Prince William

Prince William County NAACP announced that 1st Vice President Nijiama Smalls will step into the role of branch president after Rev. Dr. Karl Brower departs. The transition takes effect immediately and continues the organization’s work on civil rights and social justice across the country.

The branch thanked Rev. Dr. Brower for his dedicated service and the strong foundation he built. Smalls, founder and executive director of The Black Girl Healing Project, brings deep experience in community leadership, mental health advocacy and empowering Black women and girls. She is also a published author, a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and active in local groups, including Mocha Moms.

“Data centers at this location would put an industrial facility at the headwaters of Quantico Creek and at the edge of one of the most ecologically significant forests in the Mid-Atlantic,” the Prince William Conservation Alliance reported. “Was it not enough to have one of our two National Parks under threat? You’ve got people all over the county saying, ‘We don’t want to see industrialization near our National Parks, next to our state parks and next to our homes and schools. Read the room.’”

“It obviously raises questions. It’s not a good look at all,” Prince William Times reported. “Even if it’s not a legal conflict of interest, … it raises questions about his ethical participation in everything data-center-related.”

Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye, who serves on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, works as director of government affairs for Reston-based Ryan Stuart Development. The firm bought a 235-acre West Virginia property in April for $2.3 million and is marketing it for data centers. Boddye briefed the Charles Town Utility Board on the project last month, discussing water use and mitigation measures. Legal experts say no Virginia conflict of interest exists without a direct tie to county projects, though some residents question the ethics and perception.