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Stay engaged and connected! From community forums and advocacy efforts to social gatherings and action-driven events, the Fairfax County NAACP offers opportunities to learn, network, and make an impact. Stay informed and be part of the movement for justice and equity. Join us at our upcoming events and stay up-to-date with the latest news.
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Submit Your Book to Our NAACP Summer Reading Series!
Are you a published author and a member of Fairfax NAACP? Then we want to shine a spotlight on you!
This summer, we kicked off a brand-new feature: the Fairfax NAACP Summer Reading Series—a celebration of the authors within our own community. We know our members are full of powerful stories, unique perspectives, and deep wisdom—and now we want to share those voices far and wide.
Here’s how to participate:
If you’ve published a book, send us the following:
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A link to where your book can be found
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A short description (up to five sentences)
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A high-quality image of your book cover
We’ll be featuring several books at a time throughout the summer in our newsletter and across our social media platforms—so stay tuned to see if your title is part of the next roundup!
Let’s lift each other up and celebrate the literary talents within our NAACP family.
Submissions can be sent directly to Communications at communications@fairfaxnaacp.org using the subject line "Fairfax NAACP Summer Reading Series."
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Continuing Our Summer Reading Series!
Featuring the Literary Voices of Our NAACP Community
This month, our Fairfax NAACP Summer Reading Series continues spotlighting the gifted authors in our membership—voices that challenge perspectives, uplift communities, and preserve vital stories.
Explore these titles, support our member-authors, and you just might find your next great summer read. More inspiring selections are on the way!
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Indigo and Ida, by Heather Murphy Capps
This blend of historical fiction and magical realism is about family, friendships, journalism, and using your voice. Biracial 8th-grade journalist Indigo discovers letters written by 19th-century Ida B. Wells that narrate her life story and the injustices she exposed. Indigo develops a connection to Wells and ultimately finds the courage to speak out about injustices she identifies at her school.
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The Guide to Low-Cost Divorce in Virginia
If you want a road map to help you handle your divorce mostly as a do-it-yourself process, thereby saving huge amounts of money, then this guide is what you need. Virginia Colin and Rebecca Martin show you how to set the stage for an inexpensive divorce, gather information, avoid some pitfalls, get some free or nearly free legal advice about your specific legal questions, take good care of yourself as your life changes in big ways, make the family changes easier for your kids to handle, structure a solid co-parenting plan, and work with a reluctant or argumentative spouse.
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Be Featured In Our 2025 Freedom Fund Gala Journal
The Fairfax County NAACP invites you to support our upcoming Freedom Fund Gala by purchasing ad space in our commemorative souvenir journal.
The Gala will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Tysons Corner Marriott (8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182).
Cocktails and networking begin at 5:30 PM, followed by the Gala program at 7:00 PM.
Purchasing ad space in the Freedom Fund Gala souvenir journal is more than just a marketing opportunity—it's a meaningful way to support the NAACP's mission and contribute to the success of our most important annual event. Your ad helps celebrate community leadership, uplift our shared values, and inspire continued commitment to civil rights, equity, and justice.
Ad Rates:
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Quarter Page Ad – $115
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Half Page Ad – $200
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Full Page Ad – $275
To reserve your ad space and view submission details, please click here.
For any questions or custom inquires, contact Mr. DeShane Jones at gala@fairfaxnaacp.org
Deadline: AUGUST 31ST
Purchase Ad Space Below!
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Mark Your Calendar for the 11th Congressional District Candidate Forum
Fairfax County NAACP is honored to serve as a co-sponsor of the 11th Congressional District Candidate Forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area, offering voters the opportunity to hear directly from certified candidates for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District:
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Where to Watch: Fairfax Public Access Channel 10 TV or stream live at Inside Scoop YouTube Channel
Tune in for a live televised forum featuring certified candidates for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District:
- James Walkinshaw (Democratic)
- Stewart Whitson (Republican)
*Viewers can call in during the live broadcast to ask questions—just watch for the number on screen.*
WATCH LIVE August 18th using the link below!
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Join Us for Our August General Membership Meeting: Understanding Civilian Oversight
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bryon L. Garner, Chair of the Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel, as our guest speaker for the August General Membership Meeting.
