Shantell Rock, chair of the recently created Prince William County Racial and Social Justice Commission, invites the community to participate and express their views during public comment time at the Commission’s next meeting on March 18, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers at the James J. McCoart Administration Building. 

The Board of County Supervisors created the Commission to examine the state of racial and social justice for people of color in policing, the provision of government services and public education. The Commission will examine, among others, the police department’s policies, and practices, including its hiring practices and use of force protocols. The Commission will assess how the County government delivers its services and the diversity and inclusion of the workforce providing these services. In partnership with the Prince William School System, the Commission will examine how the public school system’s policies are impacting children of color. 

The Commission has twelve members. Community members are Shantell E. Rock, chair, Woodbridge; Jahanzeb Akbar, vice chair, regular at-large; London Steverson, Brentsville; Charles Haddow, Coles; Christopher Frederick, Sr., Neabsco; Oliver C. Allen, Jr., Potomac; Erica Tredinnick, Gainesville; and Vicky Castro, Occoquan. Ex-officio members include Chris Martino, county executive; Peter Newsham, chief of police; and Curtis Porter, Human Rights Commission chair. School Board members are Loree Williams and Lillie G. Jessie (alternate). 

Last week Rock met with the PW Perspective to highlight the goals of the Commission and how they will be achieved. The Commission meets on the third Thursday of every month. For more information about the Commission, visit their website. They can also be reached at their email, or call 703-792-4680.