News For You

February 2026

FEBRUARY 2026

February President's Message: A Celebration of Heritage and Spirit


To our beloved community,


As we enter the month of February, we stand at a beautiful crossroads of reflection and celebration. Black History Month is more than a date on the calendar; it is a profound opportunity to honor the "soul of the nation" and recognize the indelible mark that African Americans have made on the tapestry of our country and our local Fairfax County home.


Honoring Our Roots, National and Local


Across the United States, we celebrate the innovators, educators, and trailblazers who moved us toward a more perfect union. From the courage of the Civil Rights movement to the brilliance of modern-day leaders, the African American journey is the American story—one of resilience, excellence, and unyielding faith.


Here in Fairfax County, that history is etched into the very soil we walk upon:

  • Gum SpringsEstablished in 1833 by West Ford, it stands today as the oldest African American community in the county—a testament to self-sustenance and triumph.
  • Tinner Hill: The birthplace of the first rural branch of the NAACP, where local heroes fought for the justice and equality we continue to uphold.
  • Legacy of Education: From the post-Civil War freedmen’s schools to the names on our local buildings, like Colin L. Powell Elementary, we see the ongoing commitment to progress and empowerment.


To be Black is to inherit a legacy of strength. It is a celebration of a culture that has birthed world-changing music, transformative art, and a spirit of fellowship that can weather any storm. This month, we don't just look back; we celebrate the vibrant, living presence of our community today. We celebrate the joy, the brilliance, and the "Black Girl/Boy Magic" that continues to inspire the world.


Join Us: Black History Month Gospel Explosion


There is no better way to conclude this month of reflection than through the power of song and community. We invite you to join us for a day of powerful praise and togetherness:


  • What: Black History Month Gospel Explosion Program
  • WhenSaturday, 28 February 2026 | 11:00 AM
  • Where: Harvest Assembly Baptist Church
  • Afterward: A delicious lunch and time of fellowship immediately following the program.


Let us come together to lift our voices, nourish our spirits, and celebrate the incredible journey that has brought us to this moment.


Forward Together,

Niki Zimmerman

President, Fairfax County NAACP



Events and News

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.

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month



This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. A century-long commitment to telling the truth about Black life, Black struggle, Black brilliance, and Black contributions in America.


What began in 1926 as Negro History Week was born out of necessity: a refusal to allow Black history to be erased, ignored, or distorted. One hundred years later, that mission remains just as urgent.


Black history is not separate from American history. It is woven into the foundation of this nation—in its labor, its culture, its innovation, its resistance, and its ongoing pursuit of justice. From those who endured enslavement, to those who fought segregation, to those who continue to challenge inequity today, our story is one of resilience, courage, and vision.


As we honor this milestone, the Fairfax County NAACP recommits itself to the work that Black History Month calls us to do year-round: protecting civil rights, advancing equity, and ensuring that the next generation inherits not just the memory of struggle, but the promise of progress.


Black history is not only something we remember. It is something we are responsible for carrying forward.


We honor the past. We serve the present. We build the future.

 

February General Membership Meeting



We are honored to welcome Edwin B. Henderson II as the guest speaker for our February General Membership Meeting.


Mr. Henderson is a lifelong educator, historian, and preservationist dedicated to preserving African American history and the legacy of Northern Virginia’s civil rights pioneers. The founder of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and Henderson House, Inc., he has spent decades advancing public history and cultural awareness in our region.


A retired Fairfax County Public Schools educator, Mr. Henderson currently serves as Chairman of the Falls Church Historical Commission and on several local boards. Named after his grandfather, Dr. E. B. Henderson—the founder of the first rural branch of the NAACP—Edwin B. Henderson II has dedicated his life to preserving history and advancing education. In 2013, his grandfather was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his role in pioneering Black basketball, a story Mr. Henderson shares in his 2024 book, The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson.



RSVP BELOW




Black History Month Gospel Explosion Celebration!



Celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of uplifting music, joyful fellowship, and community spirit!


