By Kelly Hebron: As we begin the annual celebration of Black History Month, we find ourselves at a crossroads as we reflect on this past year. Last summer’s Black Lives Matter marches and protests were not a moment but a movement. The Capitol Riot confronted us with the anger and hate that continues to permeate and seethe in this country.…
The Black Lives Matter movement touches Americans of all ages, including the residents of Greenspring, a senior living community in Springfield, who held their own memorial event on the day George Floyd was laid to rest. Approximately 155 residents, together with an estimated 20 staff members, gathered outside the Erickson Living facility on Tue., June 23, at 4 pm to…
By Bill Brazier: Like most Americans, I am disturbed by the abuse of Black Americans by police, and want to do something about it. One opportunity came earlier this month in the form of a vigil at the Fairfax County Police Department headquarters, which was not just a protest but also delivered a precise agenda for action. The event was…
By Abby Block: Protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police have spread across the nation, not just in big cities but also in small communities — like our own Mason District here in Fairfax County — that don’t typically respond in organized fashion to events far outside their boundaries. Hundred joined in on Mon.,…
By Susan Laume: Va. Lt Gov. Justin Fairfax was on hand to address protesters at the Beyond the Wall March for Justice in the Gum Springs community in Mount Vernon on June 9. The United Methodist Church event was planned in coordination with civic leaders and drew approximately 500 citizens to the peaceful demonstration. Fairfax told the racially diverse crowd…
By Marcus R. Motta: The Fairfax County NAACP drew an estimated 1,000 vehicles to a rally recently designed to demonstrate that large protests can be safely mounted during the pandemic. The event, Justice for Black Lives Car Rally, was staged in the Fairfax County Government Center parking lot on Wed., June 3. Attendees, who had reserved parking spaces earlier through…