News

See where Blue Ridge Literacy is in the community with recent press coverage, events, and announcements!

December 2025

New Partnership

BRL now offers a new citizenship preparation class, supported through the School Support for Afghan Students Program and hosted at the Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington. To learn more, contact Sara Geres at sgeres@brlit.org

October 2025

Connecting Learners with Local Leadership

BRL is excited to continue partnering with the City of Roanoke to provide advanced and post-advanced learners with My City Academy, a free leadership program that helps refugees and immigrants engage in local government.

September 2025

Dr. Salem Presented With Award

Executive Director Ahoo Salem was presented with the Eva Stitt Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to supporting the mental health and wellness of refugee and immigrant families and communities.

May 2025

BRL Celebrates 40 Years!

BRL celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Grandin Theatre with a special one-hour Buzz Live episode! Mayor Joe Cobb made a proclamation declaring May 1 as Blue Ridge Literacy Day.

April 2025

Students as Leaders

BRL's post advanced graduates, Luz, Sindy, and Georgia, attended the 2025 Coalition on Adult Basic Education in Dallas, TX. We are so proud of these ladies for being a part of the first Virginia Adult Student Ambassador cohort!

December 2024

In Memoriam

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Jennie Sue Murdock, a dear friend and long-time volunteer of BRL.

Jennie Sue joined BRL in 2001, and in 2023 she received the "Longest Serving Volunteer" award.