On Monday, the Danville Transit System celebrated Black History Month by unveiling a new bus wrap that celebrates local Black History.
Members of the Transportation Advisory Committee selected 13 members of the community that have made a difference in Danville and have not been previously featured. The honorees fit the theme of “Honor the Past, Embrace the Future” and highlight the educational, entrepreneurial, and barrier-breaking figures.
The 13 members of the community that are featured on the bus wrap are:
Dr. Zachary Hairston- Over 40 years of experience as a dentist and started his own practice in Danville. Has served as the dental consultant for the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) Medicaid Smiles for Children (SFC) program.
Dr. C.B. Claiborne- Was the first African-American basketball player at Duke University. Became a professor in the business school of Texas Southern University.
Doris Wilson- Teacher at both Langston and GW High School. Became a guidance counselor and Assistant Principal at GW and then became Principle at Langston. Was named the Teacher of the Year by Future Teachers of America in 1971. Danville School Board member from 2001-2004.
Mayor Charles Harris- The first African-American Mayor in the City of Danville from 1980 to 1984. Worked at First State Bank in Danville for 36 years rising to vice president and trust officer. He was named alumnus of the year by Virginia State University in 1983 and was the 1988 recipient of the Danville Bar Association “Liberty Bell” award on May 3, 1988; Governor Gerald Baliles declaredthat day, Charles H. Harris Day.
Xelia Hickson- Was the music/choral teacher at GW High School for 37 years. After retiring she focused on ministry and created a radio show. She served as director and founding member of the Danville Interdenominational Choir.
Norma Brower- Works for the City of Danville in the Community Development Department. In her role as a Housing and Redevelopment Specialist, she became well-known in the community as a resource for housing issues, neighborhood stabilization, federal housing programs, and served as the Fair Housing Officer.
Kirby Wright- Worked in Pittsylvania County Schools for 37 years as a teacher, social worker, administrator, retired as the Director of Alternative Education in 1996. He also worked at Danville Community College as the Director of Apprenticeship and Special Projects until his retirement in 2009. In 2000, he opened RC Wright Group Home which is now known as Negril, Inc. Negril, Inc. specializes in providing quality care and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities that desire to remain in their homes or in a small unique group home setting with a home-like atmosphere or they may choose to attend day support services.
Division Chief Shelby Irving- Became the first female firefighter in the City of Danville in 1987. She is the first African American Chief Officer, and currently the highest-ranking African America officer in the fire department. In 2022 Shelby was honored as the 2022 Woman of the Year by the NAACP.
Judy Fallen- A minister who has worked for Danville Parks and Recreation, where she has been a fixture at Camp Grove Recreation Center for countless years. Generations of children have known her and saw her as a motherly figure. For many, she represented much needed stability and consistency.
Bishop A.R. Linder- For the last 53 years, he served faithfully and diligentlyas the Senior Prelate and Shepherd of Mt. Sinai Glorious Church of God in Danville.
Carrie P. Ashe- She was named thefirst “Master Teacher” for the Danville Public Schools. She was later appointed Assistant Principal for Instruction at the newly organized Westmoreland Middle School. She served in that capacity for one year and then was appointed Supervisor of Middle Schools. Ashe was the organizer of Project Literacy and has served on numerous boards and organizations.
Coach Harry Johnson- first came to George Washington High School, he taught physicaleducation and coached both junior varsity football and basketball. He was elevated to the head coaching position for the 1977-78 season where he remained for 19 years.During his time as the head coach at GW his teams won 348 games, earned 14 district titles, 6 Holiday Shootout championships, 3 final four appearances and one state title.
C.G. Hairston- in 1960 when C.G. got bit by the contagious radio bug. He started byplaying “down home” gospel music on Sunday mornings at WILA-1580 AM. He played there until he got the opportunity in 1983 to purchase WDVA-1250 AM. WDVA, a former country station, was (and is) a 5,000 watt powerhouse. C.G. decided to develop and format this new radio station as a gospel radio station that played music the community would love, as well as provide church news and other
important community events.
The vehicle with the Black History bus wrap will be placed on different fixed-route bus runs. This bus can be viewed at Danville’s Transfer Center, which is located at 515 Spring St., during scheduled service breaks at 10:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Monday through Saturday.