TAP’s 2025 Black History Celebration: Honoring the Past, Acknowledging the Present, Building the Future

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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.

Event Photos

Celebrating Community Partnership During Week of the Young Child: TAP Honors Member One, a Division of Virginia Credit Union, with Head Start Bus Dedication

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As part of Week of the Young Child (April 5–11), Total Action for Progress (TAP) was proud to celebrate a long-standing community partner that helps create brighter futures for children and families. On Thursday, April 10, 2025, TAP hosted a recognition event at Indian Village Head Start Center to honor Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union, for its generous support throughout the years—highlighted by a contribution that made a brand-new Head Start bus possible.

This celebration came at a special time for TAP, marking 60 years of service to the Roanoke Valley and Allegheny Highlands communities, with our official birthday just a few weeks away later this April. It’s the perfect season to reflect on partnerships that truly move our mission forward.

During the event, Community Engagement Coordinator Angela Martin and Financial Education Program Manager Alex Lucas from the credit union were honored with artwork from Head Start students, a tour of the new bus, and a special magnet unveiling recognizing their role in making the bus a reality. TAP staff from across Head Start and Domestic Violence Services were present to offer thanks and share the impact of their support.

Beyond the bus, Member One recently contributed $50,000 to TAP’s Domestic Violence Services, directly helping 11 families—including 8 with children—escape violence and rebuild their lives in safety. In total, 23 children gained secure housing, stability, and the opportunity to heal.

“Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union, continues to be a true partner in community change,” said Angela Penn, TAP’s President and CEO. “Their generosity has directly supported the safety and well-being of families in crisis while also ensuring our youngest learners can travel safely to and from school. We’re honored to celebrate them during the Week of the Young Child and as we approach TAP’s 60th birthday, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the power of partnerships that create lasting impact.”

We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners including Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union. We are honored to recognize them during this meaningful week. Here’s to many more years of working together for children and families!

Want to support TAP’s mission? Learn more about how your organization can partner with us to build brighter futures for children and families.

2024 Cabell Brand Hope Award Winner: Mayor Sherman Lea

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TAP is pleased to announce that the 2024 Cabell Brand Hope Award was presented to Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. on Tuesday, November 12th at the 59th Annual Meeting, held at the Dumas Center. We extend special congratulations to the Mayor as we recognize his profound contribution to serving the communities in Southwest Virginia, Roanoke City, and the state.

The Cabell Brand Hope Award is presented each year in honor of TAP’s founder, who was a tireless advocate for the well-being of his neighbors throughout the entire region. Mr. Brand generously gave his time and efforts to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities, and we are proud to honor his legacy by giving the Cabell Brand Hope Award to a community member who embodies the spirit of its namesake in Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.

Mayor Lea has demonstrated his exemplary mettle as a leading civil servant. Not only as the current Mayor of Roanoke City, but throughout his career, Lea has represented and advocated for the underserved and unempowered women, men, and children in Southwest Virginia.

Lea served 36 years with the Virginia Department of Corrections, in Goochland, Danville and Pittsylvania Counties, respectively, as a Probation and Parole officer. This work paved the way for his role as the first African American to hold the position of Virginia’s Chief Probation and Parole Officer in 1984. Eight years later, he was promoted to Western Regional Director of Community Corrections. His understanding and advocacy for individuals who experienced incarceration gained him invitations from Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014, and Governor Ralph Northam in 2017, to serve on consecutive Virginia Parole Boards. 

Lea’s career as a statesman began with his election to the Roanoke City Council in 2004. In 2005, he formed the Domestic Violence Task Force, clearly setting an agenda for advocacy.

He has since served as the Vice Mayor from 2008 to 2010, and was elected Mayor of Roanoke City on May 3, 2016, a position he currently holds.

Mayor Lea has previously served as the Chairman of the Board for TAP, the Roanoke City School Board, and the State Board of Directors, Virginia CARES, Inc. His honors also include a 2010 William L. Hastie Award from the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ). After receiving news of this honor, Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. responded:

“As a former TAP Board member and Mayor of the City of Roanoke, I am deeply humbled to have been nominated for the Cabell Brand Hope Award. It is an incredible honor to be this year’s recipient of an award that celebrates Cabell Brand’s relentless pursuit of social change and his commitment to working for the common good.”

Angela Penn, TAP President & CEO, says: “Mayor Lea is a true servant leader who cares about Roanoke’s citizens and the region. He has worked tirelessly to support innovative projects that improve the lives of citizens and contribute to Roanoke’s continued recognition as an All American City.”