We are seeking to create a beautiful mural on a large public water tower that educates residents and visitors about West Ford, founder and father of Gum Springs, the oldest African American community in Fairfax County.

Our project aims to transform a large water tower in Gum Springs from an eyesore into a beacon of history and pride through the creation of a mural. This artwork will narrate the pivotal story of Gum Springs, spotlighting historical figures such as West Ford, a former slave at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon estate who founded Gum Springs as a free black community, and Annie E Harper, a local activist who played a crucial role in abolishing the poll tax in Virginia. Situated at a strategic intersection, the water tower will serve as a visual landmark, celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of Fairfax County's oldest African American community. By intertwining art with history, this mural will not only beautify the space but also foster a stronger sense of identity and continuity, safeguarding the community's shared legacy against the eroding forces of time.