racism | FFXnow

Published September 11, 2024 at 1:30PM

Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County will review its property deeds to remove clauses that historically barred non-Caucasian individuals from owning or leasing property in specific neighborhoods.

In response to new research revealing the prevalence of racially restrictive covenants in Northern Virginia property deeds, the Board of Supervisors, led by Dan Storck and Rodney Lusk, unanimously approved a board matter yesterday (Tuesday) to allocate resources for eliminating any segregation-era language from county-owned property deeds and assisting private property owners in doing the same.

News

Herndon to add historical marker on library and town’s segregated past

By Acacia James

Published August 26, 2024 at 10:30AM

Herndon Fortnightly Library (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Herndon is planning a historical marker that will delve into the town’s history of segregation, particularly in connection to the Herndon Fortnightly Library (768 Center Street).

Town staff discussed the proposal with the Herndon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (HDEIC) at a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15.

News

Local historian to share research of discriminatory housing rules in Hybla Valley

By James Jarvis

Published August 16, 2024 at 2:30PM

A map of racial covenants in land deeds around Northern Virginia (via Documenting Exclusion and Resilience)

Residents of the Hybla Valley and Mount Vernon neighborhoods will have a chance to explore new research revealing the history and impact of racially restrictive deed covenants in their communities.

Later this month, Krystyn Moon, a professor of History and American Studies at the University of Mary Washington, will explain how certain racial, national, and religious groups were historically barred from buying homes in subdivisions along the Richmond Highway corridor, due to explicit restrictions written into property deeds.

Countywide

Civil rights activist who fought to desegregate Fairfax County gets historical marker

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 3, 2024 at 3:30PM

A historical marker honoring civil rights activist Lillian Blackwell is unveiled in front of Oakton High School (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

When students arrive at Oakton High School, they will now encounter a historical marker honoring civil rights activist Lillian Blackwell, whose own children might not have been allowed inside when the school opened in 1967 if not for her advocacy.

Fairfax County officials unveiled the plaque detailing Blackwell’s legacy, including her fight against the segregation of local public schools and movie theaters, at a ceremony on Saturday (June 1) attended by some of her family members and the students who suggested her for the recognition.

Countywide

New study exposes racial restrictions in historical Fairfax property deeds

By James Jarvis

Published May 10, 2024 at 9:30AM

Map of racial covenants in land deeds (via Documenting Exclusion & Resilience)

New research shows that thousands of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church deeds from the early-to-mid 20th century had language barring people of certain races, nationalities, or religions from buying property.

Researchers contend that these practices, known as restrictive covenants, play a major role in the segregation of neighborhoods throughout the county and across Northern Virginia, the effects of which are still evident today.

Around Town

Reston program to highlight history of segregated library services in N. Va.

By Fatimah Waseem

Published February 5, 2024 at 3:45PM

"Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries" is the focus of a February event in Reston (Photo courtesy Reston Museum).

The battle to integrate Fairfax County Public Library and other library systems in the region will be the focus of a Reston-based event for Black History Month.

Authors Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne LaPierre will offer a look at the overlooked history of segregated library services in Northern Virginia at the Feb. 21 event organized by Reston Museum. It’s slated to begin at 7 p.m. at Reston Community Center’s Lake Anne facility (1609-A Washington Plaza North).

News

Email sent to Oakton HS cheerleading coach suggests racist culture, NAACP says

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 17, 2023 at 1:15PM

Oakton High School (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Public Schools plans to hire an investigator to find the source of an anonymous email that decried the idea of a “colored individual” coaching Oakton High School’s cheerleading team.

Referencing former coaches from the past two years, the email was sent to the school’s current cheerleading coach, Jillian Domenech, shortly after she took over the position in March, as first reported by WTOP.