Edwin Lynch is not a household name, but he was a very influential man in his community. Through this research project, the author will look at sources from scholars, reporters, and Lynch himself to explain how he has influenced the Mason Neck and greater Fairfax County communities. By looking at important issues that Lynch was concerned with, such as desegregation and peace studies, the reader can piece together an image of how far Edwin Lynch’s leadership reached. The author will look specifically at Edwin Lynch’s background, the poll tax in Virginia, education and desegregation in Virginia, and Lynch’s contributions to George Mason Unversity. While there are no scholarly works directly linked to Mr. Lynch himself, there are many sources from the time period that can assist in determining his greater effect on his community and hometown.
Jaxon Upchurch