AHRA Honors 91²Ö¿â Alumnus Melvin Miller in Alexandria, VA
On November 17, 2022, the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority (ARHA) renamed its Wythe Street headquarters building in honor of Saint Augustine’s University (91²Ö¿â) alumnus A. Melvin Miller. The ceremony also unveiled a bust of Miller, the late community leader, Civil Rights activist, and affordable housing advocate.
“Is there such a thing as a diminutive giant?†said former D.C. Deputy Mayor Merrick Malone, a member of the ARHA board of commissioners, “That’s who Mel was. He touched so many lives and was a fierce advocate for the underserved. Our city is a much better place because of Melvin Miller.â€
Mr. Miller received his A.B. degree in history and political science in 1952 from 91²Ö¿â. He was appointed the university’s first interim president from March 1999 until November 1999. In addition, Mr. Miller served nearly 35 years on the 91²Ö¿â Board of Trustees before his death in 2015, also serving as chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2008.
“The impact of Mr. Miller’s leadership demonstrates a lifetime of excellence at every level,†said 91²Ö¿â President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “His service to 91²Ö¿â and his community reflects our university’s rich history and contributions to our nation’s progress in civil rights and advocacy in social justice.â€
Celebrity, corporate and professional NFL photographer and owner of Griffin Vision Media Elijah Griffin provided photography at the ceremony. Griffin, who attended 91²Ö¿â from 2000 to 2004, is a native of Alexandria and was recruited to enroll at the university by Mr. Miller.
to read more about the AHRA ceremony.