The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) recently made history by hosting the first-ever Frederick Douglass Project for Justice event in a Virginia correctional facility. This groundbreaking initiative took place on July 15, 2025, bringing community members into the Arlington County Detention Facility to engage in honest, face-to-face conversations with incarcerated individuals.
Founded in 2019, the Frederick Douglass Project is a national nonprofit organization that aims to build empathy, dignity, and human connection through its Prison Visitation Program. The program’s goal is simple but powerful: to change hearts and minds by fostering understanding and mutual respect.
“This initiative is rooted in our belief that people deserve to be seen for who they are today not just for their past actions,” said Sheriff Jose Quiroz. “With proper support and, most importantly, humanity, we can help bring about better outcomes not just for individuals in our custody, but for their families, communities, and society as a whole.”
The event marked a milestone not only for the ACSO but also for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Participants described the conversations as eye-opening, emotional, and transformative; proof that when we see each other as human beings first, change becomes possible.
By opening the doors to initiatives like the Frederick Douglass Project, the ACSO continues its commitment to fostering rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and building a safer, more connected community.
