Register now (pay later). Find out more about our Inaugural Golf Tournament on August 23!


 Message from the President

Summer has finally arrived.  I certainly hope you are taking advantage of it.  Time to work in the yards, paint the house (inside and out), and enjoy the parks, museums, and other activities offered in Fairfax County.  

Our membership continues to increase. We welcome all of our new members and those who have chosen to renew their memberships. We also welcome Mattie Palmore as our Membership Chair. Mattie is a long-time member of the NAACP, a community activist and is “out front” in increasing our membership.

If you haven't noticed, we have chosen not to send out a newsletter.  Instead, we are sending our News for You," a bi-monthly update and our version of the newsletter.  This is our way of keeping you informed of local news and events (to include chapter activities) that are of interest. It is also a way you can contribute.  If you have something that you would like to include, send a message to us at fairfaxnaacp@gmail.com. The Communications, Press and Publicity Committee, chaired by Damita Snow, approve all submissions.  We would like to hear from you on your thoughts of the “News For You.”

Fairfax County is closer to selecting a Police Chief. I will participate on the interview panel for this position. We are expecting a final selection in the July timeframe. With Fairfax County having a high rate of complaints against the police department, we are hopeful the new Chief of Police will implement some policies to reduce this trend. I do know that Fairfax County NAACP will be looking to meet with him/her on our concerns and are keeping a watch on the complaints.

The Legal Redress Committee, chaired by Ralph Cooper, is actively engaged in responding to alleged complaints of discrimination. Most of these complaints are from “nonmembers.”  While we accept all complaints, our resources are limited. Ralph and his committee are “unpaid volunteers.”  They have resolved many complaints in favor of the complainant, some receive monetary damages. Unfortunately, the complainant walks away without giving a donation, or becoming an active participant of the branch. Monetary donations help us to continue the work of the branch and help in the fight of injustice.

Join us on August 23, for our Inaugural Golf Tournament at Fort Belvoir Golf Club. This event is a fundraiser to support the branch’s activities.  Cost is $100/golfer with a 2:00 pm Shot-Gun Start. There are lots of prizes.  Register at www.fairfaxnaacp.org.  Hope you to see you there.

We now have a Youtube Channel. Check us out at NAACPFairfax. Thanks to everyone that participated in the Power Pack Program (P3). Branch members bagged food for elementary students to take home for the weekend. We partnered with Food for Others, a local food bank, to make this venture possible. Above is a picture of our members in action.

Don't forget to check our website often and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @FairfaxNAACP and Facebook.  Until next month, be blessed.

Shirley Ginwright
Shirley Ginwright
President
Fairfax County NAACP