Absolon Kent

FAIRFAX CITY, Va. — Founded on May 15, 1870, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church stands as one of Fairfax County's most enduring symbols of faith, resilience, and community.

Established by formerly enslaved men and women who settled near the Fairfax County Courthouse after the Civil War, their very first act of freedom was not to build homes for themselves—but to build a house of worship. That powerful commitment became the foundation of a congregation that has faithfully served the community for more than 155 years and during the era of segregation and Jim Crow, Mt. Calvary was much more than a church. It became a vital center for Black civic leadership and the fight for civil rights in Fairfax County.

Originally located near today's Route 123, the congregation moved to its present home on Chain Bridge Road in 1957. A Virginia historical marker nearby commemorates the church's early baptismal site on Accotink Creek, where members were baptized through the 1930s.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD, Va. — In front of West Springfield High School stands a marker that reminds us that history is often hidden beneath the places we know best.

An 1856 property inventory for the land where the school currently stands recorded the names, ages, and occupations of 16 enslaved African Americans whose labor sustained the plantation that once occupied this site. While countless enslaved people remain anonymous in the historical record, this rare document preserves the identities of these individuals, ensuring they are remembered as people—not simply as property.

The West Springfield 16 Historical Marker acknowledges a difficult, but essential chapter of Fairfax County's past. It invites students, teachers, and visitors to recognize that today's classrooms stand on land shaped by the lives and labor of enslaved men, women, and children.

By commemorating the West Springfield 16, the marker transforms an ordinary school campus into a place of reflection, remembrance, and learning. It is a powerful example of how public history can honor those whose stories were too often overlooked and help us better understand the foundations of our community. Remembering the West Springfield 16 helps ensure their lives remain part of Fairfax County's story.

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WASHINGTON — Last night, Thurraya and I had the honor of attending the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

For the past decade, this extraordinary museum has preserved, shared, and celebrated the stories, struggles, achievements, and enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. Since opening in 2016, it has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, becoming a place of education, reflection, inspiration, and hope.

The evening brought together guests to commemorate this important milestone with opening remarks, a special anniversary program, and an opportunity to celebrate the museum's remarkable first ten years. Walking through the museum and sharing in this celebration was a powerful reminder that history is not only something we study—it is something we preserve, honor, and pass on to future generations.

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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — It was a great evening meeting and spending time with some of the greatest names in Washington NFL football during the Washington Commanders Night.

Great conversations and memorable photos with Santana Moss, Fred Smoot, Brian Mitchell, Jordan Reed, Chris Baker, Gary Clark, Ken Harvey, and Doc Walker marked a fantastic celebration of the team's rich history.

A big thank you to the Washington Commanders organization for hosting such a first-class event and creating an opportunity for fans to connect with these outstanding players. 

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