Arlington 150, Community Stories, MBAC Leadership

Arlington 150: MBAC Members Helping Tell the Story of a City on the Rise

As Arlington celebrates 150 years, members of the Mayor’s Black Advisory Council (MBAC) are lifting up the people, places, and moments that shaped our city. Through their leadership and lived experiences, VanDella Menifee, Ruby Faye Woolridge, and Mike Cartwright are helping ensure that Arlington’s story is told fully, proudly, and together.

VanDella Menifee: Preserving Culture and Neighborhood History

VanDella Menifee’s contributions to Arlington reach deep into the roots of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods. Through years of community engagement, she has helped preserve stories that might otherwise have been forgotten—stories of families, churches, and small businesses that laid the foundation for today’s Arlington. Her work highlights how everyday residents have shaped the city’s identity, long before major developments and big events put Arlington on the map.

By mentoring younger residents and encouraging intergenerational conversations, Menifee plays a vital role in Arlington’s history. She reminds us that the city’s progress is built on the resilience, creativity, and faith of those who came before—voices that deserve to be heard as we celebrate Arlington 150 and imagine the next 150 years.

Ruby Faye Woolridge: A Voice for Equity, Education, and Civic Action

Ruby Faye Woolridge has long been a trusted voice for equity and opportunity in Arlington. As an advocate, educator, and faith leader, she has championed access to quality schools, voter participation, and fair representation. Her leadership underscores that community engagement is not a one-time event, but a lifelong commitment to showing up, speaking out, and inviting others to the table.

Woolridge’s efforts have helped shape policy conversations and strengthen trust between residents and city leadership. In the story of Arlington’s history, her work stands as a reminder that progress happens when people are informed, engaged, and empowered to make their voices count—especially during milestone moments like the city’s 150th anniversary.

Mike Cartwright: Championing Business, Jobs, and Inclusive Growth

As a business leader and MBAC member, Mike Cartwright brings the perspective of entrepreneurship and economic growth to Arlington 150. He understands that a thriving city depends on small businesses, local investment, and pathways for residents to build wealth. Through his involvement with business organizations and city initiatives, Cartwright has worked to connect entrepreneurs with resources, networks, and opportunities to succeed in Arlington’s growing economy.

By advocating for inclusive development and supporting minority-owned enterprises, he helps ensure that the benefits of Arlington’s expansion reach across neighborhoods. His story is woven into the city’s broader narrative of transformation—from a small community to a regional hub for entertainment, education, and business—powered by residents who dare to build something new.

Community voices, from elders to entrepreneurs, are shaping Arlington’s next chapter together.

Why Your Story Matters to Arlington 150

The work of Menifee, Woolridge, and Cartwright shows that Arlington’s story is not written by one person or one generation. It is built from collective memories—from the first home you bought, the school your children attended, the small business you started, the church you joined, or the park where your family gathers. Each of these moments adds depth and meaning to our shared history, especially as we mark the city’s 150th anniversary.

💡 Invitation: Think about a person, place, or event in Arlington that changed you. That memory is part of Arlington’s legacy.

A Call to Residents and Advisory Council Members: Share Your Arlington Story

As we honor these MBAC members and their leadership in history, community engagement, and economic growth, we also turn to you. Community residents and Advisory Council Members across Arlington are invited to share their own stories—short reflections, family memories, photos, or experiences that capture what Arlington means to you.

When we bring these stories together, we create a richer, more inclusive portrait of our city. In celebrating Arlington 150, your voice helps ensure that the past is honored, the present is recognized, and the future is shaped by all who call Arlington home. Your story is part of Arlington’s story—now is the time to tell it.