Big Day One Early Voting Numbers; Green Valley Day; Dorie Miller; Virginia FREE Lunch
🚩 Early voting started on Sept. 20, 2024
🚩 There are 43 days until Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024
🚩 Visit http://iwillvote.com/va for info on voting in Virginia
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Rep. Robin Kelly in Petersburg with Congresswoman McClellan
The first day of early voting in Virginia on September 20 featured long lines and big numbers at the polls. Over 54,000 people in Virginia voted on day one. This week will reveal if the trend continues. The level of enthusiasm is likely connected to the historic candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Green Valley Day in Arlington
ARLINGTON, VA — Representatives from the American Legion Post 194, named after U.S. Navy Cross recipient Doris Miller were on hand at the annual Green Valley Day event in Arlington. The day features community leaders and advocacy groups, elected officials and great BBQ.
Doris "Dorie" Miller (October 12, 1919 – November 24, 1943) was a U.S. Navy sailor who was the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross and a nominee for the Medal of Honor. Miller was a mess attendant in the U.S. Navy, Miller helped carry wounded sailors to safety during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Photos: Virginia FREE Lunch in Tysons
McCLEAN, VA — The annual Virginia FREE lunch took place in Tysons. Virginia FREE began in 1988 by leaders in Virginia’s business community navigating politics. Chris Saxman is the Executive Director of Virginia FREE and they can be found here.
NAACP Virginia State Conference Statement on School Shootings
Statement from the Virginia NAACP: The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) expresses its profound sorrow over the recent tragic school shootings in Winder, Georgia, and the alarming threats of violence in Page County, Augusta County, and Harrisonburg, Virginia. According to a recent report by CNN, there have been 50 school shootings this year in the United States. While this is lower than last year’s 82 school shootings, if patterns move as they have historically, a dramatic uptick is to be expected. These disturbing incidents, some of which appear to be racially motivated, underscore the urgent need for social media education, increased mental health services, and a renewed commitment to addressing racism and inequality in our schools.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, families, and communities impacted by these senseless acts and threats of violence,” said Rev. Cozy Bailey, president. “No student should live in fear of attending school, nor should any student be the target of racially motivated hatred. This troubling reality highlights the continued need for comprehensive solutions, including expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, to foster safe and supportive environments for all students.”
While addressing school security is critical, the Virginia NAACP stresses that a comprehensive strategy is needed to tackle not only gun control but also the mental health crisis facing today’s youth. This strategy must also confront the harmful effects of racism that persist in educational settings and has motivated racial issues that our organization regularly receives reports about. The rise in violent threats demonstrates the pressing need for DEI programs and inclusive curriculums that can address these systemic issues and create inclusive school environments. Calls to dismantle DEI efforts ignore the reality of the continued presence of racism in schools, where marginalized students are often most vulnerable.
“The mental health and safety of our children must be a top priority,” continued Rev. Bailey. “We call on school districts, state leaders, and policymakers to prioritize expanding both mental health services and DEI initiatives in schools. These efforts are not mutually exclusive but critical to building inclusive and supportive environments where all students feel safe and valued.”
The Virginia NAACP also calls for collaboration between local governments, law enforcement, community organizations, and educational institutions to ensure that schools are not only secure but equipped to confront both mental health challenges and the ongoing issue of racial discrimination
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