The Living Legends of Alexandria Story
The Mission
The mission of Living Legends of Alexandria is to identify, honor and chronicle the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way that has significantly impacted the quality of life in Alexandria and serves as an inspiration to others.
Living Legends
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Living Legends of Alexandria has announced its 2025 class of honorees—twelve remarkable individuals whose lasting contributions have shaped the city’s culture, service, leadership, and legacy. A list of all Living Legends since 2008.
Each year, the Living Legends program recognizes Alexandrians who have made extraordinary contributions to the community. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds but share a profound commitment to making Alexandria a better place for everyone.
Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, founded by her in 2010. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and has lived and worked in the Alexandria publishing community since 1987. Source: Zebra Press, 2025 Living Legends of Alexandria Announced.
Celebrating Living Legends of Alexandria
November 12, 2025
The 2025 Living Legends of Alexandria are: Mary Lee Anderson, Ana Bonilla-Galdamez, Gerald File, Charlotte Hall, Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Noah Lyles, David Mercer, Robyn Nichols, Patrick O’Brien, Kitty Porterfield, Adrienne Terrell Washington & Gerald Wanzer.
These civic champions include nonprofit leaders, advocates for equity and education, champions of the arts, sports heroes, and individuals whose quiet, persistent work has transformed lives behind the scenes.
The 2025 Announcement
As a follow up to the City of Alexandria’s celebration, the “Celebrating Our Own Living Legends” was created to honor three Legends in the Oakland Baptist Church and two additional Legends in the broader community.
Celebrating Our Own Living Legends
November 15, 2025
The “Celebrating Our Own Living Legends” event took place on November 15, 2025, honoring members of Oakland Baptist Church and the surrounding community who have made remarkable contributions to its legacy and growth. Hosted by EBH & T Associates in partnership with Oakland Baptist Church, the celebration featured memorable highlights, including a performance by internationally acclaimed vocalist Mrs. Janine Gilbert-Carter.
Detailed profiles of each honored legend can be found on this site.
The evening concluded with dancing and taking photographs. According to the attendees, everyone had a great time.
We are grateful for an opportunity to say, Thank You!
Who Are the Living Legends of Alexandria
Living Legends of Alexandria is the non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and chronicling individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria, Virginia. We share the stories of these Living Legends with kids and adults as they serve as community role models.
Started in 2006 and incorporated in 2007, Living Legends of Alexandria was started under the framework that “Living Legends of Alexandria” will chronicle in words and photographs the people whose vision and energy in their everyday and special activities have made and are currently making substantial contributions to the unique personality and quality of life in Alexandria. Through our annual Legend selection, we not only recognize the “Legends” currently in our midst but also create a resource for future Alexandrians. The resource will create awareness of, understanding, and inspiration to residents through the vision and work of those who created the structural and cultural landscape they enjoy. Living Legends of Alexandria is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Source: Who we are – Living Legends of Alexandria.