NAACP remembers the day the first enslaved Africans arrived on American soil

Four centuries later, those who crossed the ocean in chains are remembered

The NAACP is opening doors to learn about Black history from the shores of Africa to Jamestown, Va., in its new program which includes travel to Ghana

Brianna Rhodes

Aug 20, 2019

More than 200 NAACP member and supporters on Monday came together to pay tribute to the first Africans who arrived to America in 1619 through the Transatlantic Slave Trade at the James Point Comfort in Fort Monroe, Via.

Members traveled from all over the country to attend the event and recognize the 400th year since chattel slavery began in America, according to an NAACP press release.

The event was held as the the start of the organization’s, “Year of Return” trip to Ghana, which is being considered “as one of the largest U.S. delegations to visit the country during the Year of the Return.”

The Farafina Kan: The Sound of Africa drum and dance company and NAACP officials were all in attendance including Derrick Johnson, NAACP president along with several presidents of the organization’s various chapters and other leaders.

“Today, we stand here as their descendants, empowered by their legacy, emboldened by the knowledge that we built this country, and enlightened from today’s experience,” Chairman of NAACP Board of Directors, Leon W. Russell said to attendees of the ceremony. “As crucial as it is to look back on our history, today is a turning point for us, because we know we must forge a path ahead for the African American community in this democracy.”

Attendees also participated in an African tradition writing letters to their ancestors and placing it in a fire, as a way of paying tribute.

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The NAACP is sponsoring a trip to Ghana taking place from August 19-28. While there, individuals will have the chance to trace their ancestry and embrace the culture by visiting places like Cape Coast Castle and Assin Manso Slave River. They will also attend an economic summit to learn more about development and investment in the country for two day.

To learn more about their journey follow their blog series at NAACP.org/ghana.