[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNIZING THE 2015 HONOREES OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY BRANCH OF THE NAACP

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2015 
Honorees of the Fairfax County Branch of the National Association for 
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The Fairfax Branch is 
recognized as the NAACP's first rural chapter. In 1915, a few brave 
African American citizens in Falls Church, Virginia, fought a proposed 
ordinance that would have segregated housing. They called themselves 
the Colored Citizens Protective League (CCPL) and the group evolved to 
become the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP. Since its inception, the 
NAACP has promoted equal rights and justice for all and has shown a 
spotlight on issues of great importance including civil rights, 
education, voting rights, desegregation, and prison reform. I have been 
honored to work with this organization and pledge my continued support 
of our shared goals.
   Each year, the Fairfax County NAACP honors several deserving 
individuals and organizations that have shown extraordinary support of 
the Branch or the community. I am honored to submit the names of the 
following award winners:
   President's Awardees:
   Cassie Marcotty, Abby Conde, Anna Rowan, Lidia Amanuel, and Marley 
Finley. These high school student leaders formed ``Students of 
Change,'' now known as CAALM (an acronym of their initials), to 
spearhead the initiative to rename JEB Stuart High School as Thurgood 
Marshall High and to remove all symbols and mascots that honor the 
Confederate Legacy.
   The President's Award will also be presented to Virginia House of 
Delegates member Scott A. Surovell of the 44th District, for his 
exceptional leadership and support to the communities of Hybla Valley 
and Gum Springs in southern Fairfax County.
   Community Service Awardees:
   Debbie Kilpatrick for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and 
dedication as President of the Fairfax County Council of PTAs.
   Celeste Peterson for establishing the Erin Peterson Scholarship Fund 
and her devotion to the Young Men's Leadership Group at Westfield High 
School.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
2015 honorees of the Fairfax County NAACP and in thanking them for 
their tremendous contributions to our youth and our community.

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