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In this Issue:
- February General Membership Meeting
- Calling all Youth Ages 20 and Under
- Fairfax NAACP Black History Month Commemoration
- A Message from President Kofi Annan
- J.E.B. Stuart High School Change the Name Update
- Fairfax NAACP Young Adult Committee
- NAACP T-shirts on Sale
- Youth Leadership Conference
- NAACP Image Awards
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February General Membership Meeting
Please join us on
Saturday, February 11th from 10 am-Noon for our monthly meeting at Kings Park Library located at 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015.
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Calling all Youth
A
ges
20 and Under
We are in the process of forming a Youth Council for our branch in an effort to make our youth more politically attune to the issues and arm them with the tools needed to become effective activists for the issues affecting their lives, schools and communities. The council will provide our next generation of leaders with leadership development training, educate them on ways to conduct proactive political activism, and community service, while creating an environment of positive youth engagement.
For a limited time the branch is offering complimentary memberships to youth ages 20 and under. For more information email youthcouncil@fairfaxnaacp.org or click HERE to join.
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A Message from Kofi Annan -
President, Fairfax County NAACP
Barack Obama’s presidency bestowed us the hope that our country was living up to the ideal that “all men are created equal”. In contrast, both the electoral results of and political climate surrounding the 2016 election reminded us that those words are not a reality for many Americans. If the past eight years gave us the aspiration that individual and institutionalized racism may be mitigated in our lifetimes, the coming years will undoubtedly remind us that the enemies of equality are retooled and recharged. This reality has been a clear and important response to those who have previously or currently question the need for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP).
Fairfax County is in itself a fault line between various ideologies, nationalities, experiences, and opinions – making it a microcosm of the all the hot button national debates. Many Fairfax residents can easily recall a time when black and brown faces were so rare in their neighborhoods and schools that minority needs and concerns were easily ignored or overlooked. In recent years, the friction caused by demographic changes in our communities has manifested itself in a number of ways including battles over immigration reform, education reform, criminal justice reform, and funding for affordable housing, just to name a few. Fairfax NAACP has been at the forefront of these issues, and will continue to advocate for inclusive and effective reform in the years ahead.
Now, more than ever, there is a need for the NAACP. Just as the soldiers of oppression feel emboldened to roll back the clock to the “good ol' days”, we too should feel inspired and empowered to not only secure the gains made thus far, but to fight to make even more progress in holding America accountable to its stated ideals. To those who say now is the time to lay low, I say now is the time fight harder than we’ve ever fought before. To those who say the political climate is too hostile to demand change, I say now is the time to lock arms and forge ahead. Progress has never been linear, and the road has never been smooth, but together we shall overcome.
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As previously reported, in July, 2016 the FCPS School Board passed a resolution calling for the Superintendent to appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to consider changing the name of J.E.B Stuart High school. After a long delay due to the resignation of Superintendent Susan Garza, the Interim Superintendent, Steve Lockard, has selected the members of the Ad Hoc Committee.
The first meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, February 8th. So far we have confirmed that Branch members George Alber, Edwin Henderson, Ken Longmyer and Shirley Ginwright, as well as five other community members and supporters of our advocacy have been selected for the Ad Hoc Committee. The other supporters include: Arian Habibi and Julia Clark, both students at Stuart HS; Rod Green of Howard University; David Hardison and Stephen Spitz, residents of the Stuart community; and Debbie Ratliff, community resident and parent.
We will share more information following the initial meeting and as it becomes available.
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Fairfax NAACP
Young Adult Committee
We’re excited to announce our newly formed Young Adult Committee chaired by Orlando Johns and Brittany Jackson. The Young Adult Committee will focus on increasing membership through social media and community outreach, providing academic and professional development resources to our young adult members, as well as supporting Fairfax and broader NAACP initiatives and efforts.
But, we need your support!
Young Adult participation is critical to the success of our committee and our work to determine and resolve issues affecting the young adult community. If you’re interested in joining the Fairfax NAACP Young Adult Committee, please contact
YoungAdult@fairfaxnaacp.org
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NAACP T-shirts on Sale
Be prepared for the next rally or march with your NAACP t-shirt.
NOW ON SALE!
$15
(Choice of colors)
Purchase one or two at our monthly general membership meetings.
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All proceeds support our community outreach and programs.
'BECAUSE FREEDOM ISN'T FREE'
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Noble
Youth Leadership Conference
Since 1976, NOBLE has served as the “Conscience of Law Enforcement,” addressing critical issues germane to improving both the law enforcement profession and its service to our community. The NOBLE Youth Leadership Conference is one component of NOBLE’s community outreach efforts. Youth, 14-18 years old, participate in a leadership conference in conjunction with the 40th Annual NOBLE Training Conference and Exhibition. The NOBLE Youth Leadership Conference will include workshop topics such as:
- Community Advocacy
- Financial Management
- Leadership Development
- Strategic Planning
- Knowing your Political Landscape
What is the cost?
The program is FREE for all participants. Transportation to and from the conference location is the responsibility of the applicant.
Who is eligible?
Youth, both male and female, ages 14-18, nominated by an organization.
What are we looking for?
- A broad representation of youth who have an interest in and the capability of becoming leaders.
- Youth whose applications indicate a strong motivation to attend.
- Youth with a variety of interest and hobbies.
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8TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 AIRS LIVE ON TVONE 9:00PM EST
Presented annually, the NAACP Image Awards is recognized as the Nation’s preeminent multi-cultural awards show from an African American point of view. The event celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.
Honorees, presenters, performers and social justice advocates have included many of the major celebrities in America as well as international political figures and dignitaries. There are 55 competitive categories in the fields of motion picture, television, recording and literature. There are also several honorary awards including the Chairman’s Award, President’s Award, Vanguard Award, Entertainer of the Year and the Image Awards Hall of Fame.
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Have you joined the movement?
Supporting Fairfax County NAACP makes a direct and positive impact in our community.
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Membership in the NAACP is just $30 a year. With so many issues facing our children and our community, we need your support. Your donations support our branch's advocacy, community programs, and operations. Our members spend countless hours fighting injustices. We could do so much more with your assistance. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to join along with donating to our branch.
Please Join and Donate TODAY!
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