More than 225 years ago, Samuel and Nellie Naylor were both born and enslaved at the Liberia House in Manassas. After the Civil War, Samuel could purchase his freedom and eventually bought 50 acres of land in what is now Manassas Park. Nellie, enslaved by William Weir, was given 12 1/2 acres of land after the war and continued to live in the house, raising seven children and dividing the land among them. On Sunday, in that same location, the city rightfully honored the Naylor family as they officially dedicated Naylor Drive near Park Central Plaza.

Joined by several relatives, friends, and city officials, they held a beautiful ceremony to honor the remaining members of the family, with many traveling as far as Philadelphia to attend. With a family that spanned five generations, it was fitting that on a picturesque Sunday morning they showcased their rich legacy in a manner fitting of the challenges they overcame to get to this point. Remarks from community leaders such as Manassas Park Jeanette Rishell, Manassas Museum Programs & Events Coordinator Rachel Goldbert, and City Councilman Darryl Moore highlighted the significance of not only the sign’s unveiling, but the perseverance of the Naylor family and why it was important to place it near the future town center in one of Prince William County’s most rapidly growing areas.

Speaking of history, both Robert and Richard Naylor spoke in-depth about the stature of the Naylor family. Nellie reportedly met with President Abraham Lincoln during his visit to the Liberia house to meet with Union troops at the time of the war. What they said may not have been recorded, but possibly that meeting could have led to the protection of the Liberia House.

After a lovely rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by former Manassas Park High School student and current North Carolina Central University student Ja’Nesse Jefferson, her brother had a clarion call for the Black community in a powerful reading.

As the celebration continued, the governing bodies, along with Naylor Family Historical Society President Ninneall Naylor, walked over to the location of the sign and completed the unveiling to a raucous cheer from the attendees. Naylor Drive was officially revealed, and Vice Mayor Preston Banks led the toast. Afterwards, we spoke with several members of the family to get their thoughts on the occasion. Yvonne Naylor, the current matriarch, spoke with elation that her grandmother was honored in such a way.

“She lives in our hearts and is always with us,” she said. “Looking around at the Naylor family I can see my grandmother in all of this!”

She joked about how despite being such a large family, they remained a unit. “Remember, they didn’t have Netflix back then [laughs], and it was fifteen of them, but they always stayed together.”

“It makes me feel good,” she said about being at the ceremony, “and I wouldn’t miss being here for the world to honor a great woman like my grandmother.”

Pastor Keith Savage, of First Baptist Church of Manassas, spoke about the meaning of the holiday and what it meant to honor the family on this day.. “Juneteenth is a reminder of freedom from slavery, but it’s also the freedom to understand our heritage”

He continued. “Now we have that ability to know our family tree, and being able to link our history, it shows what we as a people have had to overcome. Here in Prince William County, a minority-majority county, today we’ve honored such a wonderful family such as the Naylors, and for the state and local government to recognize that, is a golden opportunity. If we’re going to heal as a nation, and be what the Constitution says we’re supposed to be, then it takes moments like this and knowing that we are to be united.”

The Naylors have such an extended family, and it was reflected when Jefferson and her brother spoke about what it meant to participate: “It meant the world to me to sing,” said Jefferson. “Growing up in Manassas, I was honored to come back and do something for the city.”

“Just to see the unveiling, it only shows me where we’ve been, but how much further we have to go. We are at the point where we can celebrate the things that Black people have had to deal with generations. To see the lineage of this amazing family be honored in Manassas Park, it meant everything.”

As Juneteenth is in its second year as a federally recognized holiday, what message should the youth take from it?

“What the youth can take from this is that we are history,” she continued. “Everyone starts somewhere, so just because we don’t see if happening yet, doesn’t mean it’s not working. Although the Naylor family received their property, it wasn’t recognized until 225 years later, so never allow someone not recognizing you to validate your presence.”

“If we show them the way they can go, then it will set them up for a bright future. It may not happen in our lifetimes, but we must put them on our shoulders, just as those who came before us did the same thing!”

Her brother echoed her sentiment. “My grandfather was a Harris, so it meant so much to me to be here. They asked if I knew someone who could sing, then I thought immediately of my sister, and it’s amazing to be a part of something positive, especially on a day like this.”

Lineall Naylor made the recommendation that perhaps this won’t be the only time the Naylors will be celebrated as she addressed the crowd, “We are doing to do everything possible to have a Naylor Day in Manassas Park!”

Afterwards, they had the Naylor Family Cemetery Dedication over on Adams Street, where they did a prayer to honor the ancestors and a plaque unveiling in their name.

Finally, the day concluded with a visit to the Liberia House landmark, where people could take a tour of the land once owned by Samuel & Nellie Naylor. It brought a full circle of joy and triumph for a family whose legacy is filled with both.