Danville residents who are central figures in the city's black history were recognized Monday with the unveiling of bus wraps featuring their faces. This is the third bus wrap in the city, but the first to include only locals.
The 13 people who appear on the bus come from a variety of occupations, roles, and eras, making them a perfect fit for this year's bus wrapping theme, “Celebrating the past, embracing the future.''
They were selected by the city's Transportation Advisory Committee and recognized during a ceremony at the Danville Regional Airport.
“This bus wrap is a moving canvas adorned with images of some of the most notable people who have left an indelible mark on the City of Danville and surrounding areas through their lives and enduring legacies,” Maj. Alonzo Jones said at the ceremony. I will play my role.”
Each award recipient, or his or her family if deceased, was recognized before the bus wrap was unveiled.
“These people have not only shaped our community, but they have inspired generations like me with their resilience, leadership and unwavering commitment to progress,” Jones said. .
The buses will operate on a variety of routes, according to a city news release. It can also be seen at the Danville Transfer Center during scheduled service breaks at 10 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. every day except Sunday.
Danville spokesman Arnold Hendricks said the wrapped bus cost $1,400 and was covered by Danville's transportation budget. Street Level Media, which designed the wrap, donated its services to reduce costs.
Tyrell Payne, a member of the school board and transportation advisory committee, said choosing the person to be featured on the bus wrap was difficult.
He said there were so many people who contributed to Danville, but ultimately those chosen “paved the way” for others, including Payne himself.
“So many people have planted seeds in my life and grown up through the ranks in the City of Danville that have poured into me and inspired me to keep moving forward even when the going gets tough. I feel a little emotional because he did so much for me,” he said in an interview after the ceremony.
Mr Payne said he hoped the permanent bus wrap would continue to inspire Dunvillians, especially young people.
“It's great for our students and great for our school system to have such great citizens here,” Payne said. “If you continue your education, you could be one of the chosen ones to ride the city bus. … That's important to the youth of our city.”
Award recipient Shelby Irving, the city's first female firefighter, said she was excited to be chosen as an award recipient, but even more excited when she learned about the other recipients.
The bus wrapping made her think about the progress of Danville, known as the last Confederate capital.
Dr. Zachary Hairston, another honoree and one of the city's first black dentists, said it was special to be included among those who influenced him.
“We came together,” he said. “From running on the playground to having leadership and them recognizing us.”
Irving and Hairston faces by CB Clairborne, Doris Wilson, Charles Harris, Zelia Hixon, Norma Brower, Kirby Wright, Judy Fallen, Bishop AR Linder, Carrie Ash, Harry Johnson, CG Hairston It is depicted on the bus wrapping.
Each of these people “encapsulates the spirit of excellence and determination that most characterizes our city,” Jones said. “Their stories remind us of the infinite potential that exists within each of us.”
Who got on the bus wrapping?
More information about these individuals can be found on the city's website.
Carrie P. Ash She has been a teacher in the Danville Public Schools for 32 years and has also been involved in educational workshops, community and volunteer work throughout the state.
Norma Brower He worked as a housing and redevelopment specialist for the City of Danville. She became known as a resource for housing issues, neighborhood stabilization, and federal housing programs. She passed away in 2021.
CB Clairborne He is a professor and former basketball player. The Danville native was the first black player on the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team and later taught at Texas Southern University's business school.
Judy Fallen is a pillar of the Camp Grove community in Danville, a historically black neighborhood. She works with children at a neighborhood recreation center as part of the city's parks and recreation department and is a mentor and mother figure to many of the youth there.
CG Hairston He began his career in the used car industry, becoming one of the first black Americans to do business with Fiat and Volvo, and later working with Hairston Oil Company, the city's first black-owned energy company, and several others. established a local company. He passed away in 2020.
Dr. Zachary Hairston was one of Danville's first black dentists and has over 40 years of experience as a dentist. He has worked to expand dental services for Medicaid members and currently serves as the state dental consultant for the Virginia Department of Health Care Assistance Services' Medicaid He Smiles He program.
charles harris He was Danville's first black mayor and the first black city council member after Reconstruction. He served as mayor from 1980 to 1984 and was still a city council member at the time of his death in 1988.
Zelia Hixon She was a high school music and choir teacher for 37 years in Danville and was an active member of Vance Street Missionary Baptist Church, where she played and taught music. She passed away in 2023.
shelby irving I am the department chief for the Danville Fire Department. She is the city's first female firefighter, first black chief officer, and currently the highest-ranking black police officer in the fire department.
harry johnson Prior to becoming the school's head coach, he was a physical education teacher and football and basketball coach at George Washington High School in Danville. During his time as coach, the school won 348 games, 14 district titles, six Holiday Shootout championships, three Final Four appearances and one state title. After his retirement he remained involved with civic organizations and the city's youth. He passed away in 2020.
Bishop AR Linder He has been a member of Mount Sinai Church of the Glorious Shepherd of God in Danville for 53 years. In addition to working at Dan River Mills, he has served in pastoral roles throughout the city.
doris wilson She is a Danville native who witnessed the integration of the city's public schools during her time as a teacher. She began teaching at Langston High School, a school for black students, but due to school desegregation in 1970, she moved to George Washington High School. She was named Teacher of the Year by the Future Teachers of America in 1971.
Kirby Wright A lifelong Danville resident, he is an educator, entrepreneur, and leader. He has worked for Pittsylvania County Schools for 37 years, started several local businesses, and served on numerous boards and committees in the community.
