Woodbridge, VA – When Makya Little’s campaign decided to release a 2019 recording of her first Prince William County School Board remarks, they had no idea it would go internationally viral. The remarks highlighted Little’s concerns about the miseducation of students in Virginia’s public schools regarding African American history.

Since school board meetings were not polarizing or highly attending in early 2019, Little’s campaign simply intended for the video to be the first of many installments in a series designed to explain why she chose to run for public office. However, one celebrity share after another eventually found its way to legendary music artist El DeBarge.

Eldra “El” Patrick DeBarge – an American singer, songwriter, and musician – was the focal point and primary lead singer of the family group DeBarge. Popular songs led by El DeBarge include “Stay With Me,” “All This Love,” and “Rhythm of the Night.” Currently, he performs in numerous collaborate and solo concerts across the country.

“Although I was shocked to see so many famous people reposting and commenting on our message, reading a direct message from one of my childhood celebrity idols with an offer of support and encouragement totally took the cake,” Little said.

When DeBarge asked Little to let him know if he could be of service, Little took a chance and asked if DeBarge would consider performing in her state house district (VA-HD-19) in support of her campaign for Delegate.

“…you are brilliant! I would love to perform in support of your campaign,” said DeBarge.

On Monday, June 19, 2023 – also known as Juneteenth – Little’s campaign will host their final pre-primary fundraiser featuring a performance by DeBarge. Working to create opportunities for community members, the campaign has also selected two local bands – TurnUpDeAnte & Co. and Izis la Enfermera de la Salsa – to open for DeBarge at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Woodbridge that evening.

“We hope to make ‘Juneteenth in the New 19th’ an annual community celebration of music and Black culture. It is important that we create a stage – literally and figuratively- that centers our community and their many talents,” said Little.

The PW Perspective has endorsed Makya Little in her campaign.