*GOVERNOR DECLARES JUNTEENTH A HOLIDAY!
*YOU MUST VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION ON JUNE 8TH, VOTE!
*SCHOOL BOARD RENAME ROBERT E. LEE TO SPOTSYLVANIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
JUNETEENTH! Declared a State Holiday in Virginia
VA State Legislators unanimously approved legislation making June 19 “Juneteenth” a state holiday. Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Juneteenth holiday should be a time for reflection about liberty, as well as for celebration and family strengthening. “It’s a time for optimism and joy,” Janine Bell of the Elegba Folklore Society. Celebrations are being planned throughout the United States include Stafford’s NAACP chapter. Please visit their webpage and other internet sites to locate other celebrations.
*Update on Shooting of Isaiah Brown by Sheriff’s Deputy. The branch has conducted two community sessions to provide information and updates on the status of Isaiah Brown. On May 10th, we heard from Congresswoman Abigail Spanberbger, County Supervisor Dr, Deborah Frazier, VA State Police Unit Chief John Defilippi and Mr. Brown’s Attorney David Haynes. All expressed their concerns and promised that a fair investigation will take place. The branch hosted another session on May 29. The event included Mr. Brown’s Attorney and Mr. Harvey, Director of the Police Training Academy in Fredericksburg. The attorney stated Mr. Brown has undergone four surgeries and is recovering at home. He will require lots of rehab and will have some long-term physical challenges from the shooting. He also stated that he desires more information about the officer and action surrounding the shooting. Mr. Harvey stated the academy is taking steps to address police reform ie. implicit bias, de-escalation and other measures to improve police and community relations. For questions, please call Mr. Petway at 540-847-7637.
*Human Rights Coalition for RRJ Request, The VA State Department of Corrections (DOC) Conduct a 100% Health & Welfare Inspection of the Jail!
*Plan to Vote In Primary, June 8th! Your Vote is Your Voice! Early/Absentee voting ends this Saturday, June 5th at the Office of Elections Office, 4708 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg VA 22407. This year’s primary will only include the Democratic candidates. Tuesday, June 8th is the primary election date. All citizens are encouraged to participate/vote in this election. YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
*Let Them Soar! Young People Have an Opportunity to Fly on June 12! The Eagle Flying club members are bringing their aircrafts and gathering at Shannon airfield to provide an aviation experience to young people. They will take individuals into an airplane and allow them to see and touch the controls of an aircraft. Anyone interested in having their child or are willing to participate in this event should contact the branch to obtain a registration application. For more information contact 540-847-7637.
*The “Rites of Passage for Young Men” Will be Conducted on July 17, 2021.
The mission/objective of the event is to inspire, enable, challenge and empower boys and young men to realize their full potential by putting forth their maximum efforts to become responsible, healthy, productive and successful members of society. Young men ages 10 to 18 (and in high school) can register. For more information and to apply, visit www.naacpspotsylvania.org.
*ON MAY 10, 2021, THE SPOTSYLVANIA SCHOOL BOARD VOTED TO RENAME ROBERT E. LEE ELEMENTARY TO “SPOTSYLVANIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL”!
*HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL FATHERS!
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