Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
WASHINGTON, DC—FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) Steven M. D’Antuono is pleased to announce Mr. Julius Spain, Sr., as the recipient of the 2020 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for WFO.
Mr. Spain serves as President of the Arlington Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the organization’s Regional Vice President of Region 3 North, which includes multiple counties in Northern Virginia. In these roles, Mr. Spain has been heavily involved in civil rights matters in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area. He routinely supports WFO’s outreach and civil rights programs through an open dialogue and information sharing between the two organizations.
Every year, the FBI recognizes nearly 60 individuals and organizations across the country who have supported law enforcement and helped improve their communities.
With sincere appreciation, WFO recognizes the compassion and outstanding service Mr. Spain provided to the National Capital Region during a difficult time. Throughout 2020, Mr. Spain maintained consistent communication with WFO during protests and civil unrest in Washington D.C., and relayed WFO’s commitment to keep all D.C. residents safe.
Despite the restrictions of COVID-19, Mr. Spain continuously engaged with his local branches and increased their overall membership by 50%. He led a 1,000-person rally across Arlington in June for racial justice. He participated as a speaker and panelist in several webinars hosted by the FBI and other partners, including on the topics of hate crimes and protecting the community.
“2020 changed the way many of us engage with our communities, but Mr. Spain’s efforts to continue to build the membership of local NAACP branches and engage with the FBI’s Washington Field Office demonstrated his commitment to help enhance the relationship between the FBI and the communities we serve,” said WFO ADIC Steven M. D’Antuono. “The FBI is grateful for his work and his continued partnership.”
For more information about the FBI’s Community Outreach Program, visit www.fbi.gov.