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.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/713

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #KENTCANDO #BlackHistory #VirginiaHistory #JustMe #PhotoWalk

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.

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #KENTCANDO #TeamKent #NMAAHC #Smithsonian  #BlackHistory #HistoryMatters

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. 

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/711

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #KENTCANDO #TeamKent #WashingtonCommanders #RaiseHail #HTTC

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Before 1954, African American students in Fairfax County who wanted to attend high school had to travel outside the county—either to Manassas or to schools in Washington, D.C. That changed when Luther P. Jackson High School opened in September 1954 as the county's first—and only—high school built to serve African-American students. Named for historian, educator, and voting-rights advocate Luther Porter Jackson, the school became a source of pride and opportunity for generations of students.

Ironically, the school opened the same year the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision declaring segregated public schools unconstitutional. Despite the ruling, Luther Jackson opened as a segregated school and remained the county's only school for Black students in grades 7–12 until integration began in 1965.

Today, the building continues to serve the community as Luther Jackson Middle School, while a Fairfax County historical marker commemorates the school's important role in the county's educational and civil rights history.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/708

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #KENTCANDO #BlackHistory #VirginiaHistory #JustMe #PhotoWalk