Special Event

Event

400th Anniversary of African Arrival Commemorative Weekend

Fort Monroe National Monument

Fee:

Free.

Location: LAT/LONG: 37.000850, -76.311190


Continental Park

Dates & Times

Date:

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Time:

1:15 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Type of Event

Children’s Program
Cultural/Craft Demonstration
Exhibition/Show
Festival
Living History
Partner Program
Performance

Description

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

More information

Reservation or Registration: No


Contact Information

Aaron Firth
757-722-FORT (3678)
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