The city of Hampton, Virginia will remember the landing of the first Africans in English North America 400 years ago with a commemorative weekend full of events, activities, exhibits, heritage tours, keynote speakers and musical performances.
The 2019 Commemoration of the First African Landing, set to take place on August 23-25, will recognize the first Africans that arrived at Point Comfort, the site of current-day Fort Monroe in Hampton. Â
Old Point Comfort is recognized as the first Africans’ point of entry in English North America.
Attendees will have access to cultural demonstrations, Black cultural tours, living history demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities, musical performances, and a free concert at Hampton Coliseum on Saturday, August 24.
The weekend’s events will then culminate with Healing Day on Sunday, August 25th, which will officially recognize the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in English North America in 1619.
Bells around the nation, including in Hampton, are set to ring for 4 minutes, one minute for every 100 years.Â
First African Landing Commemorative Weekend was made possible with the joint efforts of American Evolution, Fort Monroe Authority, Fort Monroe National Monument and the City of Hampton
See the full schedule of events here: http://hamptonva2019.com/firstafricanlanding/