Feb 10, 2026 7 min read Black History Month

F.C. Bulletin: Feb. 10, 2026

In celebration of Black History Month, a symposium will be held at Meridian H.S. Saturday, Feb 21. Included will be a tour of the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden. Pictured: "A massive, inspiring, and brightly colored 10 x 14.5 ft. mural (A Path of Her Own, 2025) by local artist Asia Anderson depicts [Marian] Selby’s determined yet isolated walk to school...."

1) Gov. Spanberger's Move to Rein in ICE

2) Black History Month Symposium in Falls Church

3) Grocery Outlet's Feb. 12 Ribbon-Cutting on S. Washington Street

Gov. Spanberger's Move to Rein in ICE

In our Jan 26 "News Analysis: Is Spanberger More Moderate on ICE?" (below), we suggested that – as indicated by her initiatives on Day One (Jan. 17) of her new administration – Democratic Va. Gov. Abigail Spanberger might be taking more measured steps to rein in ICE's activities in the Commonwealth than many might have wished. We held out hope, however, that since her "first steps" were positive in this regard, she might well follow up with stronger measures. And now she has.

"On Jan. 17, Day One of her administration, Spanberger rescinded former Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 47 which had 'directed Virginia State Police and the Department of Corrections to enter into so-called 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, effectively deputizing state officers to assist with federal immigration enforcement and encouraging local cooperation with ICE to identify and remove noncitizens accused or convicted of crimes,' the Mercury reported," we wrote.

However, we cautioned: "In a sign of Spanberger’s moderation on the issue, her repeal of Executive Order 47 merely stipulates that state agencies are no longer 'required' to enter into 287(g) agreements. It does not terminate any existing contracts 'between ICE, state and local governments, regional jails or sheriffs’ offices,' the Mercury reported. 'Nor does it prohibit new agreements at the local level.' Furthermore, all existing state and local agreements between the parties 'remain in force until terminated' by one or both parties, and no such agreements have yet to be severed."

Now, however, Va. Del. Marcus Simon (13th District) reports (in his Feb. 9 online constituent newsletter) that: "Governor Spanberger signed legislation advancing the proposed constitutional amendments passed by the General Assembly, an essential step in allowing Virginians to have their voices heard directly on.... fundamental questions [of recommitting "ourselves to the ongoing work of advancing equity, opportunity, and justice."] The Governor also issued an executive directive ending 287(g) agreements in Virginia, reinforcing the principle that local law enforcement should focus on public safety not federal immigration enforcement. This action helps build trust between communities and police and makes our Commonwealth safer for everyone."

So now Gov. Spanberger has indeed taken the next step to fully sever the 287(g) agreements.

For this strong move to "advance equity, opportunity, and justice" in the Commonwealth, we commend Gov. Abigail Spanberger and look forward to more such positive leadership going forward.

Black History Month Symposium in Falls Church

Angelique Palmer was named the 2024-2027 Fairfax County Poet Laureate. Palmer will be presenting a reading at the Feb. 21 symposium. Courtesy Arts Fairfax.

Historians and art and culture experts will lead an interactive discussion Feb. 21 in Falls Church to probe how Black history and the arts challenge stereotypes, promote truth, and foster a just and inclusive society.

“Voices of Resilience: Embracing Black History and the Arts, From Insight to Action” will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Meridian High School, 121 Mustang Alley. The program is sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, an initiative of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation of Falls Church. Members of the Chi Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are also partnering to host the event.

The afternoon will feature four presenters, audience discussions, musical performances, a poetry reading and tours of the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden and Exhibit at the high school. Ms. Selby is the first African American student to attend the former George Mason High School in 1961 and the first Black graduate in 1964.

Members of the panel are Dwandalyn R. Reece, PhD, executive committee chair of the National Museum of African American History, where she also serves as curator of music and performing arts. She will be joined by Spencer Crew, PhD, a George Mason University professor who researches enslavement, the Underground Railroad, civic engagement and museums.

Audrey Davis, director of the Alexandria Black History Museum and Irena Chambers, board member of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation will also serve on the panel. Inga A. Watkins, J.D., a member of the Social Justice Committee, will moderate the program.

Angelique Palmer, poet laureate of Fairfax County, will present a reading. During tours of the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden, three artists will detail their contributions to the exhibit, Asia Anderson, Roxanne Kaylor and James Hallock. In addition, Wammie Award winner and singer Carly Harvey will perform.

Artist Asia Anderson painted *A Path of Her Own*, 2025, the mural depicting Marian Costner Selby, the first African American student to integrate George Mason H.S. (now Meridian H.S.) in 1961. See above (top) for mural.

The symposium is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to register at Embracing-Black-History-Arts.eventbrite.com.

For further information, visit www.tinnerhill.org and the Tinner Hill Facebook page.

For our recent story on the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden see here:

For our interview on how to properly celebrate MLK Day, see here:

For our recent story on the Tinner Hill Mural Project see here:

Grocery Outlet's Feb. 12 Ribbon-Cutting on S. Washington Street

Grocery Outlet's ribbon-cutting at 500 S. Washington St. will be held Feb. 12. Photo by Jared Serre. Courtesy ArlNow.

"Extreme value retailer," Grocery Outlet Inc., will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 500 S. Washington Street – right behind the Tinner Hill Arch and just in time for Black History Month – to celebrate the opening of its newest store in the City of Falls Church on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:00 a.m.

During the event, the store’s independent operators (Prince Wafa, supported by Omid Wafa) will donate $1,000 to the Falls Church Community Service Council.

Starting at 7:00 a.m., the first 100 customers will receive a Bliss Buck Gift Card for mystery amounts with a top prize of $500. Shoppers will receive one free reusable bag with their purchase through opening week, while supplies last. Customers can also enter to win $1,000 in free groceries from Feb. 12 through March 13.

The public is welcome to attend and does not need to RSVP. Members of the press, however, please RSVP to emaiolo@soleburystrat.com so the team on site can help coordinate with you.

About Grocery Outlet: Based in Emeryville, California, Grocery Outlet is a high-growth, extreme value retailer of quality, name-brand consumables and fresh products sold primarily through a network of independently operated stores. Grocery Outlet and its subsidiaries have more than 560 stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Idaho, Nevada, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Georgia, Ohio, Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky and Virginia.

For our recent story on Falls Church's "Grocery Wars," see below (Note: With the cut-throat competition, the Amazon Fresh referred to in this article has since closed!):