Dec 7, 2024 Story by: Editor
In a historic move, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation on Wednesday to rename a Fredericksburg post office in honor of Gladys P. Todd, a key figure in the city’s civil rights movement. Todd, who dedicated her life to advocating for Black youth and voting rights, is remembered as an instrumental force behind the election of Fredericksburg’s first Black mayor.
The bill, introduced by U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, was co-sponsored by all 11 Virginia members of Congress. The post office located at 1285 Emancipation Highway on Route 1 will now be known as the “Gladys P. Todd Post Office.”
Before the vote, Spanberger took to the House floor to commemorate Todd’s life and impact. “I rise today to recognize an extraordinary Virginian — Gladys P. Todd — whose legacy of service, advocacy, and dedication to advancing civil rights has left an indelible mark on the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and beyond,” Spanberger remarked.
Todd’s grandson, Juno L. Pitchford, shared his deep admiration for his grandmother, reflecting on the struggles she faced growing up in Fredericksburg when there was no secondary school for Black students. “My grandmother had to go to boarding school for high school in Petersburg because there was no education for us in this town beyond eighth grade,” Pitchford said. “And to now know there will be a building with her name on it in this same town is a testament to her determination.”
Gladys Todd was an educator, civil rights advocate, and long-time member of the NAACP. Known for her leadership in the NAACP Youth Division, she helped Black youth in Fredericksburg find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Among her contributions was the creation of a playground and the establishment of a community center called the “Youth Canteen” that served as a safe space for local students.
Her work also had a significant impact on voting rights, playing a vital role in electing the city’s first Black mayor. “She made Fredericksburg a more inclusive and equitable place—and her work continues to inspire the community today,” Spanberger said.
The legislation passed unanimously in the House, and Spanberger expressed her gratitude to her Virginia colleagues for their support. Renaming the post office is a small but meaningful gesture to ensure Todd’s contributions are remembered for generations. Spanberger urged her colleagues to vote in favor of the bill, ensuring that Todd’s legacy remains prominent in the community. Source: Spanberger
