From Africa to Virginia Month – February 1, 2027

Expected From Africa to Virginia Month Deals

From Africa to Virginia Month focuses on education and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Library of Virginia often host special exhibits, lectures, and digital resources to deepen understanding of this critical period. Local historical societies and universities may offer free or reduced-cost access to archives and public programs. Support for these institutions through donations or membership helps preserve invaluable historical records and promotes ongoing research. We will update this page with confirmed educational events and initiatives as February approaches.

History of From Africa to Virginia Month

Over 350 Africans were kidnapped from their homes in what is now Angola, West Central Africa, in August of 1619. These individuals were placed on board a Portuguese slave ship destined for the “New World,” as Europeans termed it. They were seized during a series of wars fought by the Portuguese against the Kongo and Ndongo kingdoms, as well as other powers.

In a clash off the coast of Mexico, English pirates kidnapped the Africans from the ship. On the English privateer ship White Lion, about 20 to 30 Africans survived the subsequent expedition and arrived at Point Comfort, in the English outpost that would become Virginia (modern-day Fort Monroe, Hampton, Va.). In exchange for food and goods, these Africans were traded. After a few days, another vessel named The Treasurer landed with more enslaved Africans.

Even before the confrontation with the pirates, the traumatic trip that began with around 350 Africans aboard the Portuguese ship (San Juan Bautista) was one of horror, hunger, torture, and death. Over half the enslaved Africans on the ship died in the Middle Passage between the 1600s and the 1800s.

In 1969, a Virginia initiative coordinated by civil rights attorney Oliver Hill, and featuring Samuel DeWitt Proctor, commemorated the incident’s 350-year anniversary. However, it was criticized by some, including state senator Governor Douglas Wilder, as an inappropriate celebration. In 1994, the 375-year anniversary was also observed.

In 2019, the 400-year anniversary of the landing of Africans in what is now the United States was commemorated. The 400 Years of African-American History Commission was founded by Congress.

Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution, and Hampton’s 2019 Commemoration Commission have since endorsed initiatives that illustrate not only the entry of Africans but other significant events in state and national history as well, such as the founding of the New World’s inaugural representative legislative assembly.