In this report, we have chosen to capitalize “White” and “Black” to describe racial identities, deliberately and thoughtfully reflecting our commitment to respectfully addressing racial identities with accuracy. This choice aligns with a broader movement in language that aims to acknowledge the cultural, historical, and social significance of these terms.

Capitalizing "Black" is a practice that has gained widespread acceptance and support from various scholars, writers, and organizations. It acknowledges Black people as a distinct group with a shared history and cultural identity, deserving of the same grammatical respect afforded to other racial and ethnic groups. This practice is supported by authoritative sources such as the Center for the Study of Social Policy, The Atlantic, and the MacArthur Foundation. According to the Center for the Study of Social Policy, capitalizing "Black" recognizes the shared identity and is a step toward affirming the humanity of Black people. Similarly, The Atlantic explains that capitalizing "Black" acknowledges the weight and specificity of the term, just as we capitalize Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Indigenous. The MacArthur Foundation also supports this view, stating that capitalization is a form of grammatical justice. 

The decision to capitalize "White" also stems from the same principles of respect and recognition. Historically, "White" has often been left in lowercase, which can inadvertently reinforce the idea that Whiteness is the racial default and other racialized identities are deviations from this norm. By capitalizing "White," we disrupt this notion and place Whiteness on the same level as other racialized identities. In a Washington Post article, “Why White Should be Capitalized, Too” the eminent historian Nell Irvin Painter argues that capitalizing "White" is essential for clarity and honesty in discussions about race and racial identities. It recognizes that White people, too, belong to a group with a shared history and cultural identity. This acknowledgment is crucial for addressing issues of race and racism directly rather than allowing Whiteness to remain an unexamined default.

Throughout the report, we also incorporate direct quotes and names of organizations that use the term "Negro," with both capitalized and lowercase "n." This usage reflects historical context and the language used during specific periods. While we now recognize that "Black" and "African American" are more respectful and accurate terms, preserving historical language in quotes is essential for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of historical documents and testimonies. We use "Black" and "African American" interchangeably throughout the document to reflect the diverse identities within the Black community in Fairfax County. However, if the report had focused specifically on the impact of late twentieth-century immigrants from the Caribbean, South America, and Africa, we would have employed a more nuanced use of these terms. Not all Black residents identify as African American, and it is important to recognize the diverse backgrounds and identities within the Black community.

Capitalizing "White" and "Black" in the report is a deliberate choice grounded in respect, recognition, and the pursuit of equality. This decision aligns with broader efforts advocating for grammatical integrity and reflects our commitment to addressing racial identities thoughtfully and respectfully. By doing so, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and accurate discourse on race and identity in Fairfax County.