Winston Salem Times

Virginia K. Newell, a former city alderman of Winston-Salem, passed away this morning at the age of 107. In 1977, she and Vivian H. Burke became the first Black women elected to the City Council, representing the East Ward. Over her 16-year tenure, Newell advocated for better housing, racial unity, and economic independence.

Newell founded the YWCA’s “Best Choice Center,” which provides academic-focused afterschool care, enrichment activities, and summer camp opportunities for children from low-income families.

Mayor Joines remarked on Newell's contributions: “Dr. Newell was a dynamic and dedicated public leader. She pushed for economic development for East Winston and the city of Winston-Salem, including projects such as the East Winston Shopping Center. She was also a strong champion of human rights. She has left a lasting legacy of bettering our community, especially the East Winston community she loved. I will personally miss her.”

On October 7, 2022, Newell celebrated her 105th birthday at Salem Lake Marina Center where she was honored by having an event center named after her: “Dr. Virginia K. Newell Room.” The city also named a greenway trail along Brushy Fork as the Newell-Massey Greenway in her honor.

Funeral arrangements are pending.