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2011 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 627
Celebrating the life of Marshal B. McAden.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 14, 2011
Agreed to by the Senate, January 20, 2011

 

WHEREAS, Marshal B. McAden, a charismatic thespian and former artistic director of the Dumas Drama Guild at the Dumas Center for Artistic and Cultural Development in Roanoke, died on November 23, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of North Carolina, Marshal McAden’s natural talents were evident at a young age; he sang solo in the church choir at the age of five and several years later was conducting the choir and directing neighborhood plays and pageants in living rooms, garages, and local churches; and

WHEREAS, Marshal McAden attended Sanford Central High School, where he participated in numerous activities, and completed his formal education at East Carolina University, where he founded the school’s first African-American fraternity and first gospel choir; and

WHEREAS, Marshal McAden then embarked on a successful performance career that took him to venues up and down the East Coast, where his talent as an actor, director, choreographer, and playwright were showcased; and

WHEREAS, along the way, Marshal McAden shared his enthusiasm by introducing thousands of children to the arts and founding several black theater groups, all while continuing to develop his own talents; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1990s, Marshal McAden came to Lexington, where he worked for the Lime Kiln Theater, infusing the productions with a fresh air and eventually becoming artistic director; and

WHEREAS, after moving to Roanoke, Marshal McAden became actively involved in the redevelopment of the old Dumas Hotel into the Dumas Center for Artistic and Cultural Development, building strong community support for the project; and

WHEREAS, as artistic director, Marshal McAden produced a wide variety of critically acclaimed productions, including “The Wiz” and “The Colored Museum” in addition to children’s plays in which local youth could share their talents; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Marshal McAden supported others, particularly children and youth, as they developed their own artistic talents; in Roanoke, he continued this tradition through his involvement with Apple Ridge Farms summer camps, the West End Community Center, and various schools, libraries, and churches; and

WHEREAS, another love of Marshal McAden’s life was for the Lord; he worshipped at Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he played the piano, and he also played at churches throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, a supremely gifted man, Marshal McAden shared his talents with others, creating productions that inspired, uplifted, and entertained while encouraging others to develop their talents; and

WHEREAS, Marshal McAden leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving mother, Mary; siblings, Kathy, Charles, and Cedric; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a talented thespian and leader in the arts, Marshal B. McAden; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Marshal B. McAden as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.