“Revolution is not a one-time event.” -Audre Lorde

Each generation since the 1960’s has found themselves thrust into the crucible of civil rights activism, often as the result of continuous atrocities near and afar. The Freedom Summer of 2020 gave birth to a new awakening of voices as a response to the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so on. While the heat of anger transforms into protests, those voices quickly disseminate as the events get less coverage in the mainstream press. In Fauquier County, however, a movement erupted that summer that has now become a staple of the community, opening up the doors for more than just the holding of signs and social gatherings. It has created conversation, and the impetus for change is in the air.

On Saturday, the Fauquier County NAACP, along with several other supporting sponsors and community activists, held the 100th Black Lives Matter Vigil for Action at the Historic Warrenton Courthouse. What was once an unthinkable concept has now taken a life of its own, bringing together both young and old, Black and white, to lend a hand to support their neighbor in the fight for justice. As with most movements, it started off small, but it has grown to unprecedented levels, with organizations such as the League of Women Voters and others who show up to initiate action. I visited this monumental occasion and was pleased to see the groundswell of supporters who come by each weekend. There were signs, life-sized photos of countless Black men and women who were murdered, and even hand-written signs challenging local legislators to support Black farmers, soldiers and teachers.

As with most protests, however, there were counter-protestors across the street at the General District Court, although they were quite few. One or two of them would yell at the Black Lives Matter protestors, even holding signs of “All Lives Matter,” and “Black Babies Matter.” Despite their presence, it would not deter the protestors at the courthouse, raising their voices in unison and receiving several horns of support by the passersby who were driving or running. The goal was clear: never give up the fight for justice.

Dr. Ellsworth Weaver, the President of the local NAACP chapter, spoke inside the John Barton Payne Building, encouraging the protestors to keep up the good fight. “Mental health is running rapid, therefore we as an organization of people who are willing to fight and run to the end to help others who have been denied,” said Weaver. “That’s what these vigils are all about.”

He said that the protests are one thing, but it cannot stop there. “Each one of those banners that we’re carrying is sending a message. The question is, do you believe in the message, or what is something to do on a Saturday?” The crowd cheered in agreement and the message was clear, the battle would not end once the signs were put away.

The entire interview will be posted on our sister publication the PD16 Perspective this Monday. For more information on how you can support the cause, visit their website at blmvigilforaction.org.