Vermont First African Landing Day
About this Event
Vermont First African Landing Day was established to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619. First African Landing Day is an annual community cultural empowerment commemoration. The Commemoration will take place on August 22, 2026, at Intervale Center from 12:00 till 5:00 PM in Burlington, Vermont. There will be food, music, dancing, speakers, exhibits, drumming and a youth “Hang-out” area. Cultural art, the Black Legacy Wall and the 1619 Traveling Exhibit will be featured at the Richard Kemp Center throughout the month of August. All are welcome.
Theme
The 2026 theme, "Press On," is inspired by the Adinkra symbol Owo Foro Adobe—a timeless call to steadfastness, prudence, diligence, and the courage to accomplish the impossible.
Unfinished Pormise
As our nation “celebrates” its 250th Anniversary, we are reminded that the American promise has always been unfinished. For more than sixteen generations, American Descendants of Slavery have continuously pushed this nation closer to the ideals it has proclaimed but has too often failed to fulfill. Now, in a time when civil rights are being weakened, weaponized, and challenged once again, history has called our generation to that same sacred work.
This First African Landing Day, we embrace the challenges before us. Though many see uncertainty, hopelessness, and despair, we see responsibility. We must once again reconstruct what has been lost and become the architects of a new America - an America worthy of our ancestors' sacrifice and our children's future. It is the same hope our ancestors carried more than 407 years ago when they first arrived on these shores. We must PRESS ON!
About the Vermont Commemoration of First African Landing Day
The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance established First African Landing Day on August 24, 2019 by inspiration of the 400 Year African American History Commission and the 1619 Project. Vermont First African Landing Day was established to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination have had [and continue to have] on the United States and to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States.” On August 24th, 2019 the Governor proclaimed that the 4th Saturday of August “shall be henceforth recognized and commemorated as
As we ramp up for this event we could always use a hand. There are tons of ways that you can help and of course we'd really appreciate it! Here is a place where Volunteer Signup Form. Please take a minute and let us know how you would like to be involved. Fundraising is underway. Options for sponsorship and early supporters can be found here.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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