Virginia GOP Chairman Rich Anderson wrote the following letter to all Virginians, in commemoration of Black History Month 2022:

Fellow Virginians, 

This month, the Republican Party of Virginia proudly joins our fellow citizens to celebrate the rich history and enduring contributions of Black Americans to our great Commonwealth and nation. Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the accomplishments and legacies of so many African-Americans, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the struggles of so many throughout our state’s history.

In our pursuit of a more perfect union, our party will continue to stand for personal freedom as a beacon of light that signals that our beloved Commonwealth is open and welcoming to all.

This year, we also celebrate our Black elected officials in the Virginia General Assembly and serving in local elected and appointed offices throughout Virginia. We especially honor the election of Virginia’s first Black woman to be elected Lt. Governor, the Honorable Winsome Earle Sears. She joins notable Virginians like former Governor Doug Wilder and Maggie Walker and so many others as ground-breaking Virginians who have answered the call to public service and sacrifice. History has always found its home in Virginia, and we are proud to be a part of this historic moment.

I call on all Virginia Republicans to honor and celebrate this month and reflect on the rich and lasting history of our brothers and sisters in the Black community.

May God bless our Commonwealth and all her citizens. 

Rich Anderson

Rich Anderson, formerly a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, now serves as chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Follow him on Twitter: @RichAndersonRPV.