Honoring Black History: Abingdon's mayor sets focus on helping the community
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – People know exactly where to find him in the Town of Abingdon. It's a coin flip on The Tavern or his new business Dwayne & Co., the two restaurants separated just a few feet from each other.
Dwayne Anderson is deeply rooted in the Southwest Virginia town.
Born and raised in Abingdon, Anderson has a knack for service and a desire to help his community.
His first job was at the Martha Washington Inn, and then he transitioned over to The Tavern, where he still works. Anderson and a few business partners opened Dwayne & Co. just last year.
'I'm in the service industry and I aim to please,' Anderson said. 'If there's any way that I can help anybody in the town from the smallest problem to the biggest problem, I'd like to be involved.'
Honoring Black History: Barter Theatre's 'Black Stories Black Voices' Series
He's a popular face in town, which is something that's standard when you've spent a career in the service industry. Anderson said he believes he's made such a big impact that several around town encouraged him to try public service.
'What better way to get involved with the community than to get on the town council,' Anderson said. 'That leads me to where I am now.'
After a two-year stretch as vice mayor, Anderson became the town's first Black mayor in January. It's an achievement that he said he's proud to hold.
'The people of Abingdon appreciate the job that I was doing for them,' Anderson said. 'I'm happy to be in the spot that I'm in now because I feel like I'm more involved.'
Anderson said that a lot of hard work has been put in along the way to where he's at right now. He said a term that he commonly uses to describe the folks in Abingdon is 'his people'. Anderson said he's passionate about serving his people and aims to set an example.
'If you have goals, you can reach your goals,' Anderson said. 'I'm reaching my goals here in the town of Abingdon, and the town of Abingdon is helping me reach my goals.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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