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February, 2025

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FEBRUARY 2025

President's Message


Members, Supporters, and Friends of the Branch,


Happy Black History Month! This is a time to honor the invaluable contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history, celebrate achievements, and recognize the ongoing work needed to advance racial equity.

“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”
— U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke of New York

As many of you know, the fight for social justice never ends. Our branch committees continue to advocate for critical reforms in housing, education, criminal and environmental justice, and economic policies, among other areas.


With state elections approaching, there is still much work to do. Virginia holds elections every year, and this year is especially crucial for the Commonwealth. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to create change in your community. Many elections are decided by razor-thin margins, making every vote count. To learn more about Virginia elections, visit elections.virginia.gov.


The Fairfax County NAACP has a lot of work ahead, and we need your support. We rely on individuals and businesses in our community to continue our advocacy for racial justice. Please consider making a donation to help us further our mission. Every dollar goes directly toward our work on behalf of Black people and communities of color in Fairfax County. To donate, click here.


We continue to need YOUR engagement and involvement in EVERY advocacy effort. Please JOIN or RENEW your membership today. If you haven't joined a committee, please SIGNUP today.


Thank you for your continued support and commitment to justice.


Together In Service,

Niki Zimmerman

Proud President, Fairfax County NAACP


Events

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. Join us at our upcoming events and be part of the movement for justice and equity.

Honoring Courage: Caroline Ware, Howard Women, and the Fight for Equity



In partnership with NOVA Parks and NAACP Virginia State Conference, the Fairfax County NAACP invites you to a special commemoration of Black History Month and Transit Equity Day.


Wednesday, February 5 @2 PM

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct

Vienna, VA 22182



We’ll honor the inspiring actions of Caroline Ware and four Howard University women who, in 1944, courageously challenged Virginia’s Jim Crow laws—11 years before Rosa Parks’ historic stand for civil rights.


This event includes the unveiling of an interpretive sign marking this pivotal moment in history, connecting the legacy of these women to the ongoing fight for equity—81 years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.


Want to learn more? You can read the history of Caroline Ware and the four Howard women here.


Let’s gather to reflect on the courage that shaped our past and inspires our future.



RSVP Below!

RSVP HERE

Fairfax County NAACP Black History Month Celebration


Join the Fairfax County NAACP as we celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of inspiration, empowerment, and uplifting music.


Saturday, February 22, 2025

Harvest Assembly Baptist Church

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

*Light lunch will be served immediately after the program*



Gospel Explosion Concert


Experience the power of gospel music as we honor the rich legacy of Black history and culture.


Special Guest Speaker


We are honored to welcome Ms. Leslie Houston, President of the Fairfax Education Association, who will share words of wisdom and encouragement on the importance of education, advocacy, and community empowerment.


This event is free and open to the public. Bring your family, friends, and community members as we come together to celebrate, reflect, and move forward in the spirit of unity and progress.


We look forward to celebrating with you!




RSVP Below!


RSVP HERE

ROOTED Black History Month Program


Join ROOTED for a Black History Month event bringing together elected officials and community members from across Northern Virginia.


Saturday, February 22, 2025

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Cameron Station Community Center


Open to the public. All are welcome to attend.




*This is not a Fairfax County NAACP event*



RSVP Below

RSVP HERE

Fairfax NAACP February General Membership Meeting – Special Guest Speakers



The Fairfax NAACP is honored to welcome Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne S. LaPierre as our special guest speakers for the February General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.


Barbuschak and LaPierre, both accomplished librarians and historians, will discuss their book, Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries, shedding light on the fight for equal access to public libraries in our region. Their research uncovers the untold stories of advocacy and resistance that helped shape Northern Virginia’s library system during the Civil Rights Movement.


Chris Barbuschak, a Fairfax County native, serves as an archivist/librarian in Fairfax County Public Library’s Virginia Room. Passionate about preserving and sharing local history, he specializes in making historical records and photographs accessible to the public.


Suzanne S. LaPierre, a Virginiana Specialist Librarian for Fairfax County Public Library, is a published columnist and researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of libraries, history, and social change. She has been featured in The Washington Post for her insights on historical activism, emphasizing that “progress doesn’t happen just because time passes. Progress happens when people take action to make things better.”


Join us for this important discussion as we explore the history of desegregation in Northern Virginia’s libraries and the individuals who fought for change.


Register today and be part of the conversation!




RSVP Below!

RSVP HERE

Be the Change

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!

Join the Fight for Justice!



The Legal Redress Committee of the Fairfax NAACP is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. If you’re committed to advocating for civil rights and making a difference in our community, we want to hear from you!


