The NAACP Spotsylvania Chapter held a community conversation this past Saturday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church off Harrison Road, giving residents a chance to engage directly with elected officials about policies and laws at the federal, state, and local levels.
With growing confusion about policies across all levels of government, the NAACP received support from figures such as Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Yakabouski of the Battlefield District; Spotsylvania Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey; Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) board member and House of Delegates 66th District nominee Nicole Cole; supervisor Drew Mullins of the Courtland District; and Del. Phillip Scott (R-Spotsylvania).
Moe Petway, the president of the Spotsylvania NAACP, served as master of ceremonies with assistance from the Rev. Charles Wormley, the pastor of Mt. Zion, who sits on the executive committee.
The agenda focused on the loss of federal employment, the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, changes to essential benefits like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and the elimination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“It’s a lot going on in the country,” Petway said in his opening remarks. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Democratic or Republican — we all are Americans and we all are concerned about what is going on in America.”
Piggybacking off Petway’s thoughts, Wormley added, “We are here because our American civil liberties are being threatened. Our ancestors fought alongside all Americans, producing freedom for all. Under the Declaration of Independence, all men are created equal, and we come to reason, plan, and strategize together.”
U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-7th District) shared his views on the rapid policy changes taking place. Vindman expressed optimism about what can be controlled, and praised his committee’s efforts during his first 100 days in office. On April 22, Vindman opened a district office in Fredericksburg to address constituents’ concerns locally.
Vindman noted there are 72,000 veterans, 55,000 government employees, and 22,000 active-duty military personnel in the 7th District.
“There have been budget cuts to the intelligence agency, and I’m concerned about being exposed to threats,” he said.
A lifetime NAACP member and military veteran who has worked alongside diverse populations, Vindman applauded the organization’s efforts.
“Cohesion in the community will prevail. Raw human potential is there. Schools, churches, and other institutions will benefit greatly from it,” he said.
Vindman described education cuts and the deportation of immigrants without due process as threats he intends to fight. He also told attendees that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at risk of losing $230 billion in funding.
Saturday’s gathering also marked the first time that Clint Mitchell, Spotsylvania’s first Black school superintendent, worked with the local NAACP. Mitchell focused on recent executive orders found on Congress.gov and how they affect SCPS.
He highlighted Executive Order 14190, issued by President Donald Trump on Jan. 29, which seeks to ban “gender ideology” and “discriminatory equity ideology” in K–12 schools. The order authorizes law enforcement to investigate and prosecute violations and allows for revoking federal funding from non-compliant schools.
He also discussed Executive Order 14151, which aims to eliminate DEI programs in the federal government by requiring agencies to review, revise, and report on such activities while enforcing civil rights laws and encouraging private-sector compliance.
“As a Black man, I hated that I had to sign the executive order, but I’m not willing to let my 24,000 students go without funding,” Mitchell said. “These students need the Head Start programs the federal funding provides.”
Mitchell noted that out of 131 other school superintendents in the state, only two — those in Fairfax and Loudoun counties — refused to sign the orders.
SCPS recently lost funding for Charting My Path and Grow Your Own grants, which support paraprofessionals in special education with a path to becoming certified teachers who stay with the division long-term.
Many residents expressed concern about federal cuts to services that benefit children and families. Andrew Pavord, CEO of Federal Consulting Allies, briefed attendees on how government budgets work. Pavord has led budget processes for the Washington, D.C. government, Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“I’m a budget geek,” Pavord said. “I spend my life studying budgets, reading numbers, and studying numbers.”
Pavord criticized the new budget proposed by the Trump administration, calling the removal of funding for the poor and needy a form of racism. He emphasized Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution, which states that no money can be spent without a law being passed. He explained the difference between discretionary and mandatory appropriations.
Discretionary appropriations are annual funds approved by Congress and the president for programs like defense, education, and homeland security. Mandatory appropriations, on the other hand, are legally required government expenses that continue each year unless changed by law. More information can be found on the U.S. Treasury website.
Del. Joshua Cole (D-Fredericksburg) said he was taught in elementary school that society is like a box of crayons.
“Although some crayons are broken, you can still use them to color —ultimately creating a masterpiece,” he said.
“What’s the problem with diversity, equity, and inclusion?” Cole asked. He quoted Leviticus 19:34: “The alien who resides with you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt.”
“Blacks are some of the most resilient people in the world. If DEI gets erased, we don’t die,” Cole said, prompting the audience to respond, “We multiply!” as laughter echoed across the room.
Spotsylvania School Board member Lorita Daniels continued the DEI conversation, showing two pictures of diverse groups working together in different settings.
“Diversity at its core appreciates the differences that exist among individuals and groups. Equity is treating everyone fairly and getting them what they need to succeed. Inclusion is making people feel comfortable enough to speak in spaces where they normally wouldn’t,” Daniels explained.
As a college professor who regularly teaches DEI, Daniels shared its origins.
“In the beginning, diversity described plants and animals in biology,” she said. “In 2000, it entered the workforce, and it’s been evolving ever since. If there is no real commitment to diversity, we lose out on creativity and innovation and fail to tap the power of us. We all are here to shape the future.”
As the event concluded, Petway asked, “Where do we go from here?” urging attendees to lean on elected officials for support — while many of them stood in the audience.
The NAACP reminded everyone that early voting for the June 17 Democratic primaries began May 2 and provided sample ballots to encourage civic engagement.
