Fort Monroe is a wonderful place to visit. If you are a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a good meal, a day at Fort Monroe is unlike any other.
Fort Monroe has received several national designations to celebrate and protect this area’s important heritage. 
The Landing of the First Africans to English North America
The first Africans, kidnapped and brought to English North America, came from the kingdoms of Kongo, and Ndongo and Matamba, the two largest states in central Africa ruled by an elected King chosen from a line of royal lineages. The highly advanced societies were invaded by the Portuguese in the late 1400s who in the ensuing decades meddled in the affairs of the African continent and eventually set in motion the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
In 1619 the São João Bautista sailed from the Port of Luanda, Angola laden with over 350 enslaved Africans bound for Vera Cruz in the colony of New Spain. The horrors of the middle passage across the Atlantic are unimaginable. As the slave ship transited the Bay of Campeche, two English privateer ships, the White Lion and Treasurer attacked the São João Bautista and seized 60 Africans. The privateers, looking for refuge and supplies, sailed north until reaching Point Comfort in August 1619. The enslaved Africans were brought ashore and traded for supplies after which they were sold to colonists throughout the area.
This historical event changed the course of the history from the early years of the Virginia colony, to the founding of America and into the future. The perseverance, resiliency and courage of the men and women who landed at Point Comfort ensured the survival of the nascent colony and enriched those who exploited them
Slavery in the English colonies began with this happen chance as did the collision of three cultures: Indigenous, African and European. Oftentimes violence and destruction were the result of the encounter, but so is the fusion of practices that are seen in many aspects of American culture, such as the preparation of foods, music, language and oral traditions.
Schedule of Events at the site of the future African Landing Memorial and Continental Park from 10 am to 4 pm
This will be a participatory event by all attendees. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and to wear walking shoes. The event area is approximately .75 miles in length and guests will be walking to 3 different areas within the site. Seating will be limited so please bring folding chairs or blankets and water bottles. Guests are also encouraged to bring a small soil sample from their homeland or other special place of significance to their families to blend with the soil here at Point Comfort and soil from Angola.
Soil Blending Ceremony begins at 10 am All times listed are approximate.
10 am to 10:45 am
Cultural Honors and Recognitions
Cultural Honors and Recognition to the Indigenous People by the Cheroenhaka (Nottaway Tribe of Southhampton, Virginia) led by Chief Walter “Red Hawk” Brown.
Cultural Honors and Recognition of Angolan Traditions include West African dancing and drumming and Libation Ceremony
Significance of Place–Prayer from Rev. Dr. Debra Haggins of Hampton University and Reflections from Senator Mamie Locke
11 am to 11:45 am
Remembrance and Reflection–processional to the Engineer’s Wharf by all attendees.
Flower Petal Ceremony and Parade of African Nations–remembering all that were lost during the Middle Passage led by Minister Larry Gibson and accompanied by drumming with KAM Kelly and The DAY Program. Attendees will be participate in the dropping of petals in the Bay and have a moment of reflection. Attendees will then proceed to the Bandstand in Continental Park.
12:10 pm to 1:20 pm
Contributions, Legacy, and the Future–processional to the Bandstand by all attendees
Remarks from
His Excellency, Filipe Silvino da Pina Zau, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Angola,
Dr. Wanda Tucker and Ms. Pam Tucker Members of Descendent Communities
Mayor Donnie Tuck, City of Hampton
Martin Brown, Chief Diversity Officer, Commonwealth of Virginia
Kirsten Talken-Spaulding, National Park Service, Regional Deputy Director
Following the remarks, all attendees will proceed to the Bandstand to pour their soil into one vessel. Attendees may share where their soil that they are contributing is from.
Vendors and food trucks will be onsite from 10 am to 4 pm. Limited seating will be available. Bring your own folding chair or lawn chair. This event is weather permitting.
Special thanks to the Fort Monroe National Monument, City of Hampton, Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fort Monroe Authority, and Project 1619, Inc. for their support of this program.
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