Hampton kicked off African Landing Commemoration Week on Saturday with a celebration at the Convention Center honoring the arrival of the first recorded Africans in English North America in 1619.
The event marks the landing of the White Lion — the first ship carrying enslaved Africans — at Point Comfort, now Fort Monroe, more than 400 years ago. The week of events runs August 22–29, 2026, and brings together descendants, community members, historians, cultural organizations, civic leaders, educators, faith communities, and the public.
Kamiruri “Kam” Kelly, an instructor and leader with the DAY Program, said the day carries deep national significance…