Category: Uncategorized

He Stood Tall: McArthur Myers

Yesterday, December 4, 2025, Alexandria lost a beloved citizen. McArthur Myers was a dedicated volunteer civic leader. He left his mark across Alexandria, advocating for the inclusion of Alexandria’s African American History in the city’s overall history. At many public meetings, he was the only African American volunteer to show up and participate. McArthur’s famous saying, “You’ve got to step up and step in.”

He was a dear friend of mine and will be missed by many of us who call Alexandria home.

McArthur Myers was among the recipients of the 2020 Living Legend honor. You can read his bio on the Living Legend’s website at: https://alexandrialegends.org/myers-mcarthur/.

The Zebra’s Newspaper has a beautiful obituary on McArthur and his work in Alexandria at https://thezebra.org/2025/12/04/mcarthur-myers-obituary-alexandria/.

Behind the Scenes of “Finding A New Path”

In this week’s Alexandria Times Newspaper is an article on Charles Lyles. Charles has faced many obstacles in his life. One of the obstacles not mentioned in the article was when he was 16, he and his siblings played Cowboy and Indians using BB guns. One of the BBs hit Charles in one of his eyes, which caused him to lose his vision. In addition, to losing his sight in one eye and having other accidents in his life, Charles excelled as a model employee.

This photo shows Charles Lyles receiving an award for his excellent contribution to the Department of Justice, Drug and Enforcement Administration.

You can read other incidents in his life in the Alexandria Times Newspaper on page 11 at https://alextimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/8.10.23-Layout-1.pdf.

George K. Combs

George K. Combs – January 13, 1961 – July 7, 2023

George K. Combs was a thoughtful and kind person. He was the Branch Manager at the Alexandria Library Special Collections for over two decades before he retired. I will never forget George assisting me at the Alexandria, Virginia Library. I could depend on George and call him for any research questions that I might have. He was always willing to help.

Recently, I learned of George’s passing. I was in disbelief. George was such a kind soul. He will truly be missed by many whom he came in contact with.

Alexandria Library Hosts Black Family Reunion to Enrich Archives and Preserve Community History

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2023

Alexandria Library is hosting its first-ever Black Family Reunion on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The event, at the Barrett Branch Library in Old Town, aims to bring neighborhoods together and help fill gaps in the documented history of Alexandria’s African American community.

African American families are invited to bring documents and images to be scanned and added to the Library’s Local History/Special Collections archive so they can be preserved as part of the City’s historical record.

“Word is getting out about this event and people are getting excited,” said Honorary Co-Chair and Alexandria Living Legend Bill Euille. “It’s a rare moment when our history and our future are meeting, right here in the present.”

“The value of the Black Family Reunion goes far beyond the historical images and documents that we will preserve because of this event,” said Honorary Co-Chair and Alexandria Living Legend Char McCargo Bah. “It is a vital step forward toward uniting the community through a more complete and accurate picture of our past.”

Honorary Co-Chairs and Alexandria Living Legends Char McCargo Bah and Bill Euille will get the party started at 11 am, followed by a proclamation delivered by Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson.

“Libraries, and especially local history archives, serve as part of a community’s shared memory,” said Library Director Rose Dawson. “Making sure that memory is complete is part of our job, and we take it seriously. And still, our Black Family Reunion is going to be about much more than just documents and photos. It will truly be a party! Games, music, food, and of course, friends and family getting together and having a great time.”

The event is free and open to the public. Donating to the archives is encouraged, but not required, and all attendees can enjoy music, games, food, and more. Contributors to the archive will receive a ticket good for a meal at one of the participating food vendors.

Early donations of photos and documents are now being accepted online. If you are unable to attend the Reunion or would like to donate early, please complete our online donation form and upload your materials directly to our Archive. This form may also be used to pre-register for in-person donations on the day of the Reunion.

What:              Alexandria Library Black Family Reunion

When:             Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 11 am – 3 pm

Where:            Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

                        717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

For more information about the event, please visit alexlibraryva.org/black-family-reunion. For media inquiries, please contact communications@alexlibraryva.org.