This latest episode in the Blue Roads Changemaker Series features Phyllis Albritton who I have long called “Blacksburg's best-known citizen”.  Now, I don't know if it's true, but it is certainly true to me.  I've been in Blacksburg for more than 40 years and I don't seem to know a single person who doesn't know Phyllis, too.  She's a big presence, and an important one, in our community. Until her recent vision problems began to limit her ability to drive, Phyllis seemed to be at every meeting where decisions were made and every place where voices were raised and people were taking a stand for what is right – especially if that stand  highlighted the needs of children, those living in poverty or those oppressed by injustice.  Phyllis is also usually around anytime there is music and dancing to be had.  I remember first meeting her years ago when my boys were youngsters at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church where she always greeted us with enthusiastic warmth that exuded the love of the faith she lives out loud in ways that most main stream Protestants seem to keep under wraps.  Not Phyllis!  She lives her faith in a big way in a life that has changed the lives of many of us around her for the better. Tune in below to learn about her life as a changemaker making the world a better place by working for education, equity and justice for all.  (Note:  You’ll really want to watch the video or listen to the podcast for the details of Phyllis’s story that’s difficult to capture in this short summary.)


































HOMEGROWN PHYLLISPhyllis was born in Binghamton, New York. Her mother was an immigrant from Ukraine who was raised in the Russian Orthodox Church.  Her Jewish father grew up in New York City after his family had migrated from Poland.  Although she was raised in the Methodist Church, she remembers fondly learning the songs and traditions from both sides of her family that she still celebrates today. When speaking about her parents, her face lights up as it does often when she shares recollections of people and experiences throughout her life. They never met a stranger. They had three women's and children's clothing stores in Binghamton, Endicott and John City. They were always giving to the poor. They were always taking clothes and food. My mother would always take flowers to people who were shut in. I had such caring, wonderful parents.  I am who I am today because of those two amazing souls who danced all their lives. They met dancing at Coney Island…When her dad asked to take her mother home that day, she said,‘Yes, if I pay my own way.' They got married in 1929 and danced all their lives.  The very night that Daddy died. They danced to Lawrence Welk in the kitchen.























It’s no wonder Phyllis is such a dancer! She also has fond memories of singing in the choir, gardening and traveling.




























My family was really amazing…Daddy took us...