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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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Introducing 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’re kicking 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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Kicking Off Our Summer Reading Series!
Spotlighting the Literary Voices of Our NAACP Community
We’re thrilled to launch our first installment of the Fairfax NAACP Summer Reading Series—a celebration of the published authors within our own membership. These are the powerful voices shaping culture, sparking thought, and telling the stories that need to be heard.
Each book featured reflects the depth, brilliance, and creativity found right here in our NAACP family.
Take a moment to explore these titles, support our member-authors, and maybe even find your next great summer read.
Stay tuned—more inspiring books are on the way!
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From Pugwash to Putin
From the first scientific exchanges of the Cold War years through the years following the fall of the Soviet Union, Dr. Gerson S. Sher provides a sweeping and critical history of what happens when science is used as a foreign policy tool. Sher, a former manager of these cooperative programs, provides a detailed and critical assessment of what worked, what didn't, and why it matters.
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Understanding Hate Crimes
Authored by pioneering Black criminologist, Dr. Carolyn Turpin-Petrosino, this book on hate crimes emerged in the wake of the brutal murder of James Byrd Jr. and the urgent need for comprehensive academic material on the subject. Written after the author developed and taught one of the first university-level courses on hate crimes. At a time when little existed for educators, and virtually no published work addressed the historical context of anti-Black violence as hate crime, this text broke new ground—offering both an educational framework and a long-overdue reckoning with the racialized roots of hate in America.
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July General Membership Meeting: Honoring Excellence in Service and Sisterhood
At our July General Membership Meeting, we proudly recognize the Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as the winner of our BGLO Membership Challenge.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
7 PM
Zoom
This dynamic chapter continues to demonstrate the true power of collective impact. With a deep commitment to public service, the Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter has embraced a mission rooted in social action, education, and community uplift. Their initiatives reflect a clear understanding of today’s political landscape, emphasizing hands-on service, charitable giving, and programs that empower and educate.
We are proud to honor their enduring legacy of sisterhood and civic engagement!
RSVP Below
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Lace Up for Impact – The Freedom Fund Gala Is Around the Corne
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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June Event Highlights
June was definitely a busy month of momentum—marked by partnerships, policy engagement, and powerful community presence.
We opened the month with a Community Forum, where our Criminal Justice Committee continued its ongoing work to foster accountability and transparency. The community participated in a critical conversation to discuss the recent FCPD Police Foot Pursuit Policy, ensuring our communities are not only heard—but protected and respected.
From there, our branch continued to show up and show out across the county. We celebrated education and opportunity with our successful inaugural College Day event—amplifying higher education access and readiness for Black students. We also joined forces with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter for their Women’s Wellness Workshop—centering health, healing, and empowerment for women across our community.
Mid-month, we stood in unity at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration with NOVA Parks, honoring our ancestors while reaffirming our commitment to freedom, justice, and collective liberation.
Our advocacy also extended into the arts, as members of our branch gathered for 1st Stage NAACP Night at the Theater—a powerful evening where culture met community and the stories of Black lived experiences took center stage, highlighted by renowned playwright August Wilson’s award-winning play, The Piano Player.
We held our June General Membership Meeting, where Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill joined us for a candid conversation about the FY2026 budget and the need for continued investment in equity-centered priorities.
We closed out the month with a powerful Tri-Branch Town Hall, co-hosted with the Arlington and Alexandria NAACP branches, focused on the impact of current policy on the Black community.
Whether advocating for safety and transparency, celebrating culture, expanding educational success, or influencing county policy, June reflected the full spectrum of our mission: to educate, empower, and activate our community in pursuit of lasting systemic change.
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Highlights from our Community Forum on the FCPD Police Foot Pursuit Policy
Here’s a look at how we’re taking action for transparency and accountability in Fairfax County. On June 2, we hosted a virtual Community Call to Action in response to the Fairfax County Police Department’s unilateral decision to move forward without input from the Foot Pursuit Equity Action Team—an alarming breach of community trust.
The conversation featured powerful insights from Assistant Public Defender Bryan Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Vernon Walton, both deeply involved in equity work across the county. Moderated by our Criminal Justice Chair, Pratik Kharat, and Vice Chair, Matthew Sowd, the discussion unpacked why this lack of transparency matters—and how we move forward, together. Stay engaged. Our collective voice is our greatest power.
You can view the full recording of the conversation below.
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Highlights from our Inaugural College Day
Here’s a look at how we’re investing in the future of our youth. Our inaugural College Day and presentation of the Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship brought energy, inspiration, and opportunity to the Gum Springs Community Center.
Thank you to everyone who showed up in support—from students and families to college representatives and military recruitment teams from the U.S. Coast Guard, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.
We’re especially grateful to our generous sponsors: Local 5 Plumbers Union, Fairfax Education Association, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, Dominion Energy, and Omega Psi Phi OKK for making this day possible!
