RADFORD – Radford Mayor David Horton is taking to his personal Facebook page this month to honor some of Radford’s notable African-American citizens past and present and is encouraging others to do the same.
“With February 1st, we begin the celebration of Black History Month,” said Horton. “As such, I would love to honor members of Radford’s African-American community.”
Horton kicked off the notes of remembrance Monday morning with a post about a past Radford mayor.
“We begin the month with Dr. Charles Charlton, who had a 60-year career as a pastor and a life dedicated to public service,” Horton wrote. “Dr. Charlton was the first African-American Board of Education member in Radford and the first African-American Mayor in Southwest Virginia, serving as Mayor of Radford.
“Following his leadership and service in our fair city, he moved to a congregation in Johnson City, Tennessee,” the mayor wrote. “Continued his public service as he served a five-year term on the Johnson City Board of Education; six years on the Johnson City Regional Planning Commission with one year as chairman and two years as Vice-Mayor of Johnson City as part of a four-year term on its City Commission.
“An amazing man, strong leader and great ambassador for Radford,” the mayor said. “It would be wonderful to have other members of the community to share people of inspiration in Radford during Black History Month. I learn so much every day. #GORADFORD #radfordblackhistory.”