400th Anniversary of African Arrival Commemorative Weekend
Sunday, August 25 - Healing Day
A day of healing and reconciliation for all people. We will be ringing bells across the nation for 4 minutes to honor those who arrived here in 1619. Events begin at 1:15 pm.
1:15 - 2:30 pm
Healing Day Town Hall Meeting, Fort Monroe Theatre
2:30 pm
Elegba Folklore Society Drummers, Continental Park
3:00 pm
Nationwide Bell Ringing Ceremony, Continental Park
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Moment of Silence
Blessing of the Land and Iroquois Prayer
- Chief Walter D. "Red Hawk" Brown, III Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe
Libation
- Ms. Chadra Pittman and African Drummers
Performances
- Nicole Michelle Aponte, vocalist
- Transcendence Aerial Dance
- Elegba Folklore Society Drummers and Dancers
4:00 - 8:00 pm - Performances - Main Stage
Performances
- United States Colored Troop Ensemble
Introductions
- Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead - Host
Black National Anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing"
- Gina Payne, Violinist
Healing Day Honors
- Joint Base Langley-Eustis Color Guard, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, 21 Gun Salute
Invocation
- Dr. Rex M. Ellis
Welcome and Acknowledgement
- Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead - Host
Healing Day Proclamation
- Mayor Donnie R. Tuck, Mayor, City of Hampton
Special Guest Remarks
- Ralph S. Northam, 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, 3rd Congressional District Virginia, US House of Representatives
- Chief G. Anne Richardson, Rappahannock Tribe
- Justin E. Fairfax, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
- David Vela, Acting Deputy Director for Operations, National Park Service
- Dr. Joseph Green Chairman, 400 Years of African American History Commission
- Dr. Colita Fairfax, Co-Chair, Hampton 2019 Commission
- Jamel Diggs, student, Achievable Dream Middle and High School
Expressions of Meaning & Relevance
- “You are Beautiful” - Ms. Addison Messick, Gymnast and Dancer
- “What Does Healing Mean?” - Dr. Michael Battle
- Donovan Pollock and Imagine, Teens with a Purpose
Keynote Speaker
- Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
400th Distinguished Service Awards Presentation
Key Message
- Robert F. McDonnell, 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Reflections
- Terry E. Brown, Superintendent, Fort Monroe National Monument
Benediction
- Dr. Eric Williams
Gospel Concert
Minister Alexis Carrington, Host
- Damien Sneed
- 4 Him Quartet
- Combined Choir of First Baptist Church of Hampton
Fees
This event is free to attend.
Location
Continental Park
Latitude and Longitude 37.000850, -76.311190
Schedule
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Contact Information
Aaron Firth
757-722-FORT (3678)
Contact Us
Event Type
- Children’s Program
- Cultural/Craft Demonstration
- Exhibition/Show
- Festival
- Living History
- Partner Program
- Performance