Join us to commemorate the 402nd anniversary of the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English North America at Point Comfort in 1619.
All events are free and open to the public
Friday, August 20, 2021
1 Sharon Court
Hampton, VA 23666
- 11 am - 1 pm – Tucker Family Cemetery Reflection and Commemoration is Bridging the Gap featured speaker Angolan Ambassador Joaquin do Espirito Santo, Director for Africa, Middle East and Regional Organizations in Angola’s Ministry of External Relations from 2011-2018. Presented by: William Tucker 1624 Society
Saturday, August 21, 2021Continental Park, Fort Monroe
- 11 am – Opening program will include traditions and culture of West Africa including the pouring of libation, dancers, and drummers; welcome messages; stakeholder special remarks; keynote address by author, performer, producer, and emcee KRS-One.
Lawrence "Kris" Parker known as KRS-One (Knowledge Reins Supreme Over Nearly Everyone) is an influential rapper known hip hop's first "teacher." KRS – One’s body of work includes his ground-breaking album Criminal Minded and acclaimed work Self-Destruction which raised half a million dollars for the Nation Urban League, establishing the Stop the Violence Movement in 1989, Human Education Against Lies-H.E.A.L. in 1991 as well as the Temple of Hip Hop in 1996, and publishing three ground-breaking books. With over 19 classic releases over 30 years, KRS-One’s songs, lectures, and interviews have inspired millions of people to think in new and empowering ways and are representative of the “Golden Age of Hip Hop.”
- 12 noon – National Bell Ringing Ceremony. Folowed by reflections from invited West African delegates and representatives concluding with a procession and wreath laying to honor the 402 years of African American history and remembrance of the first enslaved Africans that landed in 1619.
- 1:30 pm – Evolution of Freedom concert featuring acclaimed trombonist, composer, and producer Delfeayo Maralis; and "talk-back" session with KRS-One.
As an acclaimed trombonist, composer, and producer, Delfeayo Marsalis has dedicated his prolific career to music theatre and education. Along with the Marsalis family of musicians including his father Ellis, the artist was destined to a life in music. Marsalis has toured internationally with jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his groups. At the age of 17, Marsalis began his career as a producer and has to date produced over 120 recordings garnering a Grammy award and several nominations. Marsalis’ recent work includes a tribute to Breonna Taylor and the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the country seeks to honor, remember, and heal.
Cosponsored by: Project 1619, City of Hampton, Fort Monroe Authority, National Park Service