 

Saturday, February 28th

11:00 AM

Harvest Assembly Baptist Church

8008 Fordson Rd.

Alexandria, VA 22306



Lunch provided! This is a free event, but love offerings are warmly welcomed.


Don’t miss out—bring your family, friends, and your joy!



RSVP BELOW

120 Days of Giving



During Black History Month, Fairfax County NAACP continues our 120 Days of Giving campaign—a sustained commitment to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity across Fairfax County.


Black history reminds us that progress has always been fueled by collective action and community investment. Through 120 Days of Giving, we carry that legacy forward by supporting the advocacy work that protects voting rights, expands access to education, promotes fair housing, and strengthens our community.


This campaign is not about a single day of generosity, but about showing up consistently for the work that matters. Every contribution helps ensure that our advocacy remains strong, responsive, and rooted in the needs of the people we serve.


As we honor 100 years of celebrating Black History Month, we invite you to help shape the future. Give with purpose. Stand with Fairfax County NAACP.



GIVE TODAY



Important Membership Update!




The NAACP National Board has approved an increase in Life Membership rates, effective March 1, 2026. Members who upgrade to a Life Subscribing Membership (Silver, Gold, or Diamond) and make their first payment before March 1, 2026, will be grandfathered in at the current rates.


This is an opportunity to secure a lifetime membership at today’s pricing while continuing to support the mission of equality and justice.


For additional details and full membership information, members are encouraged to review the document at the link below.



Branch Issues Statement Condemning Youngkin Pardon




The Fairfax County NAACP Branch has released a public statement strongly condemning former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s decision to pardon Wesley Shifflett in the killing of Timothy McCree Johnson. The statement reaffirms the branch’s commitment to accountability, justice, and the protection of Black lives, while calling attention to the broader systemic issues surrounding police violence and impunity.


Read the full statement below.



View Our 2026 Advocacy Agenda




Last month, we rolled out our 2026 Advocacy Agenda, highlighting the key initiatives and priorities that will guide our work in the community. From advancing equity to supporting local programs, this agenda shows where we’re focusing our energy—and how you can make an impact alongside us.


Read the full agenda at the button below.



Apply Now — Deadline Approaching!



The Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Fairfax County NAACP, is awarding three $1,000 and two $500 scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to equity in our community.


Eligible Fairfax County students must apply by February 28 to be considered. Don’t wait—take the next step toward your educational goals today! Access the application and full eligibility details using the QR code or link below.


Please share widely so we can reach students who could benefit from this meaningful opportunity.



Applications close February 28th!




Fairfax NAACP Night at the Theatre is Back!



We’re excited to invite Fairfax County NAACP members and their guests to enjoy a special afternoon at 1st Stage with discounted tickets to “Between Riverside and Crazy” by Stephen Adly Guirgis, directed by José Carrasquillo.


Fairfax Night: Saturday, March 7, 2026

Pre-show Reception: 1:00 PM (complimentary, with personal greeting from 1st Stage)

Performance: 2:00 PM

Discounted Ticket Price: $35 with promo code NAACPFAIRFAX


Winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this gripping story follows ex-cop and recent widower Walter “Pops” Washington and his newly paroled son, Junior, as they navigate life between Riverside and crazy. With the NYPD, landlords, and church on his back, Pops must confront old wounds, challenging houseguests, and one final ultimatum to hold on to his rent-stabilized apartment.


“…wonderful…a genuine original, that deserves to be seen….” — Newsday (NY)


Featuring: Dylan Arredondo, Fabiolla Da Silva, Chris Genebach, Ellis Greer, Shawn Naar, William T. Newman, and Hannah Taylor


Reserve Your Tickets: Use promo code NAACPFAIRFAX at 1ststage.org or call the box office at 703-854-1856 by February 27 to secure your seats!


Don’t miss this special opportunity to join us for a pre-show reception, meet the team at 1st Stage, and enjoy a memorable afternoon of award-winning theatre!



Purchase Tickets Below




Fairfax NAACP Winter Reading Series



Are you a published author and a member of Fairfax County NAACP? We’d love to feature your work.


