NAACP Arlington Branch Opens Nominations For 2022 Awards

ARLINGTON, VA — The NAACP Arlington Branch is inviting the public to nominate a person or organization for its 2022 awards. The awards will be announced at the NAACP Arlington Branch’s Freedom Fund Virtual Banquet on Dec. 14.

The deadline for submitting a nomination for the awards is Thursday, Dec. 1.

A person or organization can be nominated for the Willard W. "Woody" Brittain Community Appreciation Award, an award that was renamed in 2013 to honor Willard Woodson “Woody” Brittain for his contributions to the corporate world and the Arlington community. The award is given to a person who lives or works in Arlington, or an organization that has established or maintained a business within Arlington County.

Through their actions and service, the nominees should have contributed many hours of their time toward the betterment of Arlington County and its residents.

A person or organization also can be nominated for The Charles P. Monroe Civil Rights Award, named after the former Arlington County Board chairman, who, along with serving on the board, was a community activist engaged in increasing public participation in county government and politics.

Monroe was an advocate for affordable housing and other issues affecting the financially disadvantaged. This award is granted to a person or that has advocated for the civil rights of those living in Arlington County.

Nominations also are being accepted for the Henry L. Holmes Meritorious Service Award, an award renamed in 2012 to honor Henry L. Holmes, the first African American elected official in Arlington. Holmes served as the Commissioner of Revenue for Arlington County from 1876 to 1903.

Homes was also the first Worshipful Master of Arlington Lodge #58. Nominees can be a person or that has supported the NAACP Arlington Branch, the Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, and the Arlington community for more than two years.

The Esther G. Cooper Civil Rights Activist of the Year Award is given to a person or organization that is involved in advocating for various civil rights causes. The nominee is one who aids in the development of legislation or implementation of civil rights policies to “secure the political, educational, social, or economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons” within the Arlington County community.

Cooper organized and became the first president of the NAACP Arlington Branch in 1940.

Nominations are also being accepted for the Arlington Branch NAACP President's Award, a distinguished honor given to a person or organization that is “actively challenging others to embrace diversity and ensure greater opportunity for all people.”

The public can use this form to nominate a person or organization for the 2022 NAACP Arlington Branch Award. Questions about the awards can be emailed to secretary@arlingtonnaacp.com.