By Antonio D. Stovall Not long ago, I found myself asking a simple question that has become increasingly difficult to answer. What happened to the Black healers of Roanoke? Most of us can name local pastors, business owners, educators, and civil rights leaders. But how many of us can name the men and women who once cared for the health of our communities before hospitals were accessible to everyone? For generations, healing in Black communities looked very different than it d

First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Friends of Evans Spring and Friends of Washington Park for their collaboration with The Landlords during our gathering at Washington Park. Together, we created a meaningful space to honor the Summer Solstice, Juneteenth, Fatherhood, our ancestors, and the human family. I would also like to extend special thanks to Master Drummer Rudy Saunders for sharing his gifts and helping create an atmosphere of reflection, connection

Nothing happens by chance. At least, that is what I have come to believe. The more I researched the life of Dr. John Henry Pinkard, the more I realized that his story and my own had been connected long before I ever knew his name. For many years, I have been involved in holistic wellness, studying herbs, meditation, spirituality, and healing traditions from around the world. Yet despite living in Roanoke most of my life, I never imagined that I would discover a healer, herbal

This past Friday, the organization Fed Up hosted its “They Had Dreams” Walk of Remembrance, honoring more than 80 victims of gun violence in the Roanoke Valley. Some of these cases remain unsolved. While many community events come and go, this gathering carried a deeper purpose: ensuring that the lives of those lost are not forgotten. As I reflected on the event, I found myself thinking not only about the names that were honored during the walk, but also about members of my o

Few individuals have left a mark on the Roanoke Valley quite like Dr. John Henry Pinkard. Known by many as "Doc Pinkard," he was an herbal practitioner, entrepreneur, landowner, banker, churchman, and one of the most influential African Americans in Southwest Virginia during the early twentieth century. His life is a story of determination, faith, self-education, business success, and service to his community. Humble Beginnings in Franklin County John Henry Pinkard was born i

This week, I had the honor of presenting at Bethlehem Bible College on the life and legacy of Dr. John Henry Pinkard. It turned out to be one of the most powerful experiences of my journey so far. Before the presentation began, I felt nervous. I had spent countless hours studying and preparing to properly honor Dr. Pinkard’s legacy. When I first arrived, we encountered technical difficulties with the TV and presentation setup. Instead of panicking, I took a few deep breath

As the conversations continue around Evans Spring, I think there’s an important question we should all ask ourselves: Have we truly listened to the land? Not looked at it as property. Not looked at it only through numbers, development plans, or economics. But actually sat with it quietly and asked ourselves what role it still plays for the people of Roanoke. For over a decade, I’ve spent time sitting with the rivers, streams, mountains, and trees throughout this region. Not f