The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s bipartisan legislation to rename a Fredericksburg post office after Gladys P. Todd, a prominent leader in the Fredericksburg civil rights movement — sending the legislation to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
The late Gladys P. Todd was a revered schoolteacher and community organizer who was a fixture in the city’s civil rights movement — particularly in advancing causes related to Black youth and teens. She was also known for her work as a voting rights advocate and is often cited as an instrumental force in the election of Fredericksburg’s first Black mayor.
“The U.S. Senate’s passage of my bipartisan bill to name a post office in Fredericksburg after Gladys P. Todd is a small way to honor her remarkable legacy and impact on our community,” Spanberger said. “Once signed into law, this legislation will guarantee that her contributions to civil rights and her community will be remembered for years to come.”
“While a recent fire in an adjacent building has temporarily closed the post office, I am confident that the building will return to serve the people of Fredericksburg stronger than ever. When it does, it will proudly bear the name of Gladys P. Todd — a fitting tribute to a woman who exemplified resilience, dedication, and a commitment to our community.”
Spanberger’s bill would rename a Fredericksburg post office located at 1285 Emancipation Highway on Route 1 in Fredericksburg to the “Gladys P. Todd Post Office.”
The legislation — which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week — is co-sponsored in the House by all 11 members of the Virginia delegation, including Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Bob Good (R-VA-05), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), and Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11).
