In August of 1619, the first recorded Africans to arrive in English North America landed at Point Comfort, Virginia, after being taken from a Portuguese slaving ship by an English privateer. To commemorate this and other events from 1619 that shaped America's beginnings, the Commonwealth of Virginia is launching 2019 Commemoration — a three-year campaign featuring events and activities that celebrate democracy, diversity and opportunity. The first event, African Arrival Day, examines the history, culture and contributions of the first Africans to arrive at the Virginia Colony.
 

African Arrival Day kicks off Friday, August 19, with free tours of the main deck of Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Godspeed is a replica of one of the three ships that carried settlers to the Jamestown colony in 1607. A performance of “Crossing a Deep River: A Ritual Drama in Three Movements” will also take place that evening at Thomas Nelson Community College’s Mary T. Christian Theater, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
 

The event continues on Saturday, August 20, when visitors will experience the history, culture and contributions of Virginia’s early Africans through a variety of interactive events including an African naming ceremony and prayer service, rhythmic performances by African dancers and drummers, storytelling, character reenactments, and guided walking tours.
 

Tune in to "Another View" on Friday, August 19, at noon to learn more about this exciting event.
 

Listen to the show on 89.5 WHRV-FM, or stream it live. 

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