Northern Shenandoah Valley Unites

04/21/2026

In line by 7 PM? You’re legally allowed to vote.

Vote YES to help save democracy.
Level the playing field. 🇺🇸

04/21/2026

Virginia and everyone watching.

Tomorrow is the special election. If you’re in Virginia and haven’t voted yet, this is your moment.
The ballot asks one question: should Virginia be allowed to temporarily redraw its congressional maps before 2030? Vote YES.

Republicans in North Carolina, Texas, and Missouri already redrew their maps mid-decade, not because a court ordered them to, but purely to lock in political power. That’s not a rumor. That’s documented. Virginia’s YES vote is a direct response to that. It levels the playing field for the 2026 midterms.

This is not a permanent change. The amendment sunsets after the 2030 census. Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission takes back over. This is a temporary, targeted countermove… nothing more, nothing less.

Your congressional representation is on the line. The maps determine which communities get real representation in Washington and which ones get carved up and diluted.

Vote YES tomorrow. Polls close at 7pm.

04/02/2026

02/13/2026

Not a bad day for Virginia redistricting! Virginians, mark your calendars for April 21 and MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE!🗳️

02/01/2025

Happy Black History Month!

As you move through your day, I encourage you to pause and reflect on the richness, resilience, and beauty of Black history. When you spread peanut butter on your sandwich, think about George Washington Carver, whose agricultural innovations transformed farming. When you enjoy music, remember the powerful legacy of artists like Nina Simone, James Brown, and Tupac, whose voices carried the heartbeat of a people and the fight for justice.

As you walk on paved roads, think of the labor of countless unnamed Black workers who built the infrastructure we rely on. When you look at the sky, remember Katherine Johnson, whose calculations helped send astronauts to space.

Black history isn’t just in textbooks—it’s woven into the fabric of every moment, every day. It’s not just about the past, either. It’s about the present and the future we continue to shape.

In a time when forces try to dim the light of Blackness, we must shine even brighter. Be unapologetically proud—whether you are Black or blessed to know and love someone who is. Celebrate Black history today and every day because it is American history, world history, and human history.

Let’s carry this pride, this love, and this awareness with us—not just in February, but always.

01/28/2025

Every day seems to bring something new, and it can be overwhelming. It’s easy to lose hope or feel like there’s no way forward—but there is! It’s okay to feel down sometimes; give yourself the space to acknowledge your feelings. But when you’re ready, jump back in and keep going.

Think about the people who came before us, those who fought tirelessly and never gave up. Let their strength inspire you to keep pushing forward.

Wishing you an amazing Tuesday!

— Samuel Porter

01/27/2025

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5108545-us-air-force-tuskegee-airmen-training/?tbref=hp

The U.S. Air Force resumed using training material that referred to the Tuskegee Airmen after the Trump administration’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives caused an inte…

01/26/2025

We All Have a Part to Play.

Our country is at a crossroads, and for many of us, it feels like history is repeating itself in ways we never wanted to see again. Before I started law school, I was deeply passionate about standing up for minority rights. I wasn’t alone. Growing up in my hometown, I saw countless people in my community and surrounding areas who felt the same way. We knew the power of unity, of using our voices for good, of advocating for justice. Yet, here we are, half a decade later, still fighting policies that seem to target the most vulnerable among us.

Just this week, I read about ICE making stops in Strasburg, Virginia, Tysons Corner, Alexandria—detaining entire families, children included. Let that sink in: entire families torn apart. And it’s not just immigrants; U.S. citizens are being dragged into these situations, forced to prove their right to exist in their own country.

And it doesn’t stop there. From erasing history—like the decision to stop teaching new Air Force recruits about the Tuskegee Airmen—which stems from enacting bans under the guise of “DEI,” it’s hard not to feel disheartened. Let’s be clear: teaching about the Tuskegee Airmen isn’t a “diversity initiative.” It’s honoring history. It’s telling the truth about who built this country and at what cost. And locally, books are banned and library boards are unlawfully orchestrated.

But in the face of all this, we still have work to do—and there is hope. I’m so thankful this is my last semester of law school because it means I’ll soon have the tools to do more, to fight harder, to help others push back against these injustices.

In the meantime, we all can do something, no matter how small it seems. Organizations in our area are stepping up, and I plan to reach out to see how I can help. If you’re moved to take action, consider sharing resources or getting involved with groups like the Virginia ACLU, which provides critical information and support for immigrants and their families. I’ve attached a few of their resources here for those who might need them—or know someone who does.

Let’s turn our frustration into action. Let’s prove that our voices, our unity, and our compassion are stronger than policies meant to divide us. If this resonates with you, let me know. Let’s start a conversation. Let’s start something.

We all have a part to play.

— Samuel Porter

10/11/2023

Community Alert: Addressing Voter Registration Anomalies

Dear Community Members,
I wish to bring to your attention a serious concern regarding voter registration inaccuracies that
have recently surfaced in our state. Ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process is crucial for
the democratic integrity of our community.

1. Issue: Recent reports have shed light on an issue where an unspecified number of
individuals were erroneously removed from the state's voter rolls due to incorrect
classification as felons. This error necessitates immediate rectification and clarity on how
such discrepancies occurred, especially with the upcoming critical election on Tuesday,
November 7, 2023.

2. Who it Affects: This problem affects potentially disenfranchised individuals, particularly
those wrongfully classified as felons, and the broader community as it threatens the
inclusivity and fairness of the electoral process.

3. Voter Registration Check: It’s vital to confirm your voter registration status to ensure
your voice is heard in the upcoming election. You can verify your status by visiting
https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation or contacting your local general
registrar's office.

4. Registration Deadline: The deadline for voter registration is October 16. I urge everyone
to verify their registration status and rectify any inaccuracies before this date.

I strongly encourage community members to remain informed, check their voter registration
status, and spread awareness of this issue.

A collective effort is required to uphold the democratic principles that bind our community together.

Warmest Regards,
Samuel Porter

08/31/2022

“As part of the new pilot program introduced by the College Board, which developed the course curriculum with high school teachers at Howard University, 60 schools across the U.S. will offer the new AP class as part of their fall curriculum. Additional schools are expected to be added during the pilot’s second year.”

The College Board introduced the pilot program to 60 high schools in the hope it will “inspire students with a fuller appreciation of the American story.”