ROANOKE, Va. – Noel C. Taylor was a force to be reckoned with, paving the way for future generations with a willingness to break the glass ceiling and lead a life of service. His influence on the Star City and beyond transcends time. He was not only the city’s first Black mayor but also its first African American city council member, serving from 1970 to 1975.
Taylor’s mayoral term spanned nearly 20 years, from 1976 to 1992, the longest in Roanoke’s history. During his time as mayor, he revitalized the downtown city market area and opened the Valley View Mall in 1985.
Born on July 15, 1924, Taylor was raised in Moneta by his parents, who were farmers. From 1943 to 1945, he served in the then racially segregated U.S. Army during World War II…