Fairfax County Selects 6 Historical Markers To Honor Black Experience

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County identified six historical markers on Tuesday that were chosen to honor the Black and African American experience in the county.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored the students who participated in the Historical Marker Project, launched in February 2022, and who researched the stories behind the people who will be remembered on the six historical markers.

The six markers, which will be installed across the county over the next year, include Annie Harper, who challenged the constitutionality of Virginia’s poll tax, and Colin Powell, a long-time county resident who served as the first African American Secretary of State.

Students, classes and scout troops submitted a total of 53 proposals of individuals, groups and locations relevant to Black and African American history in the county.

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A committee of appointees from board offices, community organizations and student representatives reviewed the proposals and selected 14 finalists that were considered for historical markers. Four members of the History Commission were tasked with reviewing the finalists for feasibility, historical accuracy and ensuring there were no more than one marker per magisterial district.

The committee then chose six markers that met the criteria and were recommended to begin the research and installation process over the next year.

The six markers that were selected are:

• Louise Archer, an educator, who supported numerous students over her time.
• Lillian Blackwell, who sued successfully to ban segregation of movie theaters and public schools.
• Annie Harper, who challenged the constitutionality of Virginia’s poll tax.
• Robert Gunnell, a freedman who conveyed land for Gunnell’s Chapel, a 19th century African American Methodist Church.
• Colin Powell, who was a long-time county resident, four-star general, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, founder of America’s Promise and the first African American Secretary of State. There is an elementary school named after him in Centreville.
• December 20, 1856: The 16, which recognizes 16 enslaved individuals named in an 1856 property inventory for the land on which West Springfield High School now stands.

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