Vermont Racial Justice Alliance Announces Third Annual First African Landing Day
(Burlington, VT) -- Today the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance (VRJA) announced the upcoming Third Annual Vermont First African Landing Day. Slated for August 28, 2021, at Intervale Center, Burlington, Vermont, Vermont First African Landing Day offers folks an opportunity to learn about the heritage, struggles and triumphs of the first Africans who were brought to the shores of what would become the United States in 1619. This day of commemoration was established in the tradition of that which is conducted at Point Comfort (modern day Hampton, Virginia) the location of the landing of the ship "White Lion" which brought the first "20 and odd Negros" to what would become the United States.
The inaugural First African Landing Day was observed on August 24, 2019. It was on this day that Governor Philip B. Scott proclaimed First African Landing Day in Vermont, stating 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." "This is a timely event for all people" said Cleophace Mukeba, Outreach and Education Director of the Alliance. "This is not about Vermont, it's about an event that changed the planet"
The "2021" theme "Out of Darkness; Into the Light" highlights our journey as one that demands we learn and teach the truth about our national history; we pursue, correlate and share the quantitative data that represents its past and current impact on the human rights of American Descendants of Slavery; and, we demand reparative approaches to address these crimes against humanity. Activities will be ongoing throughout the day with traditional food, storytelling, dance, drumming, musical performances, and more. The Washington DC Band "The Original Moonlighters" are featured performers. The "True Black History Museum" will be on display throughout the day. The net proceeds from this event will be donated to support the implementation of the Racial Justice Alliance vision of a Cultural Empowerment Center. In Burlington. This is a FREE ticketed event. Get tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vermont-first-african-landing-day-tickets-166395642847
The day starts with coffee at 10:00 AM.
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About the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance
The mission of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance is to secure sustainable power, ensure agency and provide security for American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS), while embracing their history and preserving their culture.