Tuesday, August 26
7:00 PM
Via Zoom
Appointed to the Panel in 2022, Dr. Garner brings deep expertise in civilian oversight and a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
A U.S. Navy veteran and certified Force Science Analyst, Dr. Garner draws on both professional and academic experience to examine high-stress use-of-force incidents and human behavior under pressure. He is a member of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and an Adjunct Professor at Barber-Scotia College, a historically Black institution where he teaches in the humanities.
Dr. Garner’s work bridges academia, public education, and community advocacy. We look forward to hearing his insights on the role of the Civilian Review Panel and his ongoing efforts to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Register Below!
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NoVA Labor’s Annual Labor Day Picnic
Join NoVA Labor for their annual Labor Day picnic on Sunday, August 31, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A, in Alexandria.
This community gathering will feature food, fellowship, and the chance to connect with labor leaders, advocates, and neighbors from across the region.
Please note: This is not a Fairfax NAACP event.
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Franconia District–Fairfax County Expungement Clinic
Fairfax NAACP is proud to be a co-sponsor of this clinic, held in partnership with Rodney Lusk (Board of Supervisors), Christopher Falcon (Clerk of the Circuit Court), and Steve Descano (Commonwealth’s Attorney). Volunteer lawyers will assist individuals in determining if criminal charges from Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax that did not lead to conviction are eligible for expungement.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
You must register to attend this event. Filing fees are waived while sponsorship funds last—register early, as spots are limited!
Register Below!
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Lace Up for Impact – The Freedom Fund Gala Is Around the Corner
Mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening! The 2025 Freedom Fund Gala returns on Saturday, October 18, and this year, we’re doing it bigger—with our Inaugural Sneaker Ball and the bold theme, “The Rebirth of DEI.”
Tysons Corner Marriott Grand Ballroom
Saturday, October 18, 2025
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Tickets are going fast—don't miss your chance to be part of the movement.
Whether you come to celebrate, connect, or champion the cause, this is the event of the season. Sponsorships and ad space are also available—shine a spotlight on your business while standing for equity and inclusion.
Let’s show up and show out—for justice, for community, for the culture.
Get your tickets, secure your ad, and step boldly into the future with us.
Get Your Tickets & Reserve Your Ad Space Below!
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July Event Highlights
While July didn’t feature branch-hosted events, our Fairfax NAACP delegates were actively representing us at the 116th NAACP National Convention in Charlotte, NC. This powerful gathering brought together advocates from across the country to engage in critical conversations, leadership workshops, and strategic planning for the future of civil rights.
Highlights from the 116th NAACP National Convention and President Derrick Johnson's Closing Plenary Address – “The Fierce Urgency of Now”
This was my first time attending the National NAACP Convention, and it was nothing short of inspiring! I encourage every member to attend if they get the chance. Held July 9–16 in Charlotte, NC, the 116th National Convention drew nearly 9,000 people together to experience the heartbeat of the NAACP. This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” resonated in every session and conversation. The week was packed with youth events, competitions, entertainment, panel discussions, networking, banquets, award ceremonies, workshops, and more!
The plenary sessions and workshops stood out — a mix of entertainers, thought-leaders, influencers, and industry experts delivering powerful, passionate messages that challenged us to act and create lasting change. The Resolutions Plenary Session was a highlight, where over 1,600 delegates from across the country voted on key initiatives shaping NAACP’s work.
While I attended many sessions, President Derrick Johnson’s closing plenary address stood out as the most powerful—perfectly capturing the spirit and mission of the entire convention. He shared a deeply personal call to action, connecting his mother’s recent health crisis alongside the harsh realities of federal cuts to healthcare, education, and social programs. He reminded us that policy decisions aren’t abstract—they affect real people, families, and communities.
President Johnson also warned that disinvestment in Black communities, especially around voter engagement, is intentional, not accidental. He called out political and labor leaders who exploit the Black vote but fail to reinvest in these communities.
He repeatedly invoked this year’s theme, “The fierce urgency of now,” reminding the audience that the stakes are higher than ever. The “wolf” is not just coming—it's here. He urged members to reject divisive narratives (young versus old, men versus women, us versus us) and unite around shared values and strategic organizing.
He closed with a powerful parable of the ship lost at sea, illustrating that what we need—resources, wisdom, direction—is already within reach if we trust each other and work together.
