News For You

September, 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

President's Message


Dear Fairfax NAACP Members and Supporters,


As we transition from the warmth of summer into the crisp air of September, we are also entering a new season of purpose and action. The return of students to classrooms, the observance of Labor Day, and the upcoming voter registration deadlines serve as powerful reminders of the important work that lies ahead.


This month, the Fairfax NAACP is renewing its focus on key areas that are central to our mission. We are strengthening our back-to-school initiatives to ensure every student has the resources and support they need for a successful academic year. We also continue our unwavering commitment to voter advocacy and education, working to ensure every eligible voice is heard at the ballot box.


We know that true progress requires the collective effort of a united community. Your membership and engagement are the lifeblood of our branch, and I encourage each of you to find a way to get involved this month. Whether you are volunteering at an event, attending a meeting, or simply having a conversation about our shared values with a friend, your contribution is invaluable.


The challenges we face are significant, but so is our resolve. As we honor the legacy of those who fought for justice, let us look forward and build a future where equity and opportunity are realities for all.


We continue to rely on the support of individuals and businesses in our community to sustain our fight for racial justice. Your generous gifts are used 100% in support of our advocacy on behalf of Black people and people of color in Fairfax County. For donation

information, please click here.


We also continue to need your engagement and involvement in every advocacy effort. Please join or renew your membership today. Several of our committees are in need of volunteers. If you're a member and you haven't joined a committee yet, please sign up today and make a difference!


Thank you for being a vital part of this movement.


Together In Service,

Niki Zimmerman

Proud 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.



Submit Your Book to Our NAACP Summer Reading Series!


Are you a published author and a member of Fairfax NAACP? We still want to shine the spotlight on you!


This summer, we launched the Fairfax NAACP Summer Reading Series—a celebration of the authors within our own community. Our members have shared powerful stories, unique perspectives, and deep wisdom, and we’ve been honored to highlight those voices.


As the series wraps up, there’s still time to be featured! If you’ve published a book, send us the following:


  • 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 be featuring the final round of titles in our newsletter and across our social media platforms. Let’s continue lifting each other up and celebrating 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."




Continuing Our Summer Reading Series!

Featuring the Literary Voices of Our NAACP Community


This month, our Fairfax NAACP Summer Reading Series continues spotlighting the gifted authors in our membership—voices that challenge perspectives, uplift communities, and preserve vital stories.


Explore these titles, support our member-authors, and you just might find your next great summer read. More inspiring selections are on the way!




We Shall Not Be Moved, by Michael (M.J.) O'Brien


Once in a while, a single photograph captures the spirit of an era. At a Jackson, Mississippi lunch counter in 1963, three young protesters—one Black and two white—sat peacefully as hecklers dumped condiments over their heads. That image has since become an enduring symbol of the clash between entrenched racism and courageous vision.


Yet the story behind it is less well known. This sit-in ignited the civil rights movement in Jackson and set the stage for Medgar Evers’ leadership—and his tragic assassination soon after.


In We Shall Not Be Moved, author M. J. O’Brien places this pivotal moment in historical context, blending biography, history, and storytelling to reveal the people, risks, and legacy of a demonstration that forever changed Mississippi’s racial landscape.


Be Featured In Our 2025 Freedom Fund Gala Journal



The Fairfax County NAACP invites you to support our upcoming Freedom Fund Gala by purchasing ad space in our commemorative souvenir journal.


The Gala will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Tysons Corner Marriott.


Purchasing ad space in the Freedom Fund Gala souvenir journal is more than just a marketing opportunityit's a meaningful way to support the NAACP's mission and contribute to the success of our most important annual event. Your ad helps celebrate community leadership, uplift our shared values, and inspire continued commitment to civil rights, equity, and justice.


Ad Rates:

  • Quarter Page Ad – $115
  • Half Page Ad – $200
  • Full Page Ad – $275


To reserve your ad space and view submission details, please click here.


For any questions or custom inquires, contact Mr. DeShane Jones at gala@fairfaxnaacp.org



Deadline: SEPTEMBER 15th



Purchase Ad Space Below!



What's on the Ballot? What's at Stake? Why Your Vote Matters.



Join the Fairfax County NAACP for an important community conversation with local leaders about what’s on the November 4 ballot and why your voice at the polls is so critical.


Tuesday, September 16, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Virtual via Zoom



For questions, contact Lenior at PoliticalAction@FairfaxNAACP.org.



Register using the link below!



Pick Up a Pen, Power Up the Polls!



We’re coming together for a postcard-writing party—reminding our neighbors to make their voices heard in the November 4th General Election. Your words of encouragement can make all the difference in boosting voter turnout.


Saturday, September 20, 2025

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Pohick Regional Library – Room 1

6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke, VA 22015



Join us and be part of the movement—one postcard at a time.


