Former Winston-Salem Alderman Virginia K. Newell has passed. A news release from the city says she died Friday morning at the age of 107.
Newell and Vivian Burke became the first Black women to be elected to Winston-Salem City Council in 1977. Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines says Newell was a “dynamic and dedicated public leader.”
During her 16-year tenure, she worked tirelessly for better housing, racial unity and economic development in East Winston.
The city has previously honored Newell by naming an event center at Salem Lake Marina for her. The Newell-Massey Greenway also carries her name.