African Landing Day commemoration draws community members to Intervale Center
Saturday marked Vermont’s eighth annual First African Landing Day, a commemoration recognizing Black history and the lasting impact of slavery in America.
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
Saturday marked Vermont’s eighth annual First African Landing Day, a commemoration recognizing Black history and the lasting impact of slavery in America.
The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance hosted the event at the Intervale Center.
Organizers said the commemoration reflects on the arrival of about 20 Africans in Virginia in 1619 while also recognizing the resilience and contributions of Black Americans since then.
The event included speakers, music, dancing and other activities.
“Come in with an open mind and just come ready to learn something, because there’s been so much of our history that has been erased and or that has been modified, and few of us have learned the truth in our schools. There’s a lot of history that’s great history for us to know,” said Rev. Mark Hughes, founder of First African Landing Day.
Organizers said First African Landing Day has been held each year since 2019 following a gubernatorial proclamation that established the fourth Saturday of August as a day of commemoration in Vermont.