Questions? Contact: PoliticalAction@fairfaxnaacp.org





September General Membership Meeting

Guest Speaker: Civil Rights Legend Joan Trumpauer Mulholland



Join Fairfax NAACP,for our General Membership Meeting on September 23 and experience an inspiring evening with Civil Rights Legend Joan Trumpauer Mulholland. By age 23, Joan had participated in more than 50 sit-ins and protests, served as a Freedom Rider, and helped organize the March on Washington. She faced death threats, attacks, disownment by her family, and hunted by the Klan persecution for her courageous activism.


Her path crossed with leaders including Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Robert F. Kennedy, Diane Nash, John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, and John Salter. In addition, she met cultural figures such as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Marlon Brando, Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson. As a white Southern woman, her courage and fortitude in the Movement is highly regarded and recognized. Joan's story has been featured in books like Growing up in Mississippi, Breach of Peace, and We Shall Not Be Moved, award-winning documentaries, and national media, including Oprah and CBS Nightly News. Recognized by President Obama, the Anti-Defamation League, and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., she continues to inspire audiences worldwide and is a sought-after speaker at major universities, charitable events, government organizations, and the United Nations.


Moderator: M. J. (Mike) O’Brien, Secretary of the Fairfax County NAACP and author of We Shall Not Be Moved, a Lillian Smith Book Award-winning account of the Jackson Woolworth's sit-in. His book, along with the film An Ordinary Life, helped bring Joan's story to national attention. Mike has been a close friend of Joan for nearly 50 years.



Register Below!




Candidate Forum: Virginia House of Delegates, Districts 14 & 18



The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area is sponsoring a candidate forum on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. featuring the certified candidates who have agreed to participate:


  • District 14: Vivian E. Watts (D) and Eric Johnson (R)
  • District 18: Kathy K. L. Tran (D) and Edward F. McGovern (R)


The forum will be broadcast live on Fairfax Public Access TV, Channel 10, and livestreamed at Inside Scoop TV Show on YouTube.




WATCH LIVE September 29th using the link below!



Interested in Organizing?



NoVA Labor is hosting an Organizer School at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria from Friday, October 3 at noon through Sunday, October 5 at noon. This training is designed for those considering a career in the labor movement as an organizer, as well as anyone who wants to learn practical tools for organizing in their own workplace.




Register Below


Lace Up for Impact – The Freedom Fund Gala is Sold Out!



We are thrilled to announce that tickets for the 2025 Freedom Fund Gala are officially sold out! On Saturday, October 18, we’ll gather for an unforgettable evening at our Inaugural Sneaker Ball, themed “The Rebirth of DEI.”


This year, we are honored to welcome U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks as our keynote speaker. We look forward to celebrating, connecting, and championing the cause with all of you.


While tickets are gone, you can still be part of the impact. Every gift toward this event goes directly to our advocacy initiatives—fueling the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity in Fairfax County.


Thank you for your overwhelming support in making this year’s Gala a sold-out success. We can’t wait to see you there—let’s show up and show out for justice, for community, and for the culture.



Support our work—make a donation below.



Event Highlights Recap

August Event Highlights


August was a month of civic engagement and meaningful dialogue for the Fairfax County NAACP.


We were proud to co-sponsor the 11th Congressional District Candidate Forum for the special election to fill the vacant seat of our friend and ally, U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly, who sadly passed away in May. The forum gave the community a chance to hear directly from the candidates and engage on the issues impacting our district.


Our General Membership Meeting featured Dr. Bryon L. Garner, Chair of the Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Board, who shared valuable insights on local policing and community oversight.


Meanwhile, our Political Action Committee, chaired by Lenior Simmons, has been hard at work preparing Get Out the Vote campaigns for the upcoming election—ensuring that the voices of our community are heard at the polls.


Fairfax NAACP continues to strengthen civic participation, advocacy, and engagement throughout the county.



Highlights from the 11th District Candidate Forum


Fairfax County NAACP participated in a recent candidate forum hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area. The forum featured candidates James Walkinshaw (D) and Stewart Whitson (R), with Katherine White serving as moderator. The event offered community members the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and engage on issues that matter most to Fairfax residents.

Pictured are moderator Katherine White (far left); candidates Stewart Whitson (middle left) and newly elected U.S. Congressman James Walkinshaw (middle right); Fairfax County NAACP Political Action Chair, Lenior Simmons (far right); along with members of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area and me representing the Fairfax County NAACP.


Highlights from the August General Membership Meeting


Our featured speaker was Dr. Bryon L. Garner, Chair of the Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Board, who shared insights on the board’s work and its role in strengthening police accountability and community trust.


You can view Dr. Garner’s remarks beginning at the 24:53 timestamp of the meeting recording.

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:


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

Edwin Salguero

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

Eliza Selander and Pam Dister

religiousaffairs@fairfaxnaacp.org


Scholarship

Darrell Allen and Tara Smalls

scholarship@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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