Key Takeaways:
- Step up and get involved—your voice and actions truly make a difference in shaping our future.
- Remember, when Black communities are overlooked, it impacts us all—so your engagement matters more than ever.
- Don’t settle for just talking about unity—let’s commit to real, purposeful collaboration that moves us forward.
- Protecting civil rights is a team effort, and fresh, inspired leadership from all generations will keep our progress strong.
Below, you’ll find a video capturing the energy and spirit of the convention, along with photos taken by delegates representing the Fairfax NAACP branch.
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Highlights from the NAACP National Convention – “The Fierce Urgency of Now”
| | Public Mass Meeting—the convention's powerful opening plenary session, where you could feel the energy and excitement in the room.. | | WIN (Women in NAACP) Empowerment Brunch, where New York Attorney General Letitia James and former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch were among the featured speakers. | | Miseducation of the Nation: Disinformation and the Fight for Truth panel discussion, moderated by activist, entertainer, and social media influencer Lynae Vanee, where powerful voices tackled the spread of false narratives and the urgent need to protect truth in today’s climate. | | Crisis Point: Defending Democracy and Civil Rights in a Volatile Political Climate panel discussion, moderated by award-winning host Angela Rye, explored the pressing challenges facing our democracy and the strategies needed to safeguard civil rights in turbulent times. | | Our Culture, Our Stories: Writing Our Own Narrative panel discussion, moderated by author and media personality Symone Sanders Townsend, highlighted the power of storytelling in shaping culture and reclaiming authentic narratives. | | Advocacy Then, Advocacy Now panel discussion, moderated by Symone Sanders Townsend, examined the evolution of activism and the ongoing fight for justice across generations. | | |
NAACP Thrive: A National Campaign to Ensure Our Young People Thrive” panel discussion, moderated by Symone Sanders Townsend, held following the Cinematic Short Film competition.
| | Labor Town Hall, moderated by CNN commentator Bakari Sellers, focused on the challenges and opportunities facing workers today and the importance of collective action in advancing labor rights. | | Labor Awards Luncheon, featuring speeches from the presidents of the NAACP, UAW, SEIU, and CWA, celebrating achievements in labor advocacy and community leadership. | | Outside the Charlotte Convention Center, the venue was decked out (inside and out) with NAACP banners, signage, and displays, creating an atmosphere that reflected the excitement and importance of the convention. | | Resolutions Plenary Session, an all-day event where delegates gathered to debate and vote on key policies shaping the NAACP’s advocacy agenda. | | |
One of the many impactful resolutions delegates voted on during the all-day Resolutions Plenary Session.
| | Can’t forget the HUB, opened to the public and featured legendary female rapper MC Lyte on the main stage. It was a place for everyone to mingle—enjoy sports and games, explore job and career fairs, attend college summits, shop small and local Black-owned businesses, visit the content creator and author’s clubhouse, check out tech and banking centers, and more. A perfect spot to unwind and have fun after a long day at the convention. | | A look inside the HUB, a lively hub of fun and learning, where convention-goers enjoyed games, networking, and small business showcases. | | |
Delegate Neera Datta inside the HUB, relaxing at one of the many beautifully designed sets.
| | Fairfax NAACP delegate Neera Datta with panelists from the “Miseducation of the Nation” panel discussion. | | Delegates representing the Fairfax County NAACP (L–R): Virginia NAACP Region 3 Vice President Karen Campblin, Neera Datta, and Diana Rhodes. | | Fairfax was well represented. (L–R) Delegate Neera Datta, members Fidel Jackson and his wife Pat, Delegate Diana Rhodes, Delegate Karen Campblin, and kneeling, Delegate Michell Pulliam. | | Fairfax NAACP members enjoying the convention, posed on a stairway mural featuring the NAACP logo—one of many beautiful backdrops for photos. | | | While action unfolded inside, outside the convention a press conference highlighted the “urgency of now” for labor and the impact of Project 2025 on everyday workers. | | Fairfax NAACP delegates (L–R) Neera Datta, Michell Pulliam, and Diana Rhodes after a day-long session where they made their votes count at the Resolution Plenary Session. | | NAACP President, Derrick Johnson delivering his closing plenary remarks. | | “The “Fierce Urgency of Now” logo on display throughout the Charlotte Convention Center, serving as a bold reminder of the critical issues addressed at the convention and the need for immediate action. | | Looking for ways to make a difference? Fairfax NAACP is seeking passionate individuals to join our committees and internship programs. Whether you’re interested in advocacy, education, or community engagement, there’s a place for you to contribute and grow. Get involved today and help drive meaningful change! | | |
Membership Committee
Help Us Grow Our Movement!
