History

History of African Landing Day

As recorded by English colonist John Rolfe, the arrival of “20 and odd” African men and women in late August 1619, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. These Africans were stolen by English privateers from a Spanish slave ship and brought to Point Comfort on a ship called the White Lion. African Landing Day does not celebrate the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the first Africans to our shores.

The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance hosted inaugural Vermont First African Landing Day on August 24, 2019.  The theme was Black Resilience; Black Power. This commemoration 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. This event included food, storytelling, dance, drumming, musical performances, and featured a commemorative ceremony. At the request of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, it was on this this date (August 24, 2019) that Governor Philip B. Scott proclaimed “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”

On August 22, 2020, challenged with the COVID-19 Global Pandemic the Racial Justice Alliance hosted the second annual First African Landing Day at Intervale Center Burlington, Vermont. This event was widely streamed and featured Dr. Wanda Heading Grant, then Vice President, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, University of Vermont as Key Note Speaker. Net proceeds from the event went to the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, the only church in Vermont, worshiping in the African American tradition.

In 2021 the theme of First African Landing Day was Out of Darkness: Into the Light!The Vermont First African Landing Day “2021” theme “Out of Darkness, Into the Light”, The event highlighted our journey as one that demands we learn and teach the truth about our national history; pursue, correlate and share the quantitative data that articulates the true past and current adverse impact on the lives of American Descendants of Slavery; and, demand reparative approaches to address these crimes against humanity. Our Key Note Speaker was Nobel Julz.

In 2022 thee theme of First African Landing Day was “We’ve Come this Far By Faith” and reflected the role that faith has played in the lives American Descendants of Slavery in their journey from 1619 to present day.  From the middle passage, the auction block and toils of slavery to convict leasing, sharecropping, lynchings and the old Jim Crow a constant anthem has remained.  Through persecution and criminalization of a civil rights movement, a justice system that has never delivered equal protection under the law and the present day struggle of ongoing systemic racism American Descendants of Slavery have truly come this far by faith!

In 2023 the theme, “Through the Fire” embodied the resilience and strength of American Descendants of Slavery. For over 15 generations Black folks in the United States have consistently triumphed over seemingly insurmountable oppression. “Through the Fire” symbolized the remarkable ability of Black Americans to take decisive action and access our untapped spirit, ingenuity, and creativity in the face of adversity. Throughout history, this journey has deepened our faith, instilled unwavering optimism and hope, and propelled us to unimaginable levels of excellence.

The 2024 theme “Stay The Course” was inspired by the Adinkra symbol Nkyinkyim (which directly translates to “Life’s journey is twisted). The theme spoke to the wisdom of considering the tenacity of our ancestors as we remaining responsive to the continuously-changing nature of the path that we march towards justice. The persistence of slavery and its legacy make it necessary for abolitionists and activists to be nimble and resilient in our march towards justice. This First African Landing Day we embraced uncertainty and unpredictability, understanding that change is inevitable.  We took comfort in knowing that though our strategies must change, our vision of justice is the same as the first calls for freedom nearly 405 years ago. We must Stay The Course to achieve our vision of justice! 

The 2025 theme “STAND” was inspired by the Adinkra symbol Wawa Aba which means “seed of the wawa (tree).”  This seed is reputed for its hardness. Thus, Wawa Aba alludes to hardness, strength and endurance.  This year’s theme spoke to the remarkable strength possessed by our ancestors that enabled them to STAND against  slavery, convict leasing, segregation, lynchings, Jim Crow and so much more.  Yet slavery and its legacy persist and the fight for the rights for the least of us continues to be the fight to protect democracy for all. So, having done all that we can to stand, we STAND!

The civil rights that our ancestors bled and died for are no longer being enforced and the tools that we have used to address desperate impact are being suppressed. We can not allow our ancestors to have suffered and sacrificed in vain. As the winds of mean spirited policy violence blow, we know that we were built for a time such as this. This First African Landing Day we embraced the difficult challenges ahead and understood that there has never been a civil right won in the United States that didn’t require a fight.  There is a remnant that is prepared to STAND for justice in the fight for the soul of this nation.