The Legal Redress Committee aims to investigate all cases that have been identified as discriminatory and provide support to complainants across Fairfax County. *The Committee does not give legal advice.*


If you’re interested in becoming a part of our mission, please reach out to us for more information at legalredress@fairfaxnaacp.org


Help Shape Our Impact


Fairfax NAACP is looking for detail-oriented and mission-driven members to join our Budget Committee. This team plays a crucial role in ensuring our financial resources align with our mission and advocacy efforts. If you have experience with budgeting, finance, or just a passion for responsible stewardship, we need you!


Interested? Reach out to budget@fairfaxnaacp.org to learn more and get involved.




Available Internship


If you are interested in gaining valuable experience working on civil rights issues, consider applying to be an intern with the Fairfax County NAACP Legal Redress Committee.


We are currently accepting applications for both school year and summer internships.


The Legal Redress Committee investigates discrimination complaints based on incidents that happen within Fairfax County. We provide complainants support on issues of employment, housing, education, consumer transactions, banking, racial profiling, encounters with police, and similar matters. As an intern, you would help to:


  • collect information to support complainants
  • find resources to help resolve complaints
  • draft letters/emails on behalf of complainants
  • support complainants in any meetings related to their complaints (such as EEOC hearings or school IEP meetings)
  • research housing, education, employment, and criminal justice issues relevant to the committee's work


Please submit a resume and cover letter indicating your interest to: legalredress@fairfaxnaacp.com.


*Must be 18 or older to apply.* Flexible scheduling available.


Member Spotlight

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.

Michell Pulliam


Michell Pulliam joined the Fairfax County NAACP in the summer of 2021 and currently serves as chair of the Communications Committee. A passionate communicator and three-time published author, Michell is also the owner of a digital copywriting agency that specializes in helping female entrepreneurs and small business owners craft their messages and connect with their audience.


With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, she blends her love for writing and storytelling with a strong commitment to advocacy and social change. What she values most about her work with the Fairfax NAACP is the opportunity to use her skills to amplify the voices that need to be heard most, helping to champion causes that support and elevate marginalized communities.




Maintain Your Membership

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.






Get Involved


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.

Become a Member Today!

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.

Visit our Website

Fairfax NAACP Executive Committee

Officers:


President

Niki Zimmerman

president@fairfaxnaacp.org


First Vice President

Evelyn Spain

1stvp@fairfaxnaacp.org


Second Vice President   

Dr. Sujatha Hampton

2ndvp@fairfaxnaacp.org


Third Vice President

Les Shockley   

3rdvp@fairfaxnaacp.org


Secretary

Michael J. O'Brien

secretary@fairfaxnaacp.org


Assistant Secretary

Rachel Luckenbaugh

secretary@fairfaxnaacp.org


Treasurer

Erica Scott

treasurer@fairfaxnaacp.org


Assistant Treasurer

Dr. Monique Norwood

treasurer@fairfaxnaacp.org



At-Large Members:


Meredyth Havasy

Mary Paden

Lenior Simmons

Karen Campblin

Dr. Gerson S. Sher

Jasmine Carr

Marvin Powell

Darrell Allen

Anthony Amos

Debra Graves

Anthony Brown


Committee Chairs:


Armed Services and Veterans Affairs

veterans@fairfaxnaacp.org


Budget

Les Shockley

budget@fairfaxnaacp.org


Communications, Press and Publicity

Michell Pulliam

communications@fairfaxnaacp.org


Criminal Justice

Pratik Kharat

justice@fairfaxnaacp.org


Economic Development

economicdev@fairfaxnaacp.org


Education

Dr. Sujatha Hampton

education@fairfaxnaacp.org


Environmental and Climate Justice

environment@fairfaxnaacp.org


Fair and Affordable Housing

Mary Paden

housing@fairfaxnaacp.org


Freedom Fund (Fundraising)

Evelyn Spain

freedomfund@fairfaxnaacp.org


Health

health@fairfaxnaacp.org


Legal Redress

Meredyth Havasy

legalredress@fairfaxnaacp.org


Membership

Jasmine Carr and Jesse Ernest

membership@fairfaxnaacp.org


Political Action

Lenior Simmons

politicalaction@fairfaxnaacp.org


Religious Affairs

Eliza Selander and Pam Dister

religiousaffairs@fairfaxnaacp.org


Women in NAACP (WIN)

win@fairfaxnaacp.org


Young Adult

Jaelin N. Mitchell and Nico Climaco

youngadult@fairfaxnaacp.org


Youth Works Advisor

Anita Gill-Anderson

youthcouncil@fairfaxnaacp.org







Fairfax County NAACP

www.fairfaxnaacp.org | communications@fairfaxnaacp.org

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