Commemoration
First African Landing Day
Press ON
The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance (VRJA) is excited to announce First African Landing Day – PRESS ON!
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. 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.
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 carried the burden of pushing this nation closer to the ideals it proclaimed but has too often failed to fulfill. Today, we see the pendulum of truth and justice swinging away from the progress forged through the sacrifice, courage, and blood of those upon whose shoulders we stand. 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!
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.
About Vermont 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 on the United States and to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States.
On August 24, 2019 Governor Philip B. Scott proclaimed the 4th Saturday of August Vermont First African Landing Day proclaiming that “All in the State of Vermont are encouraged to learn about the Commemoration of the First African Landing Day to expand understanding and appreciation of the significance of the arrival of Africans in the United States and the contributions of African Americans in the United States. The 4th Saturday of August shall be henceforth recognized and Commemorated as First African Landing Day in Vermont.”
About the 400 Years African American History Commission:
The 400 Years of African American History Commission is a federally appointed committee, operating independently as established by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and administered by the National Park Service. The 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act, signed into law January 8, 2018, established this 15-member commission to coordinate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies on August 20, 1619, when 20 enslaved Africans were brought to Point Comfort in the English colony of Virginia (now part of Fort Monroe National Monument).
The 400 Years of African-American History Commission (the “Commission”) is developing and facilitate activities throughout the United States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619, recognizing and highlighting the resilience and contributions of African Americans from that seminal moment forward, while simultaneously acknowledging the painful impact of slavery, racial discrimination, and racism on our Nation.
The Vermont Commemoration on First African Landing Day Event is HERE.
About the 1619 Project:
The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.
1619 and American History | The 1619 Project Book
About the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance:
Through Black leadership the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance addresses the root causes and impact of systemic racism with a data-driven approach that includes solutions ranging from platforms and initiatives; outreach and education; community engagement and support; and, cultural empowerment programming.
The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance’s work spans a broad range of activities to ensure the accomplishment of the mission: To secure sustainable power, ensure agency, and provide security for American Descendants of Slavery, while embracing our history and preserving their culture.
Invest in The Vision Here