ROANOKE, Va. – People gathered in Roanoke for the unveiling of the historic marker for civil rights pioneer and Roanoke native Edward R. Dudley on Thursday.
Dudley worked with Thurgood Marshall on matters of education, paving the way for equality on the global stage as the first African American to serve as a U.S. ambassador.
The marker is set at the corner of Gilmer Avenue and Gainsboro Road.
His son spoke at the ceremony and hopes it will inspire future generations.
“I’m hoping that someday maybe in 2050 a young person from Roanoke will want to write a story about [my father], that’s what’s most important.”
Edward R. Dudley IV
City officials and community leaders also spoke on Dudley’s contributions to the civil rights movement.