ROANOKE, Va. – The Poff Federal Building in Downtown Roanoke will soon have a new name, in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson.
Lawson filed the first desegregation case in Southwest Virginia, which resulted in the admission of 13 black students into Floyd County High School.
Virginia senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine introduced the legislation for the renaming last year, and President Biden just approved the measure.
“We are grateful for the support of Senator Warner and Senator Kaine and also for the support of Congressman Cline, who cleared this bill to be passed last summer.”
John Fishwick, Attorney
The building is currently named after former congressman and State Supreme Court Justice Richard Poff, who voted against the Civil Rights Act for years.