- 26 Aug 2023, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
- Continental Park, Fort Monroe, VA
We come together this weekend to recognize the landing of the first enslaved Africans on our shores here at Point Comfort–a point in our country’s history that had, and continues to have, a profound impact on this country and its people.
Schedule of Events at Continental Park from 11 am to 4 pm.
Parade of African Nations
- Drum Call-Libation: Bring your own drum and participate in the Circle of Drums
- Performance by Crimson Thunder Drumline from Katherine Johnson Elementary School in Newport News
- Prayer for Social Justice, Reconciliation and Healing
- Keynote Address: Award winning author, educator, and historian, Ric Murphy. His latest book is titled Arrival of the First Africans in Virginia, 2020 Phillis Wheatley Book Award winner
- Bell ringing ceremony for Healing, Remembrance, and Hope
- Flower Petal Ceremony to remember the lives lost through the Middle Passage
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.