The strength of the NAACP lies in its members, and we need your help to expand our reach! The Fairfax NAACP Membership Committee is looking for volunteers and interns to engage our community, recruit new members, and ensure our branch remains strong and active. If you love connecting with people and want to make an impact, this is your chance!
Sign up today and be a part of something bigger! Fill out the following form here to get started.
membership@fairfaxnaacp.org
Please note that this is an unpaid internship opportunity.
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Communications Committee
Use Your Voice to Amplify Ours!
Are you skilled in writing, social media, design or marketing? The Fairfax NAACP Communications Committee needs volunteers and interns to help spread our message, engage the community, and promote our initiatives. If you have experience in PR, graphic design, or digital media—or just a passion for storytelling—we want to hear from you!
Help us shape the narrative. Volunteer today! Fill out the following form here to get started.
communications@fairfaxnaacp.org
Please note that this is an unpaid internship opportunity.
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Budget Committee
Passionate About Numbers? Help Us Make an Impact!
The Fairfax NAACP Budget Committee is looking for dedicated interns and volunteers to help manage resources that fuel our mission. If you have experience in finance, budgeting, or just love working with numbers, we need you! Join us in ensuring our branch stays financially strong and ready to fight for justice.
Sign up today and be a part of meaningful change! Fill out the following form here to get started.
budget@fairfaxnaacp.org
Please note that this is an unpaid internship opportunity.
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Criminal Justice Committee
Fight for Fairness in the Justice System!
Do you believe in criminal justice reform? The Fairfax NAACP Criminal Justice Committee is looking for interns and volunteers to advocate for policies that ensure fairness, equity, and accountability in policing and the legal system. Whether you’re passionate about policy change, community outreach, or advocacy, your voice is needed!
Get involved and help us create a more just system! Fill out the following form here to get started.
justice@fairfaxnaacp.org
Please note that this is an unpaid internship opportunity.
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Legal Redress Committee
Use Your Legal Expertise for Justice!
Are you passionate about civil rights and ensuring justice is served? The Fairfax NAACP Legal Redress Committee is seeking volunteers to help address discrimination complaints and advocate for those in need. Your help can make a real difference to those who have experienced discrimination. No prior legal experience is required.
Join us in the fight for justice—volunteer today! Fill out the following form here to get started.
legalredress@fairfaxnaacp.org
| | At Fairfax NAACP, we believe in fostering the next generation of leaders who are passionate about justice, equity, and advocacy. Our internship program offers valuable hands-on experience in nonprofit work, advocacy initiatives, and community engagement. Join us in making a meaningful impact while gaining practical skills and insight into the work that drives social change. | | There are no new internship opportunities this month, but we remain committed to creating opportunities that inspire and empower young leaders. Stay connected for future announcements. | | Welcome to our Member Spotlight! Each month, we’ll be shining a light on one of our amazing members who embodies the spirit of our community. | |
Our Member Spotlight will return next month
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A friendly reminder to those who pay annual membership dues to belong to the NAACP:
We rely on those dues payments to help us meet our financial obligations, both at the local, state, and national level. Your contributions and engagement are important to us. Please take a moment to check your membership card and see if it’s time to make your dues contribution.
Payment is simple. The following link will bring you to our Fairfax County NAACP web site, where you can update your membership information and then pay via PayPal. Please also consider making a donation when you remit your dues payment.
We very much appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to engaging with you.
For questions about your membership dues, please contact our Branch Secretary Mike O'Brien at secretary@fairfaxnaacp.org.
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Volunteer & Become a Member
Join us in the fight for justice and equity! Whether you have time to volunteer, want to engage in advocacy, or simply wish to stay informed, becoming a member of the Fairfax County NAACP is the first step. Your voice and effort can help create meaningful change in our community.
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Donate
Your support fuels our work. Contributions to the Fairfax County NAACP help fund critical programs, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives that advance racial and social justice. Every donation—big or small—makes a difference.
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