During Fairfax City’s Juneteenth ceremony on June 14, City Councilmember Stacey Hardy-Chandler received a special honor. Juneteenth Celebration Committee member Amini Bonane presented her with the Legacy of Freedom award.

“Juneteenth calls to us to honor the past, reflect on how far we’ve come and recommit ourselves to the work still ahead,” said Bonane. “This award recognizes someone who embodies the true spirit of Juneteenth – someone who breaks barriers, uplifts others and moves our community closer to justice, inclusion and true freedom for all.

“Driven by a love for Fairfax and a passion to serve, this individual not only answered the call, but made history – becoming the first Black woman ever elected to Fairfax City Council in its 50-plus-year history. She shattered a glass ceiling that had stood for far too long, and she serves with grace, courage and a deep commitment to equity, and with a heart that continues to make room for everyone in our City.

“She also knows how to enjoy life. She’s a talented bassist, a proud Steelers fan and a devoted dog mom to her two pups. She brings the same passion, care and energy into everything she does. She reminds us that leadership isn’t just about titles – it’s about lifting others as you climb, holding the door open for those who come next and building a community where everyone can belong.

“So today, on this Juneteenth morning, it’s my absolute honor and joy to present the 2025 City of Fairfax Juneteenth Legacy of Freedom award to my hero, inspiration and friend, Dr. Stacey Hardy-Chandler.”

At the podium, Hardy-Chandler said Juneteenth isn’t only a celebration, but “an opportunity to challenge ourselves to continue to do the right thing. Being a social worker and serving on City Council, what’s right can be very complex and dynamic. But two things make doing something right easier – letting go of perfection and holding onto your values.

“No one should be left behind as you climb. My mother taught me that you’re never a success unless you bring other people with you. The word ‘ubuntu’ is the concept that we’re interdependent, interconnected. It literally means ‘I am because you are.’ So think of someone who inspires you and brings positivity to your life. In my case, it’s my husband.” 

Furthermore, said Hardy-Chandler, even when someone “gets on your nerves, tell them in your heart, ‘I am because you are.’” She also said she’s thankful that many people who preceded her did things that weren’t convenient or comfortable. “They went out of their comfort zone to make sure I wasn’t left behind,” said Hardy-Chandler.

“We’re having this celebration because we’ve looked back at our history and it’s part of our journey making it here,” she said. “And literally, when you look back from this spot, 1-1/2 miles away is the Jermantown Cemetery where – at a time in our history – we couldn’t even be together in death. It’s a Black cemetery.”

Hardy-Chandler also revealed that “We’ve just learned that cemetery is eligible to be on the National Register of Historic Places. We knew there were about 51 people there, but they did ground-penetrating radar and found another 499 unnamed and unacknowledged Black people in that cemetery. 

“That’s a powerful fact, in and of itself. But we, the living, sometimes don’t look deep enough at some people around us, and our neighbors, our co-workers, also go unnamed and unacknowledged. So I’m thankful to the Jermantown Cemetery Preservation Society for taking care of one of our City’s sacred spaces.”

“After we’ve looked right to do the right thing, looked left so no one’s left behind and looked back to acknowledge our history, the only thing left now is to look forward together,” said Hardy-Chandler. “I thank the Juneteenth Committee for their work in putting this event together. I’m certainly thankful for the acknowledgement of this award, but I’m thankful more so to live in a City that has a Juneteenth celebration.”