By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
This year’s annual Fork Union tree lighting ceremony will kick off the holiday season with a dedication in memory of the late Mozelle Booker. Skylar Grace Booker, Mozelle’s 7-year-old granddaughter, will make the dedication.
Mozelle Booker, a native of Fluvanna, was a dedicated educator and community leader who inspired those around her through her commitment to learning, equity, and service. Her vision extended beyond the classroom, as she worked tirelessly to uplift her community and empower others to reach their full potential. She was the first African-American woman to be elected to the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors, serving 16 years before retiring last year.
Her passion for education and her love for her community shone through in everything she did, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. Carrying on the work of her late husband, Jerome Booker, Mozelle supported every aspect of the county’s needs, including water infrastructure, the new high school, educational opportunities, non-profits, the arts, and history. Toward the end of her term, she was committed to expanding housing and home-ownership opportunities.
“There have been challenges, but I am proud of my work,” Booker said upon her retirement.
As both an educator and community leader, she championed educational access and civic engagement. Her greatest accomplishment was working to bring people together to talk, bridging differences in points of view and experiences, listening to and understanding the community’s needs, and giving a voice to the underserved. She will be remembered as a force of support, assuring those in her community that she would continue to be a voice for the underrepresented. Her legacy will always be her strength and grace, which made her an exceptional mentor, advocate, leader, and role model.
Additionally, artist Will White III will once again design this year’s star, which will be raffled off at the event. A few select vendors will be available for holiday shopping along with Tasty Vittles food truck.