As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, there’s no better time to curl up with a powerful story—and we’re bringing back our community spotlight with the Fairfax NAACP Winter Reading Series. This season, we’re highlighting the authors within our membership whose voices, experiences, and perspectives deserve to be shared.


Here’s how to participate:

If you’ve published a book, please send:


• A link to where your book can be found

• A short description (up to five sentences)

• A high-quality image of your book cover


We’ll feature several titles at a time in our newsletter and across our social media platforms throughout the winter.


Let’s continue to uplift one another and celebrate the literary talent within our NAACP family.


Submissions can be sent to Communications at communications@fairfaxnaacp.org, using the subject line: “Fairfax NAACP Winter Reading Series.”.


Our Winter Reading Series

Celebrating the Stories and Voices of Our NAACP Membership



The Fairfax County NAACP’s Winter Reading Series continues this month with a spotlight on one of our members’ remarkable works. This series celebrates the voices that strengthen our community, deepen our understanding, and ensure our stories are heard.


This month’s featured title is the perfect read for the season—stay tuned for more selections as the series continues.




The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson, by E. B. Henderson II


The Grandfather of Black Basketball tells the story of Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, a pioneering educator, civil rights activist, and sports visionary. Known as the father of Black basketball, Henderson introduced organized athletics to Black communities, helped found the first rural NAACP branch, and fought for educational equity. Written by his grandson, Edwin Bancroft Henderson II, this book finally gives long-overdue recognition to a man whose work opened doors for generations of young Black athletes and leaders.

Event Highlights Recap

January Event Highlights


In January, Fairfax County NAACP kicked off the new year by bringing members together for our Annual Advocacy Agenda Rollout, setting the tone for the work ahead.


Members, partners, and community advocates gathered to review the branch’s 2025 advocacy priorities and discuss the critical issues impacting our community at the local, state, and national levels. The meeting provided an opportunity to align our collective efforts, share insights, and recommit to advancing equity, justice, and civil rights throughout Fairfax County.


The agenda rollout served as both a call to action and a moment of clarity, grounding our advocacy work in purpose and shared responsibility as we move forward together.


Thank you to everyone who participated and helped launch another year of focused, impactful advocacy. We look forward to working alongside you in the months ahead.




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!

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.



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.



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.




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.



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




Internship Opportunities

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.

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.


Our Member Spotlight will return next month




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.

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.

Fairfax NAACP Executive Committee

Officers:


President

Niki Zimmerman

president@fairfaxnaacp.org


First Vice President

Evelyn Spain

1stvp@fairfaxnaacp.org


Second Vice President   

Les Shockley

2ndvp@fairfaxnaacp.org


Third Vice President 

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

Lenior Simmons

Karen Campblin

Dr. Gerson S. Sher

Jasmine Carr

Marvin Powell

Darrell Allen

Anthony Amos

Debra Graves

Anthony Walker

Committee Chairs:


ACT-SO

ACT-SO@fairfaxnaacp.org


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

Matthew Sowd

justice@fairfaxnaacp.org


Economic Development

Richard America

economicdev@fairfaxnaacp.org


Education

Dr. Iris Hunter

education@fairfaxnaacp.org


Environmental and Climate Justice

environment@fairfaxnaacp.org


Fair and Affordable Housing

Mary Paden

housing@fairfaxnaacp.org


Freedom Fund (Fundraising)

DeShane Jones

freedomfund@fairfaxnaacp.org


Health

health@fairfaxnaacp.org


Legal Redress

Meredyth Havasy

legalredress@fairfaxnaacp.org


Membership

Jesse Ernest

membership@fairfaxnaacp.org


Political Action

Lenior Simmons

politicalaction@fairfaxnaacp.org


Religious Affairs

Pat Jackson

religiousaffairs@fairfaxnaacp.org


Women in NAACP (WIN)

Evelyn Spain

win@fairfaxnaacp.org


Youth Works

youthcouncil@fairfaxnaacp.org






Fairfax County NAACP

www.fairfaxnaacp.org | communications@fairfaxnaacp.org

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