ANNANDALE, Va. — Tucked away inside Annandale’s Pine Ridge Park lies the last remnant of a historic African American community, the Sons & Daughters of Liberty Cemetery. This cemetery is all that remains of "The Pines"—a thriving neighborhood founded in the early 1900s by Black families who cleared forests, built homes, and ran local businesses. One of its founders, Spanish-American War veteran William Collins Sr., actually used his military wages to buy the community's first 22 acres. In 1907, a quarter-acre was set aside by a local Black fraternal lodge to ensure a dignified resting place for residents and veterans.

Tragically, in 1964, the county used eminent domain to evict the families and bulldoze the neighborhood for a school that was never built. The land eventually became a county park, and the cemetery was left forgotten for decades.

An archaeological survey later uncovered more than 50 graves, though nearly all the original headstones were lost to time and vandalism. Today, a protective fence and an official historical marker honor the endurance and legacy of the families of The Pines.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/684

#TodaysAdventure #FairfaxCountyParks #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #BlackHistory #VirginiaHistory #KENTCANDO #JustMe #photowalk 

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Had great afternoon with family and making new friends and community connections at the 2026 Juneteenth & Me Festival. It was a vibrant celebration designed to bring together employees, residents, families, businesses, and community partners for a day of connection, reflection, and community at Pfitzner Stadium.

Hosted by the Prince William County HUES Employee Resource Group, coordinated by the Office of Equity & Inclusion, and supported by Parks & Recreation, this year’s theme, "Black Renaissance: Leading the Path Forward," highlighted a continued commitment to progress, creativity, and community engagement. Attendees enjoyed live performances, local vendors, art, youth activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations across the county.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/683

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #KENTCANDO #TeamKent #Juneteenth

NORFOLK, Va. — It’s always great to reconnect with friends, shipmates, co-workers, mentors, and mentees. Yesterday, Thurraya and I attended the Change of Command ceremony for the Navy Public Affairs Command Element, as well as the retirement ceremony for Captain Sarah Self-Kyler. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with many of the past, current, and future professionals and leaders within the Navy Public Affairs community who are responsible for telling the Navy’s story.

Congratulations to Captain Richlyn Ivey, who relieved Captain Self-Kyler as commanding officer of NPAC, and congratulations to Sarah and her family on her distinguished 34-year Navy career.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/675

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ALDIE, Va. — It was a great evening on Tuesday as the JMU Coaches Caravan made its Northern Virginia stop at Lark Brewing Co. The energy and vision surrounding JMU and its athletics programs are continuing to build, and it’s clear there’s a lot to be excited about in Harrisonburg. 

It was exciting to hear from JMU President Dr. James Schmidt, Athletics Director Matt Roan, first-year football coach Billy Napier, women’s basketball coach Sean O’Regan, and men’s basketball coach Preston Spradlin.

Proud to be part of the Duke Club community and looking forward to another great year for the Dukes! 💜💛

#JMU #GoDukes #JMUDukes #DukeClub

ST. HELENA ISLAND, South Carolina — The highlight of our family visit to South Carolina was our trip to the historic Penn Center, one of the oldest African American cultural and educational institutions in the United States. This National Historic Landmark played a key role during the Civil Rights Movement, hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent leaders. Today, the Penn Center continues to serve as a vibrant cultural and educational hub, offering exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate and preserve the region’s unique history and traditions. Located on St. Helena Island, the center was founded in 1862 as the Penn School for formerly enslaved Gullah people and has since evolved into a cornerstone for the preservation of Gullah-Geechee heritage. During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting Reverend Johnnie Simmons, whose work is featured in the exhibition Homecoming: The Pyrography of Reverend Johnnie Simmons. This powerful exhibit is a heartfelt tribute to the cultural richness of the Gullah community and the healing power of art. Reverend Simmons, a Vietnam veteran and preacher, uses pyrography—wood-burning—enhanced with acrylics and pencil to portray stories of Gullah life, resilience, and faith. His vivid scenes of baptisms, farming, fishing, and family are often accompanied by handwritten captions in both English and Gullah dialects, offering a deeply personal and culturally resonant experience.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/638

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