The death of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax is a tragedy in so many ways, but her beautiful life and legacy must be what’s highlighted and remembered.
A mother and leader with a dental practice, Wanzer Fairfax, was killed by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, before he shot himself in their family home around midnight on April 16, leaving the couple’s two teens— who were present at the time— orphaned and coping with extreme tragedy, trauma, and turmoil.
While their pain is unimaginable, the hope is that these two children are able to remember the power of their mother’s life, even beyond her death.
As people around the DMV and nation react to the murder-suicide, several important conversations have emperged, including: African American mental health, protecting Black women, and the power in furthering the legacy of victims of partner violence, such as Wanzer Fairfax.
A Washington Informer social media post promoting the full article about the Fairfax incident, mentioned the former lieutenant governor, but said “his wife,” as opposed to saying the dentist’s full name. While the article immediately mentions Wanzer Fairfax, the social media blurb did not– and Washington Informer followers responded.
“And his wife…DR. CERINA W. FAIRFAX,” one social media user wrote. Another person commented: “Say Her Name!”
The Washington Informer read the comments and couldn’t agree more.
With reports that Fairfax had struggled with emotional challenges before the April 16 murder-suicide, talking about, raising awareness about mental health is certainly important, but places focus on the former politician.
In addition, emphasizing the importance of protecting Black women is critical— particularly at a time when approximately 300,000 African American women lost their jobs last year, and Black females still experience partner violence about 40% more than their white counterparts, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
But it’s also important to say Wanzer Fairfax’s name as much as possible and share the beauty and breadth of her story.
In 2015, the dentist and entrepreneur, who founded Dr. Fairfax and Associates in 2008, was honored by Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry Alumni Association as the “Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade” (GOLD). Dr. Wanzer Fairfax enjoyed reading, running trails with her Vizsla-breed dogs, practicing Bikram yoga, traveling, and spending “time with her wonderful family,” according to the biography on her practice’s website.
Helping people was her passion– from her caring for her patients, to participating in community outreach programs, volunteering, supporting organizations that help those in need through sponsorship opportunities, vocational training programs, and personal donations.
The dentist and mother touched countless lives over the years through her commitment to uplifting the community and that’s how she should be remembered.
Wanzer Fairfax, her son and daughter, and all the people who will continue to carry her light throughout their lives deserve that.
We must continue to uplift her life and legacy, and never stop saying her name: Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax.