Library of Virginia to host free programs about displacement in Virginia communities through February

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A series of free programs about displacement in Virginia communities will be on view at the Library of Virginia through late February.

The Library of Virginia announced on Friday, Jan. 6, that it is offering a series of free programs in conjunction with the exhibition “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History,” on view through Feb. 28, 2026. The programs include virtual talks by historians and journalists, as well as a screening of the short documentary film.

The Library of Virginia shared that prize-winning journalist Mary Carter Bishop and historian Jordan Bell will hold a virtual talk at noon on Thursday, Jan. 22, regarding Roanoke's urban renewal and its impacts on the Black community.

Bishop reportedly wrote an article in the Roanoke Times about the subject.

According to a release, on Thursday, Feb. 5, author and professor Katrina M. Powell will then present a virtual talk at noon. The talk will focus on families whose homes were displaced through the domain by Shenandoah National Park's construction in the 1930s.

The Library of Virginia officials also said that a screening of the short documentary film "Uprooted" will be held at 6 p.m. on March 5. There will be a discussion with director Brandi Kellam and a panel of guests.

The film explores the battle for the Black community to retain its land as Newport News officials established and expanded Christopher Newport University (CNU).

For more information, visit the Library of Virginia.