Blue Ridge Literacy (BRL), the leading nonprofit offering year-round English literacy services to adults in the Roanoke Valley, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a Buzz4Good Watch Party and behind-the-scenes conversations on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Grandin Theatre.
Blue Ridge Literacy was established 40 years ago in 1985! As they begin celebrating their 40th year of service, they are thrilled to share their journey and the voices of the community with those who have supported them along the way—and to welcome new friends to join them in the years to come.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. This free, public celebration will feature sneak peek clips from a brand-new Buzz4Good episode spotlighting BRL, as well as live conversations with the staff, volunteers, and community partners who bring BRL’s mission to life.
Roanoke City Mayor Joe Cobb will join the event and participate in the evening’s conversations as they reflect on four decades of literacy work and community partnership.
Join In Person or Online
Community members are invited to attend in person at the Grandin Theatre or tune in live via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/686736333963494
Celebrating 40 Years of Literacy, Community, and Impact
Blue Ridge Literacy was established in 1985 by members of the community to address the English literacy needs of local adults. As they mark their 40th anniversary in 2025, they reflect on the progress they’ve made—improving, adapting, and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of adult learners in the Roanoke Valley.
For four decades, BRL has helped thousands of adult English learners develop the skills they need to read, write, and communicate in English, navigate daily life, secure employment, pursue education, earn a driver’s license, and pass the U.S. naturalization test. Today, they remain committed to helping adults achieve their life goals through literacy skills and to fostering an informed community where individuals can access the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.
With Gratitude to Our Donors
Blue Ridge Literacy is proud to host this milestone event with generous support from Bruce and Julie Swanson. Their belief in BRL’s mission and their generosity have made this celebration—and the production of our Buzz4Good feature—possible. They are deeply grateful for their support and for helping uplift adult learners in the Roanoke Valley.
Event Details
Buzz4Good Watch Party: Celebrating 40 Years of Blue Ridge Literacy
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Program runs from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Grandin Theatre, 1310 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/events/686736333963494
RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
For more information, contact Executive Director Ahoo Salem at [email protected] or 540-265-9339.