Below is a preview of photos from the event—more will be uploaded to our website soon.
| | Sydney Simon, daughter of Michelle Leete, presenting the Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the Fairfax County NAACP. | | Two of the four Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship recipients pictured with School Board Members Dr. Ricardy Anderson (left) and the Honorable Rachna Sizemore Heizer (middle), alongside Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid (right). | | Fairfax County NAACP Executive Committee members (L–R): First Vice President Evelyn Spain, Second Vice President and Education Chair Dr. Sujatha Hampton, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Darrell Allen (standing in back), Virginia NAACP Region 3 Vice President Karen Campblin, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Tara F. Simmons-Smalls (standing in front), President Niki Zimmerman, and Secretary Michael O’Brien | | Florida A&M University (FAMU), one of the many colleges represented at our inaugural College Day. The strong presence of colleges and universities played a vital role in making the event a success—opening doors, sparking conversations, and inspiring our next generation of scholars. | | A representative of Alpha Beta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., supporting our College Day efforts and continuing their legacy of service to all mankind. | | The Fairfax Education Association standing in solidarity with the Fairfax County NAACP to uplift educational equity and opportunity for all students | | |
Highlights from the Women's Community Wellness Workshop
The Fairfax County NAACP partnered with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter to host Protecting Your Health: Connecting Heart Health and Diabetes—a free community workshop focused on the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular health. Led by guest speaker Dr. Sharmaine McCoy of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Center, the session offered critical education, practical tools, and encouragement for managing diabetes while prioritizing heart health.
View photos from this impactful event below.
| | Members and partners of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter and Fairfax County NAACP gather in solidarity after a successful and impactful Women’s Health Forum. | | A moment of recognition during the Women’s Health Forum, honoring contributions to community health education and advocacy. | | Guest speaker Dr. Sharmaine McCoy of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Center delivered an engaging and informative presentation on the critical link between diabetes and heart health. | | Community members gathered for the Women’s Health Forum, engaging in a powerful evening of learning, sharing, and empowerment focused on diabetes and heart health. | | Attendees listened intently as health experts shared life-saving insights on preventing and managing diabetes while protecting heart health—a powerful reminder of the importance of wellness in our community. | | Dr. Sharmaine McCoy shares vital information on the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular health during the Women’s Health Forum | | |
Highlights from our 4th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration
On June 21, the Fairfax County NAACP and NOVA Parks hosted the Fourth Annual Bull Run Juneteenth Commemoration on the historic grounds of the largest pre-Civil War emancipation. This powerful gathering brought together community members for an afternoon of reflection, remembrance, and celebration. The program featured moving tributes and musical performances that honored the legacy of freedom and resilience, followed by a community Ice Cream Social that encouraged connection and fellowship.
This year’s event was captured on video—you can view the full program below and experience the power of the day for yourself.
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Highlights from the 1st Stage NAACP Night at the Theater
In honor of Juneteenth, Fairfax County NAACP members and their guests were invited to a special evening at 1st Stage in Tysons Corner for a powerful performance of The Piano Lesson by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. The evening began with a pre-show reception, where attendees connected over refreshments and learned more about 1st Stage’s mission to make theater accessible and inclusive.
Wilson’s soul-stirring drama—part of his acclaimed American Century Cycle—delivered a moving exploration of legacy, memory, and identity through the story of a family grappling with the past and their inheritance. It was a night where culture, history, and community came together in celebration and reflection.
| | | | Fairfax County NAACP members and guests shared an inspiring evening of art and fellowship during NAACP Night at the Theatre. The evening began with a warm and welcoming pre-show reception, but due to weather conditions, the performance of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson was unfortunately interrupted. Still, the spirit of the night remained strong, and everyone had a great time connecting and celebrating together. | | |
Highlights from our June General Membership Meeting
Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill joined our June General Membership Meeting to provide an overview of the newly adopted FY 2026 Budget. He outlined key priorities, addressed fiscal challenges, and shared how the County’s ongoing equity work—through the One Fairfax policy—is shaping local services, development, and community engagement. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly in this important conversation about the future of Fairfax County.
His portion of the meeting begins at the 17:16 mark in the video below.
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Highlights from the Tri-Branch Town Hall
The Fairfax County NAACP co-sponsored a powerful Town Hall alongside the Arlington and Alexandria NAACP branches, focused on the impact of the current administration’s policies on the Black community.
We were honored to host a distinguished panel featuring Congressman Don Beyer, Delegate Marcus Simon, Alexandria Councilman John Chapman, and Arlington County Board Member, the Honorable JD Spain.
Together, panelists and attendees engaged in a meaningful discussion on local and federal policy decisions—and the urgent need to center Black voices and lived experiences in the fight for equity and justice.
| | (L–R): Congressman Don Beyer, Arlington County Board Member Mr. JD Spain Sr., Fairfax NAACP President Niki Zimmerman, and Virginia State Delegate Marcus Simon | | (L–R): Virginia State Conference NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey and Congressman Don Beyer | | Community members and leaders gathered in solidarity, captured here during a moment of unity at the Town Hall event. | | 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.
| | Fairfax NAACP Executive Committee | | | | |
