Tribute to Congressman Gerry Connolly
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation along with the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, express our sincerest sorrow for the loss of our Congressman, friend, and champion, Representative Gerald (Gerry) E. Connolly. We now pray for strength, peace, and comfort for his family and the residents of the 11th Congressional District.
Congressman Connolly supported the Tinner Hill Foundation from the time that he served as the Fairfax County Providence District Supervisor, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and through his 14 years as our representative to the U.S. Congress from Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
Our fondest memories of Gerry are his buoyant energy and phenomenal gift of gab. When he was the Providence Supervisor, he persuaded the Mayor of Falls Church, David Snyder, to purchase one of the two lots on Tinner Hill where the Historic Site is today, while pushing through funding from Fairfax County. After he encouraged Fairfax County to buy one of the two lots, he pushed Mayor Snyder to push through the funding from Falls Church City to purchase the other lot. The lot in Fairfax County was residential and only $50,000.00 at the time, whereas the lot in Falls Church was zoned commercial and cost $142,000.00. So, we may not have the Historic Site today if not for the superior efforts of Gerry Connolly.
Gerry was a true champion of working people, immigrants, and social justice. In January 2015, he spoke at the dedication of the Tinner Hill Historic Site in 13 degrees weather. When others chose to remain home, Congressman Connolly chose to teach us the necessity for protecting the truth and opening our doors to those who stand on the shoulders of past immigrants who contributed to the greatness of America.
Gerry may have lost his fight with cancer, but he won the cause for justice, decency, and love for our neighbors.
Additional Press Coverage
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The City of Falls Church, Virginia — 2.2 square miles of tree-lined streets, walkable charm and ambitious planning — has been a model for small cities to lead on climate, equity and civic engagement. The City's 2040 Plan, unanimously adopted by the City Council in 2017, envisioned how the city should grow through 2040 in virtually all aspects — from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to fostering civic groups, to incorporating a diverse housing stock
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The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, along with the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, expresses our sincerest sorrow for the loss of our Congressman, friend, and champion, Representative Gerald (Gerry) E. Connolly. We now pray for strength, peace, and comfort for his family and the residents of the 11th Congressional District.
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Beyond The Performative: The Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity
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On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, twelve men and women convicted former policeman Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd. Rejoicing and relief followed. Those reactions were accompanied by an immediate and growing recognition that the momentous verdict was but a turning point in the much more complex and critical task: ending prejudices, practices, and racism in all its guises.
Two eminent African American leaders articulated this challenging mission in the following words:
Keith Ellison, Attorney General for the State of Minnesota:
"I would not call today’s verdict justice because justice implies restoration. But it is accountability, which is the first step toward justice. Now the cause of justice is in your hands."
Barack Obama, former President of the United States:
"While today’s verdict may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one. We cannot rest. We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system."
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation affirms the joy in this critical verdict and recognizes that the work ahead will be challenging, arduous, but rewarding as the fight for justice and equality always is.
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