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In this Issue
- State of the School Campaign | November 12
- Special General Membership Meeting | November 26
- Your Voice Matters!
- Join the Fight
- Available Internship
- Highlights from Our Freedom Fund Gala
- Member Spotlight
- Maintain Your Membership
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State of the School Campaign | | |
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Join Us for an Important Discussion on Education Equity in Fairfax County Public Schools!
We invite you to join us for a vital conversation on the challenges and opportunities for Black students and teachers in FCPS. The State of Our Schools for Black Students and Teachers event will take place on Tuesday, November 12th, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Vienna.
Enjoy refreshments at 7:00 pm, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of FCPS; Dr. Sujatha Hampton, 1st VP and Education Chair of Fairfax County NAACP; and Mike Woltz, Legal Redress Chair of Fairfax County NAACP. Together, we’ll address key issues impacting Black students and educators, including:
- Leadership support during racial incidents
- Student achievement in reading and math
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Access to advanced learning opportunities for students
We welcome parents, educators, community members, and all those invested in fostering an equitable education system in Fairfax County.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from district leadership as they tackle this critical issue.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Below!
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General Membership Meeting | |
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Join Us for a Special Guest for Our November 26 General Membership Meeting
We are honored to welcome Mr. Aaron Brooks as our special guest for the upcoming Fairfax NAACP General Membership Meeting on November 26.
Mr. Brooks serves as a Peer Support Group Leader in Northern Virginia with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), where he brings his own experience as a combat veteran who served honorably as a signal operator and paratrooper in the US Army. His dedication to supporting fellow veterans is a testament to his commitment to the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Founded in 2003 as a grassroots initiative, Wounded Warrior Project began by providing basic care and comfort items to wounded service members returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, WWP has grown to meet the evolving needs of veterans through vital programs in mental health, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of millions of warriors and their families.
WWP's mission is clear: to honor and empower wounded warriors. Their vision is equally inspiring—working to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.
We look forward to hearing Aaron’s insights and learning more about how the Wounded Warrior Project continues to serve those who have served our country.
Register Below!
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Share Your Fairfax County NAACP Testimonial
As a vital part of the Fairfax County NAACP family, your voice and experiences are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we work to bring about meaningful change, and your perspective is essential in highlighting the power of our collective efforts.
We’d love to hear how the Fairfax NAACP has advocated for you or impacted your life. Have you benefited from one of our programs, events, or advocacy efforts? Has our work in education, housing, economic development, or criminal justice made a difference for you or your community? Your stories not only inspire but also help strengthen our mission, showing others the impact of the work we do together.
If you’re willing to share, please send us a short testimonial. A few sentences about your experience would be incredibly valuable. We may feature these testimonials to encourage more people to join our cause and understand the importance of the Fairfax NAACP’s role in our community.
Please email your testimonial to communications@fairfaxnaacp.org. Thank you for being a part of this movement for justice, equity, and opportunity for all!
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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
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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.
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.
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Highlights From Our Freedom Fund Gala | |
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The 2024 Freedom Fund Gala, Together We Rise, held on Saturday, November 2nd, at the Tysons Corner Marriott, was a tremendous success. The event brought together NAACP members, community leaders, and supporters for an inspiring evening that celebrated our shared commitment to social justice and raised vital funds to support the branch’s ongoing efforts. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. Special thanks to Freedom Fund Chair Evelyn Spain and her dedicated committee members for their hard work in making this event possible. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of our attendees, we are better equipped to continue driving meaningful change in our community through advocacy, education, and action.
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Fairfax NAACP President Niki Zimmerman (L), Community Award recipient Pastor Johnnie L. Abrams (C), and Fairfax County Executive and Gala Master of Ceremonies Bryan Hill (R) | |  |
Supporter Sponsor, Fairfax County Supervisor Jimenez (left), and his wife, Shannon, at the event | | |
Guests, including our Champion Sponsors, IBEW Local 26, gathered to support the event | | |
Ivy Uzzle, one of our talented vendors and the creator behind Opulent Butters | | |
Honoring the life and legacy of former President Michelle Leete with a tribute presentation | | |
Freedom Fund members Neera Datta (L), Jasmine Carr (C), and DeShane Jones (R) greeting guests at the entrance table | | |
Virginia Diamond of NOVA Labor (Champion sponsor) (L) with Fairfax NAACP Freedom Fund Chair Evelyn Spain | | |
Great to have the Gum Springs staff with us as guests | | |
More pictures will be uploaded to our website soon! | |
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. | |
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Monique Norwood
Monique is a Southern California native who has lived in Fairfax County for eight years. As an advocate for social justice, she has worked on several steering committees aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and promoting access to education, healthcare, and fair opportunities for all.
For the past four years, Monique has been a member of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP, where she has served on the Executive Committee as the Assistant Treasurer, co-chair of the Freedom Fund Committee, and has served as an Advisor for the Youth Council.
When asked what inspired her to join the branch, she said, "My twin boys motivated me to join the NAACP because I want to ensure they grow up in an environment free from systemic barriers and where their potential is not defined by racial prejudice. By being part of this organization, I’m not only supporting the movement for equality, but also teaching them the importance of standing up for justice, being active citizens, and knowing they have a community that fights for their rights and future."
Monique received her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana and works as a Clinical Pharmacist. When she’s not working, she enjoys volunteering in the community and coaching her kids in soccer and track.
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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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Have you joined the movement?
Your Support of Fairfax County NAACP makes a direct and positive impact in our community!
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Fairfax NAACP Executive Committee | | | | |
