Over the past 11 years, Eunice Haigler has evolved into a gatekeeper for local politicians who make decisions that affect the African American community. Haigler extended that tradition this week when she developed a relationship with Democratic Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman, who attended church with her on August 4 at the House of Victory Church in Fredericksburg.
“I was pleased and proud to be invited out to the House of Victory Church,” Vindman said. “Great congregation that allowed me to introduce myself to those who may not know me in the community. I really enjoyed myself today, and the church service was good.”
Vindman plans to continue talking to Haigler about issues that are important to the public.
“It’s a pleasure to meet people who are serving the community who are not elected,” Vindman told the Advance. “I served our country in the military and plan on serving our community in a congressional capacity. This type of work can’t be done alone; it takes collaboration.”
Vindman is following in the footsteps of other politicians who have attended church with Haigler, including Delegate Joshua Cole, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, and state Senator Tara Durant.
A Pillar of the Community
Civil rights activist Eunice Haigler of Fredericksburg has always loved children and considers herself a mom to all who are in need. Growing up as an only child, she was taken in by her great aunt and uncle at 2-years-old, whom she considers her mom and dad.
Even though Haigler is willing to help anyone, she gravitated toward children who were at the greatest disadvantage. “I was bullied at a young age, but I would later find my voice as an adult,” Haigler said.
She began to find that voice following the death of her sone David Haigler in 2011. She became involved with Virginia Organizing.
Her work with the organization got her involved in a number of issues, including immigration reform and Medicaid expansion. Both were issues that she was “thrilled about” getting involved with.
Virginia Organizing also got Haigler involved with prison reform issues, and she did work in that area in New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Detroit. “I thought it would be great,” she told the Advance, “to represent African Americans” on the issue of prison reform.
Faith Driven
Haigler is a woman of deep faith and determination. “I always put [God] first, and I want for nothing, even without a salary,” she said.
In 2015, Haigler began directing Fredericksburg Juneteenth celebrations. She has never had a budget for the events, but family, friends, and community members have donated in abundance for the recently made federal holiday.
Under Haigler’s guidance, the annual event has grown exponentially, bringing singers, dancers, poets, and comedians to perform, and empowering a multitude of pastors to deliver gospel messages each year. This year, Haigler successfully coordinated bringing state Senator Tim Kaine to Fredericksburg to fellowship with local residents.
“It’s important to let people know who their local politicians are,” Haigler said.
Political Activist
Before he was the youngest person and African American from the Fredericksburg region elected to the General Assembly, Joshua Cole was singing Negro spirituals and doing re-enactments of African American culture at Haigler’s Juneteenth yearly events. Cole’s godmother, Wreatha Anderson, also enjoyed a long relationship with Haigler before her death in 2023. She would provide free clothes to Haigler for the homeless each year.
When Cole became a Virginia House of Delegates Democratic candidate in 2017, Haigler left Virginia Organizing to take the role of District Liaison on Cole’s campaign.
As a district liaison for Cole, Haigler is responsible for educating residents on city services, handling community issues, and conversing with other politicians in the community. Picking the brains of politicians is something that Haigler is responsible for and skilled at.
“She brings that community mother mentality, and protecting the community is something she takes seriously. I don’t know anyone better at bringing news to area residents, including political and community news. It’s rare that any kind of community event is missed by Ms. Eunice,” Cole told the Advance.
Jamar Billingsley is a free-lance journalist currently attending Regent University.
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