Sunday, February 23, 2025

It is my great honor to welcome you all to the Town of Dumfries' Black History Celebration, where we gather to reflect, honor, and celebrate the incredible contributions of African Americans—especially in labor and leadership.

Before we begin, I would like to take a moment to recognize our Mistress of Ceremony, Ms. Gwendolyn Washington. Ms. Washington is a lifelong resident of Dumfries, a dedicated community advocate, and a strong voice for preserving our town’s history while paving the way for its future. Her family’s contributions to this community run deep, and today, we especially honor the lasting impact of her parents, Wilmer and Mary Porter—two pioneers whose legacies continue to shape our town and our county.

Wilmer Porter was a trailblazer in politics, making history as the first Black man elected to local government in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1962—before the passage of the Voting Rights Act. At a time when Black political leadership was nearly unheard of, he stepped forward with courage and vision, ensuring that the voices of Black citizens were represented in local government. Because of his leadership, he was able to personally guarantee the note on the Dumfries Town Hall, ensuring that our government had a permanent home and a foundation upon which to grow. His contributions to civic leadership were so significant that today, his name stands proudly on the John Wilmer Porter Municipal Building—forever honoring his dedication to this town.

Equally remarkable is the legacy of Mrs. Mary Porter, a pioneering educator who was one of just four Black teachers chosen to integrate Prince William County Public Schools. What made this effort unique in our community was that instead of integrating schools by sending Black students into white schools, Black teachers like Mrs. Porter were sent first to teach white students. She handled this historic transition with dignity, excellence, and a steadfast belief in the power of education. Her impact was so profound that her name now graces the Mary G. Porter Traditional School—a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning and equity.

This year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” calls us to reflect on the lasting impact of Black labor—from the forced labor of enslaved Africans who built the foundation of this country, to the Black labor activists who fought for fair wages and workers’ rights, to the countless Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping today’s economy.

Right here in Dumfries, our history is deeply intertwined with that labor. Long before this town was formally chartered, enslaved Africans toiled on the tobacco plantations along Quantico Creek, their labor fueling the economy of Virginia’s first chartered town. Their sacrifices, often overlooked, laid the foundation for generations of Black laborers and entrepreneurs who continued the fight for economic justice.

That fight continued in places like Batestown, a historic African American community founded by formerly enslaved families, including the Bates family. After the Civil War, Batestown became a symbol of Black self-determination, where Black families built homes, owned land, and established businesses in defiance of the odds stacked against them. Their resilience, much like that of the Porters and so many others, ensured that future generations would have a foundation upon which to build prosperity and independence.

And that fight continues today. Here in Dumfries, we are proud to be carrying forward the legacy of Black labor activism by ensuring fair wages and economic justice for our workers. Under the leadership of our current Town Council, we became the first locality in Virginia to declare a minimum wage of $15 per hour for our employees. But we didn’t stop there—we also made sure that all of our employees and their families receive 100% paid-for health benefits, ensuring that those who work for this community can thrive.

This decision is deeply tied to this year’s theme. For far too long, Black workers were denied fair wages, proper working conditions, and benefits that would allow them to build generational wealth. By making Dumfries a leader in fair wages and worker protections, we are not only honoring the legacy of those who fought for labor rights but actively building a more just and equitable future.

So, as we come together today, let us not only reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of the past but also celebrate the progress we have made and the work still ahead. Let us be inspired by those who came before us—enslaved Africans who labored without choice, pioneers like Wilmer and Mary Porter who broke barriers in government and education, and the generations of Black workers and leaders who turned struggle into success.

Let us commit to ensuring that the labor, contributions, and dreams of African Americans are not just remembered in history, but honored in the policies and actions we take today.

Thank you for being here, and let’s enjoy today’s celebration!