News For You

November, 2025

NOVEMBER 2025


Dear Fairfax County NAACP Members, Supporters, and Friends,


As the leaves change and the air cools, we enter November, a month traditionally dedicated to reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.

First and foremost, I must extend my deepest thanks for your overwhelming support and participation in our October Freedom Fund Gala. By every measure, it was a spectacular success!


Your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment from our dedicated sponsors and event committee to every attendee, resulted in a vibrant evening that celebrated our achievements and raised critical funds. The success of the Gala directly fuels our mission: ensuring political, educational, social, and economic equality for all citizens in Fairfax County. Thank you for investing in our work; your partnership is what makes our advocacy powerful and effective.


As we move through the month, we pause on November 11th to observe Veterans Day. The sacrifices made by our veterans and their families are the bedrock of the freedoms we fight to uphold every day.

We offer our most profound respect and gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We encourage everyone to take a moment to honor the veterans in your own lives and communities, recognizing their unwavering dedication to our nation.


The month culminates in Thanksgiving, a time for coming together with family and community. I encourage all of us to reflect on the blessings we share, the progress we’ve made, and the strength we gain from one another. This is also a crucial time to remember those who are less fortunate and to look for ways to give back, embody the spirit of justice, and support our neighbors.


As your President, I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and passionate branch. Your work and commitment are inspiring.


Wishing you all a month filled with warmth, reflection, and community connection.


Happy Holidays!


In Solidarity,

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.


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.”.





Volunteer Opportunity: NOVA Giving Back – Thanksgiving Meal Assembly

Fairfax County NAACP is excited to join the NOVA Giving Back event at Hayfield Secondary School on Friday, November 22, 2025. We’ll be helping to assemble boxes of Thanksgiving meals for area families, and we’d love for our members—and their kids—to join us!


The volunteer shift starts at 7:00 AM. If you plan to participate, please let us know so we can coordinate.


Come help make the season brighter for families in our community!



Join Us for Our November General Membership Meeting



Members, supporters, and community partners are invited to attend our upcoming Fairfax County NAACP General Membership Meeting. This is an opportunity to stay informed about our ongoing advocacy, hear updates from our committees, and learn how you can get involved in the work ahead.


Your voice and participation strengthen our mission to advance political, educational, social, and economic equality throughout Fairfax County.


We look forward to seeing you there.



RSVP Below!




120 Days of Giving



Beginning on Black Friday, November 28, Fairfax County NAACP is launching 120 Days of Giving, a focused fundraising initiative designed to sustain and expand the work we carry forward in service to our community.


Throughout this 120-day campaign, we will highlight key initiatives—from education and civic engagement to housing, economic justice, and environmental justice—while uplifting the community partners who stand with us in this work.



We will share stories, host community-centered activities, and invite you to support efforts that protect, strengthen, and empower our community members.


We enter this season with purpose and unity. We invite you to stand with us as we work to advance civil rights and create lasting impact across Fairfax County.




Join Us For Our Holiday Party



Join us for an evening of community, celebration, and connection as we close out the year together.


Wednesday, December 17

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Gum Springs Community Center

8100 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA 22306



We’ll enjoy light refreshments, music, and fellowship—and we’ll also host an Ugly Sweater Contest, so bring your most festive (and most outrageous) holiday sweater.


This gathering is open to members, partners, and friends of the branch.


We look forward to celebrating with you!



RSVP BELOW

SAVE THE DATE: College Day 2026



Fairfax County NAACP invites you to College Day on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Gum Springs Community Center in Alexandria, Virginia.


Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


Join us for an informative and inspiring day focused on college opportunities, resources, and guidance for students and families. More details to come—mark your calendars now!

Mattie Palmore Tribute



We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved member and former Fairfax County Magistrate Hon. Mattie Palmore. Mattie was a trailblazer—one of the first Black women to serve as a Magistrate in Fairfax County—and a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She previously served as Co-Chair of our Women in the NAACP (WIN) Committee and was a respected recipient of our Community Advocate Award. Through her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice, she touched countless lives and helped shape a more equitable community. Her legacy of faith and service will continue to guide and inspire us. Rest in power, Hon. Mattie Palmore.


Tribute by Mary Paden:

Mary Paden, Housing Chair and longtime friend of Hon. Mattie Palmore, wrote a beautiful tribute in the Mount Vernon Gazette and South County Gazette when Mattie was honored at Gum Springs Community Day. Look for it in the upcoming days.

Event Highlights Recap

October Event Highlights


In October we hosted our inaugural Sneaker Ball—and it was a tremendous success!


We extend our appreciation to our supporters, members, and donors who made this event possible. We were honored to welcome Congressman James Walkinshaw and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan as speakers, and we proudly recognized our community award recipients: Mount Olive Baptist Church and the Gum Springs Community Center.


A special thanks to DeShane Jones and the Freedom Fund Gala Committee for their leadership and support throughout the planning and execution of this event.


Our October General Membership Meeting featured a timely and informative conversation with Katherine K. Hanley, Chair of the Fairfax County Electoral Board. Her insight helped prepare our members for the upcoming November elections and offered valuable clarity on key voting updates and processes.


We also held a successful Souls to the Polls event, led by Lenior Simmons and our Political Action Committee, to help mobilize voters and strengthen civic engagement within our community.


Thank you to everyone who contributed to a meaningful and impactful month.


Highlights from our 2025 Freedom Fund Sneaker Ball


Below are some picture and video highlights from our inaugural Sneaker Ball! It was an unforgettable night filled with community, celebration, and recognition. We honored outstanding contributions, enjoyed great company, and celebrated the impact of our supporters, members, and donors who made the evening possible.


Highlights from our Souls to the Polls



Below are some highlights from our Souls to the Polls event. Our community came together in a powerful show of civic engagement, supporting voters and helping ensure strong participation at the polls. It was a meaningful day of outreach, connection, and collective action.


Highlights from our October General Membership Meeting


Here are some video highlights from our October General Membership Meeting, where we welcomed Katherine K. Hanley, Chair of the Fairfax County Electoral Board, for a timely and informative discussion leading into the November elections.


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.


They are also looking for local attorneys who may be willing to accept referrals when we believe complainants could benefit from legal representation.


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   

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

Lenior Simmons

Karen Campblin

Dr. Gerson S. Sher

Jasmine Carr

Marvin Powell

Darrell Allen

Anthony Amos

Debra Graves

Anthony Walker

Committee Chairs:


ACT-SO

Jaelin N. Mitchell and Nico Climaco

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

Pratik Kharat and Matthew Sowd

justice@fairfaxnaacp.org


Economic Development

economicdev@fairfaxnaacp.org


Education

Dr. Sujatha Hampton and Marquis Smalls

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

Pat Jackson and Pam Dister

religiousaffairs@fairfaxnaacp.org


Scholarship

Darrell Allen and Tara Smalls

scholarship@fairfaxnaacp.org


Women in NAACP (WIN)

win@fairfaxnaacp.org


Youth Works Advisor

Anita Gill-Anderson

youthcouncil@fairfaxnaacp.org






Fairfax County NAACP

www.fairfaxnaacp.org | communications@fairfaxnaacp.org

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