by John Reid

On Saturday at the James J. McCoart Building in Woodbridge, the Prince William County Human Rights Commission held their annual Universal Human Rights Day Celebration. This year’s theme was “Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All,” focusing specially on remembering the 70th anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, which took place in 1954, ruling that the “separate but equal” doctrine was unconstitutional. The purpose of the ceremony was to honor those who continue to promote human rights principles and make great contributions to the Prince William County community.

Board of County Supervisor Chair-at-Large Deshundra Jefferson addressed the audience by highlighting the importance of everyone doing their part to advance the cause of human rights. “I think today should serve as a reminder that we should work together,” Jefferson said.”

“It’s one thing to say what we need to do,” she added, “it’s another thing to go out and do it.”

The keynote speaker was Manassas City Councilman Ralph Smith, who spoke about the role of faith-based communities in the cause of civil rights. Smith, who began his first protest at the age of nine, was instrumental in helping Black people in Mississippi to vote, and later became a PWC NAACP president. He talked about the historic walkout of Prince Edward County public schools in 1951 by Barbara Johns, niece of the Reverend Vernon Johns.

Although the schools were not officially integrated in Virginia until 1959, he stated that, “There are still parts of [Brown v. Board of Education] which still needs to be fully integrated.” This, as the state has attempted to eliminate Black history curriculum in several public schools in order to whitewash history.

“If we are to be free,” Smith added, “we cannot sell our birthright for freedom.”

He cautioned the audience to continue the fight for human rights. “To waste the lesson [of Prince Edward County] would be a travesty for the entire country.”

Then, the five honorees were presented their awards for their outstanding service:

Prince William County Police Women’s Mentorship Program founders Lieutenant Astrid Robinson and Detective Michelle McAllister.

Prince William County Community Foundation founder Dr. Vanessa Gattis, which through the C.H.O.W (Combat Hunger on Wheels) wagon has helped the most vulnerable residents combat food insecurity.

Chrissy Fauls, who has provided resources to educate community members on issues of addiction, human trafficking, online exploitation and mental health.

MATCH UP founder Rania Lateef, a student at Colgan High School, who has helped new mothers by given them and their babies access to essential postnatal items.

Congregation Ner Shalom Rabbi Elizabeth Goldstein, who has worked tirelessly for social justice throughout the county and fighting antisemitism through education and dialogue.

Dr. Gattis, whose organization will be participating in the fourth annual Point-In-Time Homeless Count on January 24th to distribute items to the homeless community, spoke with the PW Perspective about what the honor meant. “It’s a blessing because our foundation is being recognized for what we’re doing in the community. It’s an entire effort of volunteers, the board, and different organizations to help us be who we are.”

To find out more about the Human Rights Commission, visit their website.