African Landing Day
Thank you to all who joined us for the 2020 Commemoration of the First African Landing special virtual program. This year’s event featured Governor Ralph Northam, Congresswoman Elaine Luria and Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck. Through an Annual Libation Ceremony, drum & dance performances, interactive community conversations and a virtual chalk the wall we were able to honor the events that took place at Old Point Comfort 401 years ago. In case you missed it, the program can be viewed virtually on Fort Monroe’s Youtube channel.
Virtual Town Hall: Lifting Your Voice–1619 and the Power of Collaboration
The Association of African American Museums and the Fort Monroe partners hosted a virtual town hall discussion, “Lifting Your Voice: 1619 and the Power of Collaboration” on August 22, 2020 at 2 pm. This discussion explored the significance of 1619 addressed the theme, “reflect on the past, embrace change, and engage for the future.”
The first African landing in English North America occurred in 1619 when a vessel carrying “20 and odd” enslaved Africans arrived at Point Comfort (present-day Fort Monroe) in late August. As we honor and remember the arrival of first Africans to the Virginia Colony panelists Eola Dance, Acting Superintendent Fort Monroe National Monument; Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Dean of College of Liberal Arts at Norfolk State University; Glenn Oder, Executive Director of Fort Monroe Authority; and Calvin Pearson, Founder and President of Project 1619 reflected on this rich history and the making of America.
VIEW DISCUSSION