath County
    Room 115, District General Courtroom
    65 Courthouse Hill Rd, Warm Springs, VA 24484
    Bath County RSVP

Friday, May 2

  • 10:00 AM – Buena Vista TAP Head Start
    2164 E Midland Trail, Buena Vista, VA 24416
    Buena Vista RSVP
  • 12:00 PM – City of Lexington
    Police Department Training Room
    11 Fuller Street, Lexington, VA 24450
    City of Lexington RSVP

Honoring Melrose Plaza: A Transformative Force in Our Community

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As Total Action for Progress (TAP) celebrates 60 years of service, we proudly honor the people, organizations, and projects that continue to uplift our region. Among the most inspiring is Melrose Plaza—alongside the Market on Melrose—a shining example of community revitalization and empowerment in Northwest Roanoke.

Recognized during TAP’s Black History Celebration on March 18, 2025, Melrose Plaza is more than just a redevelopment project—it’s a symbol of progress, resilience, and what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhoods.

Tackling Food Insecurity in Northwest Roanoke

The origins of Melrose Plaza date back to 2017 with the launch of the Northwest Food Access Initiative. This collaborative effort—led by local residents, Dr. Liz Hackley of Roanoke College, and the City of Roanoke—set out to solve a critical problem: the lack of access to fresh, healthy food.

For years, Northwest Roanoke residents had limited grocery options. Many relied on fast food or had to travel long distances for fresh produce. The result? Poorer health outcomes and economic barriers.

The Melrose Market was created to change that narrative. Today, it offers:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • High-quality meats and dairy
  • Essential pantry items

All available right in the heart of the community—convenient, affordable, and nourishing.

The Impact: Revitalization Beyond Food

Melrose Plaza is more than a marketplace. It’s a catalyst for change in Northwest Roanoke. Here’s how it’s making a lasting impact:

Economic Revitalization
By supporting local vendors, creating new job opportunities, and encouraging local investment, the plaza is helping build a self-sustaining local economy.

Health & Wellness
The Market promotes healthy lifestyles, combats food insecurity, and provides access to nutritious food—improving the overall well-being of residents.

A True Community Hub
Melrose Plaza is a place to gather, connect, and celebrate. With community events, cultural programming, and a welcoming environment, it brings people together.

How You Can Help

The continued success of Melrose Plaza depends on community support. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Shop Local
    Support businesses that are committed to serving our neighborhoods.
  • Spread the Word
    Share the story and encourage others to visit.
  • Attend Events
    Participate in activities and invest your time in community growth.

A Promise to Our Community

Melrose Plaza and Melrose Market are more than just buildings—they are a promise. A promise that:

  • Our neighborhoods matter
  • Our businesses deserve to thrive
  • Our residents deserve access to healthy food and economic opportunity

As we reflect on Melrose Plaza’s achievements, let’s also recommit to a shared vision: building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for all.

Watch the full event video, including the recognition of Melrose Plaza and the heartfelt acceptance speech from Richmond Vincent, President & CEO of Goodwill.

Honoring the Roanoke Tribune: A Pillar of Strength, Knowledge, and Progress

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As Total Action for Progress (TAP) celebrates 60 years of empowering communities and fostering progress, we take a moment to honor institutions that have stood with us—documenting our stories, uplifting voices, and championing social change.

One such institution is the Roanoke Tribune, a trusted source of Black news and a pillar of the Roanoke community for over 80 years. The Tribune was one of three organizations honored during TAP’s Black History Celebration on March 18, 2025. The following tribute was shared during the event.

A Beacon of Black Journalism Since 1939

Founded in 1939 by Rev. Fleming E. Alexander, the Roanoke Tribune quickly became more than just a newspaper. It became a voice for the voiceless, a champion for civil rights, and a beacon of truth during times when honest representation was scarce.

When mainstream media ignored or distorted the experiences of African Americans, the Tribune created a space where Black voices were not only heard but respected. For 32 years, Rev. Alexander served as editor and publisher, laying the foundation for what would become a long-standing legacy of fair, accurate, and empowering journalism.

Reporting History—and Making It

During the Civil Rights Movement, the Tribune didn’t just report the news—it shaped it. It provided crucial coverage of the struggles and victories of the African American community, offering a platform for activists and change-makers. In a time of widespread misinformation and censorship, the Tribune held the line, becoming a powerful advocate for justice.

The Legacy Continues: Claudia Whitworth’s Leadership

In 1945, Claudia Whitworth returned to Roanoke to support her father’s work at the paper. When he retired in 1971, she purchased the Tribune and carried its mission forward for decades—writing, editing, and mentoring with a tireless dedication to positive community storytelling.

Now over 90 years old, Ms. Whitworth remains actively involved in the paper’s operations alongside her children, Stan and Eva, and her grandchildren. The Roanoke Tribune remains a family-run legacy with deep roots and a clear vision for the future.

A Trusted Voice in Modern Media

Today, the Roanoke Tribune stands as one of the most respected Black-owned newspapers in Virginia. In an age of fast, fragmented media, the Tribune continues to deliver fact-based journalism that informs, educates, and uplifts.

From education and voting rights to economic development and social justice, the Tribune’s stories center on issues that truly matter. It also shines a light on Black-owned businesses, artists, educators, and local leaders—ensuring that our community’s successes are celebrated and remembered.

How You Can Support the Roanoke Tribune

This vital institution depends on community support. Here’s how you can help:

  • Read and Subscribe
    Stay engaged with news that matters to you.
  • Share and Promote
    Spread the word about the Tribune and its impact.
  • Contribute and Participate
    Write articles, volunteer, or support its mission financially.

Honoring the Past. Informing the Present. Shaping the Future.

The Roanoke Tribune is more than just ink on paper—it’s a lifeline for community journalism, a platform for Black history and progress, and a powerful tool for change. As we honor its incredible legacy, we must also invest in its future.

Because Black history isn’t just in the past—it’s still being written. And thanks to the Roanoke Tribune, our story is in good hands.

📺 Watch the Full Event Video, including Stan Hale’s acceptance speech.