William Fairfax, Jr., a 24-year-old press assistant for Vice President Kamala Harris, passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2022, of natural causes at his home in Washington, D.C. according to SNBC13. His death shocked and saddened many people who knew him personally or professionally, as he was widely regarded as a bright and optimistic young man who dedicated his life to public service and social justice.
A Passionate and Loyal Political Activist
William Fairfax was born in 1998 in London, England, and moved to the United States with his family when he was a child. He was a descendant of the prominent Fairfax family of Virginia, which included Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, the only British peer to reside in the American colonies according to Wikipedia. William Fairfax was also a cousin of former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who spoke at his funeral.
William Fairfax developed an interest in politics at an early age and joined the Democratic Party as a teenager. He volunteered for various campaigns and causes, such as Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2012 and the Black Lives Matter movement. He graduated from Howard University in 2020 with a degree in political science and a minor in journalism.
He began his political career as an aide for Joe Biden’s primary campaign in South Carolina in 2019, where he worked closely with Kendall Corley, the state director. He impressed his colleagues with his enthusiasm, charisma, and work ethic. He was instrumental in helping Biden win the crucial South Carolina primary, which revived his campaign and paved the way for his eventual nomination and victory.
After Biden secured the nomination, William Fairfax joined the FEMA team as a public affairs specialist, where he helped coordinate the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters. He later became a press assistant for Vice President Kamala Harris, where he handled media inquiries and assisted with communications strategy. He was one of the youngest staffers in the White House and one of the few Black men in Harris’ press team.
A Joyful and Generous Human Being
William Fairfax was not only a talented and dedicated political aide, but also a wonderful and kind-hearted human being. He was known for his infectious smile, his cheerful personality, and his genuine interest in others. He had a wide range of hobbies and passions, such as Adele’s music, fantasy football, Queen Elizabeth II, and Chick-fil-A. He loved his family and friends deeply and always made time for them.
He was also a devout Christian who lived by his faith and values. He was active in his church and community, where he mentored young people and supported various charitable causes. He believed in using his gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world.
His funeral on September 23, 2022, at the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Md., was attended by hundreds of people who came to pay their respects and honor his legacy. Letters were read from Joe and Jill Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, and other prominent figures who expressed their condolences and gratitude for his service according to Politico. His former colleagues and friends also shared their memories and stories of him, highlighting his achievements and contributions.
William Fairfax’s death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and the nation. He was a shining example of what it means to be a passionate and loyal political activist, a joyful and generous human being, and a faithful servant of God. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and inspired by all who will learn about him.
