Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services' Black/African American Historical Marker Project was honored by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) at the group's annual conference in Roanoke, VA.

The multi-year project received the award for Best New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative 2024. The annual awards honors exemplary members, volunteers, and agencies of the parks and recreation community for achievements during the previous calendar year. 

More than 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers from around the state gathered for the 72nd Annual VRPS Conference Oct. 26-29, 2025. The conference is a learning exchange and provides an opportunity for recreation and park professionals to discuss areas of common interest.

Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This statewide program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in any of several areas during the previous year.  

For the project, NCS led a collaborative group that included Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development, the Board of Supervisors, and the History Commission. All partners leveraged their expertise to design a student nomination process and manage a community review of more than 50 applications, and selection of five nominations to be historical markers throughout Fairfax County.

The individual unveiling and dedication of each marker offered an opportunity to bring the community together to shine a spotlight on these important stories – many of which had never been heard before.

Two markers were dedicated in 2024, at Oakton High School honoring civil rights leader Lillian Blackwell, and at Gunnell's Chapel in McLean. Three more - at Colin Powell Elementary School in Centreville, West Springfield High School and Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna - were dedicated in 2025.

The historical marker project supports the County’s One Fairfax policy, which commits the county and schools to intentionally consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services.

"By acknowledging the past and ensuring a fuller historical narrative, the County strives to create a more inclusive future where all voices and histories are recognized and valued," said NCS Director Lloyd Tucker. "We are very proud to be recognized for this project that honors Fairfax County's diverse history."

NCS was also recognized by VRPS with 2023 DEI honors for the opening of the Tysons Corner Community Services Room. 

Visit the Black/African American Historical Marker web page to learn more. 

About Virginia Recreation & Park Society
The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a private, nonprofit professional organization, founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Its purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia, into one body. Members work together to promote and improve the profession in all its diversity. VRPS is state affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association.