African Landing Memorial, An Unveiling
About this Event
The African Landing Memorial will unfold through three interconnected sculptural installations, each contributing to a larger story of remembrance, resilience and hope. The first honors Antony, Isabella and their son William, while also remembering all those who arrived at Point Comfort aboard the White Lion in August 1619; The Arc, expected later this year, will rise vertically toward the sky as a symbol of hope for the future; and the final 25-foot-wide Relief Wall, expected in 2028, will tell a broader story of the first Africans—from life in West Central Africa and the trauma of capture and the Middle Passage to their arrival at Point Comfort and their early years in Virginia.The African Landing Memorial will honor the individuals brought here in hold hold hold
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but not required but will provide you event updates and communications.
Agenda
Opening Remarks
Host: Kelli Lemon, Fort Monroe Authority Trustee
Memorialization and Blessing
Host: Rev. Larry Gibson
Welcome
Host: Senator Mamie Lock, Commonwealth of Virginia
Remarks and Greetings
Host: Delegate Virgil Thornton, Commonwealth of Virginia;
Special Address
Host: Governor Abigail Spanberger, Commonwealth of Virginia
Musical Performance
Keynote Address
Host: Karsonya "Kaye" Wise- Whitehead
Info: Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead is the founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice and a professor of communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola University Maryland. She is the host of the award-winning radio show Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA, 88.9 FM and the recent recipient of the Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence, for her outstanding reporting on the impact racial reckoning has had in helping to close social/racial wealth gap for Black people in America. She was recently selected by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women of 2022 (an honor that she also received in 2020) and by Black Girls Vote as a 2022 honoree for its “Ladies & Politics” series. Her radio show, Today With Dr. Kaye, received both the 2022 Chesapeake Associated Press Award for Best in Show and for Best Radio Talk Show; and, the Second Place Award for Outstanding Editorial or Commentary.
Stewards of History Remarks
Host: Melinda Steele, Project 1619
The Importance of Names
Host: Fort Monroe Museum, Education and Interpretation
An Artist Perspective
Host: Brian Owens, African Landing Memorial Sculptor
A Journey Home
Host: Representation from the Republic of Angola
A Descendant's View
Host: Dr. Wanda Tucker
Isabella Monologue and the Speaking of Names
Host: Indya Jackson;
Unveiling of the Sculpture
Host: Descendant Children
Closing Musical Performance
Closing Remarks
Host: Kelli Lemon, Fort Monroe Authority Trustee
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
