400 Years Forward - Hampton, VA

08/17/2025

The Healing and Cleansing Ceremony
📅 Sunday, August 24, 2025, 6 a.m.
📍 Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort

This Day of Healing offers attendees a unique opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Participants are encouraged to wear all white for this ceremony.

More African Landing Day Commemoration events: https://visithampton.com/enslaved-african-landing-commemoration/

08/15/2025

On a hot summer day in August 1619, a moment of profound consequence unfolded on the shores of what’s now Hampton, Virginia. It was here that the first enslaved Africans from present day Angola were brought to English North America, marking the beginning of a harrowing chapter in history. On August 23-24 commemoration events will be held to honor the first Africans brought here in 1619 and to highlight their legacy of culture, identity, resistance and triumph.

Project 1619 Inc. and partners - including Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort, Fort Monroe National Monument, Hampton, VA - Gov, William Tucker 1624 Society, VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission - invite the public to the 2025 African Landing Day Commemoration. This significant event will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Continental Park, Fort Monroe. The Commemoration will feature remarks by Dijimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee and founder of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation. There will also be an International Bell Ringing Ceremony, where bells will toll to honor the first enslaved Africans who arrived at Point Comfort, now Fort Monroe, in August 1619.

Free and open to all! Join in this participatory event—come dressed comfortably with walking shoes. Seating is limited, so bring folding chairs or blankets, and water bottles. Enjoy food trucks from 9 AM–3 PM. Weather permitting.

More info & events: https://visithampton.com/enslaved-african-landing-commemoration/

08/15/2025

The William Tucker 1624 Society is hosting its annual Scholarship Fundraiser, “A Jazz Night Out” on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Commanding General's Residence at Ft. Monroe, as part of our African Landing Commemoration Weekend events. The event will feature live music, African dance and drumming, and will include complementary light hors de ’oeuvres.

Actor and activist, Djimon Hounsou, founder of The Djimon Hounsou Foundation and Run Richmond 16.19 will be in attendance to promote this year's event.

Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-william-tucker-1624-society-presents-a-jazz-night-out-tickets-1515356454949 All proceeds will go directly to scholarships for deserving students in Virginia Public Schools. Your donation will bring us one step closer to meeting our goal of distributing $10,000 in scholarships in 2026.

More African Landing Day Commemoration events: https://visithampton.com/enslaved-african-landing-commemoration/

08/14/2025

The William Tucker 1624 Society presents "Angolan Art Showcase"
This webinar spotlights the creative work of emerging artists who are redefining contemporary African art through their unique Angolan lens. Featuring Artists: Joaquim Muhino, Elias Dombele, and ArteBambi These young visionaries are crafting bold narratives that speak to local identity and the spirit of freedom. What awaits you:
• Experience how young Angolan artists are using canvas to tell stories of resilience, hope, freedom, and cultural pride.
• Discover insights into Angola's evolving contemporary art scene.
• Connect with a Q&A segment. The purpose of The William Tucker 1624 Society is to tell the story of our ancestors and other first Africans to arrive in this country by conducting educational programs and activities.

Registration required. https://www.wt1624society.org/african-landing-commemoration

This isn't just an art showcase; it's a cultural bridge connecting the rich artistic heritage and creativity of two countries. The William Tucker 1624 Society takes pride in serving as Ambassadors for Angola, Africa. Reserve your spot today to join us as we support the arts and celebrate the imaginations that will shape tomorrow. We exist because our ancestors survived. We have because they sacrificed. We strive because they dreamed.

More African Landing Day Commemoration events: https://visithampton.com/enslaved-african-landing-commemoration/

08/08/2025

Located in the waterfront downtown area, the Magnolia House Inn is a Hampton, Virginia bed and breakfast that is the city’s premier inn with the most sought-after lodging experience. Guests find this Coastal Virginia B&B a luxurious and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travel.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, the historic Queen Anne Victorian offers 3 spacious guestrooms that are sophisticated and comfortable with impeccable amenities and services to enhance the guests’ stay. Delicious breakfasts are a memorable experience, and our concierge services are the pride of our hospitality standard.

The Magnolia House Inn is conveniently located on the Southeastern tip of the Virginia peninsula, close to business and tourist attractions. It is the perfect base to explore the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore of Coastal Virginia.

📍Magnolia House Inn, 232 S Armistead Ave Hampton, VA 23669

07/22/2025

07/05/2025

Stop by the Open House sponsored by the Barrett-Peake Heritage Foundation to tour a new historical gem in Hampton in honor of Dr. Mary T. Christian!

This free event offers a rare look inside the historic home that once served as the final headquarters of the Virginia Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs—an organization founded in 1907. https://www.barrett-peake.org/

06/19/2025

For Juneteenth, USA TODAY is telling the stories of five different communities across the country, including Hampton, Virginia, where residents are preserving history.

For Juneteenth, USA TODAY is telling the stories of five different communities across the country where residents are fighting to preserve history.

06/14/2025

Today, June 14, is officially “The Sankofa Projects Tree of Remembrance Day” in the city of Hampton. The 14th Annual Remembrance Ceremony held at Fort Monroe honored the African Ancestors of the Middle Passage. Attendees walked around the Tree of Remembrance and offered flowers at the water's edge to reflect, honor and remember.

06/12/2025

Enjoy an evening of live performances, cultural celebration, and community spirit at the Juneteenth Concert by VA Black Film Festival on Thursday, June 19th, from 6–8 PM at Continental Park in Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort (4 Fenwick Road, Hampton, VA). Free admission for all!

Featuring:
🎵 Violin Performance by Melanie The Violinist
🎵 Drum & Dance Performance by The Day Program
🎵 Hip Hop Performance by Night Train357
🎵 Blues Performance by Bobby Blackhat

More Juneteenth events: https://visithampton.com/juneteenth-in-hampton/