Woodbridge, Va. — A polarizing figure that surfaced during President Barack Obama’s campaign, one he distanced himself from, is scheduled to appear in Woodbridge.
Ebenezer Baptist Church in Woodbridge invited the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. to appear January 14 for a fundraising event.
The church aims to raise cash at the $125 per person event to continue its various charities, including donating clothes and feeding area homeless, and as of late providing donations to the flood victims at Woodbridge’s Holly Acres mobile home park.
But Wright, Obama’s former pastor in Chicago prior to his presidential run, has a controversial past. In 2008, media reports showed excerpts of Wright’s sermons noting “God bless America, God damn America,” and showed where Wright said the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were the result of U.S. actions.
Earlier this month, Wright embraced Occupy Detroit protesters at a speech in Michigan and during a speech blamed Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Regan for a war on poverty, claimed there was a conspiracy to deny African Americans AIDS medication and said there is a new era of incarceration where blacks are being arrested more than whites and the wealthy.
For Ebenezer Baptist, this is the most well-known speaker that has agree to appear at the church. While they did unsuccessfully reach out to other keynote speakers for this upcoming fundraising event, they jumped at the chance to have Wright appear at their church.
“If you look at him as a theologian and separate the controversy from the man, the controversy takes a back seat. Even President Obama said that,” said church spokeswoman Elaine Fuller.
During his campaign, Obama denounced Wright’s remarks but didn’t speak ill of him as a person.
The congregation at Ebenezer also looks forward to Wright’s visit, said Fuller, which includes a VIP book signing and formal dinner. Fuller said the event is expected to sell out, allowing them to continue to fund area basketball camps as well as charitable activities with ACTS.
Ebenezer Baptist Church was formed outside Occoquan in the late 1800’s, and was one of the first Negro churches in Northern Virginia. Located at the corner of Telegraph and Minnieville roads, the church is building a large addition to accommodate its growing congregation.
Recent Stories
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Reckless street racing between a juvenile and his father resulted in a crash on Courthouse Road Tuesday evening, knocking out power to 2,000 Stafford County residents.
The Charleston RiverDogs scored four late runs to top the Fredericksburg Nationals 6-2 on Education Day at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Over 3,000 students attended the early game, where FredNats starter Bryan Polanco allowed just one run in four innings.
A Stafford man claiming he was “monkeying around” led deputies on a high-speed pursuit, while a repeat DUI offender struck and injured a motorcyclist before fleeing the scene. In Prince William County, a firearm was brandished in a road rage incident, a teen was charged in a brutal assault, and a man was arrested in a child sex assault investigation.
DUMFRIES, Va. –Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood recently spoke about the new development underway at the corner of Route 1 and Possum Point Road: the first-ever Wawa gas station in the town. This new business, set to open in late summer or early fall of 2025, promises to bring economic benefits to the area, marking a pivotal moment in the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Get More from your Fitness with IM=X® Pilates & Fitness King Farm!
Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
