Award Descriptions
Willard W. Brittain Community Appreciation Award
(individual or group/organization)
Honoring Mr. Willard Woodson “Woody” Brittain for his many contributions to the corporate worlds and the Arlington community. This award is given to an Arlington individual, group, or organization that, through their action/service, have contributed many hours of their time towards the betterment of Arlington County and its residents.
Esther Georgia Irving Cooper Civil Rights Activist of the Year Award
(individual or group/organization)
Honoring Esther Georgia Irving Cooper, co-founder of NAACP Arlington Branch. She worked to improve educational opportunities for Black children in Arlington, and led our local and state NAACPs in challenging inequalities in the county’s high school facilities. In 1940 she organized and became the first president of the NAACP Arlington Branch and soon joined NAACP Virginia’s executive board. This award is given to an individual, group, or organization actively involved in advocating for various civil rights causes.
Henry L. Holmes Meritorious Service Award
(individual or group/organization)
Honoring Henry L. Holmes, the first African-American elected official in Arlington. A prominent local civic leader, he served as the Commissioner of Revenue for 27 years. After emancipation, he moved to Freedman’s Village and gained political and community success. Among other accomplishments, he founded St. John’s Baptist Church and the Butler-Holmes community (now Penrose). This is awarded to an individual, group, or organization that has supported the Branch, the Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, or the Arlington community for over two years.
Charles P. Monroe Civil Rights Award
(individual or group/organization)
Honoring the former County Board Chairman, Charles P. Monroe. He was a community advocate for increased public participation in County government, with a focus on affordable housing and other issues affecting the financially disadvantaged. This award is granted to an individual, group, or organization that has advocated for the civil rights of those living in Arlington County.
NAACP Arlington Branch President’s Award
(individual or group/organization)
This distinguished honor is given to an individual or group/organization that is “actively challenging others to embrace diversity and ensure greater opportunity for all people.” Granted at the discretion of the Branch President.
Please visit our website for more information about these awards and the people who inspired them.