HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — More than 400 years of Black History have been preserved in National Parks and communities around the country. So, who are the people that helped shape Harrisonburg? Mayor Deanna Reed picked 8 individuals who left an impact on The Friendly City. She says, “These individuals, through their leadership, resilience, and commitment to their communities, have shaped the history and legacy of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and continue to inspire future generations.”

Lucy F. Simms

A trailblazer in African American education, Lucy F. Simms was born into slavery in 1856 and later graduated from Hampton Institute. She dedicated 56 years to teaching and nurturing over 1,800 students in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The Lucy F. Simms School, named in her honor, stands as a testament to her dedication to education and community.

Ida Mae Francis

As a Black female entrepreneur, Ida Mae Francis made history with the Ida M. Francis House (pictured above), a lodging listed in the historic “Green Book” for Black travelers during segregation. Her contributions to the community include owning a tourist home in Harrisonburg’s Northeast neighborhood, offering a safe haven for Black travelers.

Elon Rhodes

A pioneering figure in Harrisonburg politics, Elon Rhodes was the first African American member of the Harrisonburg School Board and the Harrisonburg City Council from 1976 to 1992. In 2016, the city honored him by naming the Elon Rhodes Early Learning Center (pictured above) after him.

Roberta Webb

Roberta Anna Morgan Webb was born on January 7, 1890, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from the Hampton Institute in 1909 and moved to Rockingham County to begin her teaching career at the old Newtown School in Elkton. Two years later, Mrs. Webb started teaching at Effinger Street School in Harrisonburg, teaching sixth and seventh graders until 1922. In 1924, she married the Rev. John M. Webb and had three daughters. Mrs. Webb operated a nursing home out of her house for ten years. She took in those in need, gave them care, and even taught them primary education.  She also offered in-home childcare for her community members and was the first to do so. Mrs. Webb was an active NAACP, PTA, and the Broad Street Mennonite Church member. In 1943, Webb was the first African American member of the Broad Street Mennonite Church. She was also the first Black resident at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. For her 100th birthday, Mrs. Webb received a greeting from President and First Lady Reagan. Roberta Webb died on December 20, 1990, at age 101. After Mrs. Webb’s passing, a daycare center was founded in her honor. The Roberta Webb Child Care Center and Preschool opened in the fall of 1994 on Kelley Street and operated until June 2024. [Credit: Rootsrundeep.org]

Ralph Sampson

A basketball legend, Ralph Sampson helped redefine the sport with his remarkable height and skill. A two-time state champion from Harrisonburg, Sampson went on to become a three-time NCAA National Player of the Year at the University of Virginia and a dominant NBA player.

Larry Rogers

A former JMU student-athlete and city council member, Larry Rogers has made significant contributions to both Harrisonburg’s education system and its government. Serving as the city’s first Black mayor from 2004-2006, Rogers helped bridge the gap between JMU and the local community.

Anthony Bailey

The first African American judge in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Judge Anthony Bailey was elected in 2014. Prior to his judicial appointment, Bailey served as a senior assistant commonwealth attorney. He retired in January 2025, leaving a lasting impact on the legal community.

Doris Harper Allen

A civil rights advocate and educator, Doris Harper Allen broke barriers despite facing racial segregation. After publishing her memoir, The Way It Was, Not The Way It Is, in 2019, Allen was honored at JMU with an honorary degree and the renaming of Valley Hall to Harper Allen–Lee Hall.

Deanna Reed

Mayor Deanna Reed was sworn into office for Harrisonburg City Council on January 3, 2017, and then selected by her fellow council members as mayor. Becoming mayor (of her hometown) in Harrisonburg made her the first African American female mayor in Harrisonburg’s history. Beyond her leadership and achievements, Mayor Reed is a 2021 graduate of the White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellowship of Furman University. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Education Curriculum & Instruction degree from Liberty University.