Fairfax County honors local heroes during Black History Month

*Louise Archer, one of the people to be commemorated with a historic marker, was one of the first teachers at the Vienna Colored School when it opened in 1939. [Louise Archer Elementary School]*

Fairfax County honors local heroes of the African American community during Black History Month.

A commemorative banner in honor of Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson is on display at the Providence Rec Center, and six new historic markers relating to Black history have been approved for installation around the county.

Henderson (1883-1977), led the fight against racial discrimination in housing, law enforcement practices, transportation, education, athletics, and more.

In the early 1900s, Henderson pioneered physical education programs for Black children. Known as “the father of Black basketball,” he improved sports facilities and organized events and athletic associations to foster a culture of athletic competition in the Black community.

He also organized the Falls Church chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. With courage undeterred by death threats and burning crosses, he was a champion for civil rights and racial equality for more than 70 years.

The new historic markers were proposed by students as part of the Fairfax County Black/African American Historical Markers Project.

That project, launched in July 2021, encourages students to shine a light on the accomplishments of members of African American communities underrepresented in history books.

The six markers honor the following individuals:

Louise Archer, an educator who supported numerous students. (Proposed for the Hunter Mill District)

Lillian Blackwell sued successfully to ban segregation of movie theatres and public schools. (Providence/Hunter Mill)

Annie Harper challenged the constitutionality of Virginia’s poll tax. (Mount Vernon)

Robert Gunnell, a freedman, conveyed land for Gunnell’s Chapel, a 19th century African American Methodist Church. (Dranesville)

Colin Powell, a longtime county resident, four-star general, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the first African American secretary of state. (Dranesville)

December 20, 1856: The 16. This marker recognizes 16 enslaved individuals named in an 1856 property inventory for the land on which West Springfield High School now stands. (Springfield)

Students, classes, and scout troops submitted 53 proposals to honor individuals, groups, and locations relevant to Black/African American history in Fairfax County.

A committee selected 15 finalists. Members of the History Commission reviewed them for feasibility and historical accuracy and chose the final six. The markers will be installed this year.

For more information on Fairfax County African American history and stories, visit the Park Authority’s Black History Month website.

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