William Tucker 1624 Society

Tomorrow is the day!

The William Tucker 1624 Society is excited to be part of Hampton’s Juneteenth Celebration at Fort Monroe. Join us as we honor the history, resilience, and legacy of the first Africans brought to English North America in 1619.

If you’re coming out for the music, food, vendors, the Juneteenth festivities, and the Sail250 Parade of Sail, be sure to stop by our table and say hello.

See you at Fort Monroe!

🚨 Event Update: Navigating Freedom - Celebrate Juneteenth & Sail250® Virginia at Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort 🚨

Join American Music Collective on Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. for a day of history, culture, and celebration. Watch the Sail250® Virginia Parade of Sail from the Fort Monroe seawall beginning around 10:13 a.m., then enjoy the Juneteenth Celebration at Patton Street Park from noon – 6 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, cultural exhibits, family activities, and performances by Musiq Soulchild, Amerie, and more.

⚠️ Know Before You Go:
• Arrive early and follow event signage.
• General parking is available at Walker Airfield with free shuttle service beginning at 7:30 a.m.
• Accessible parking is available at Outlook Beach.
• Bring lawn chairs, umbrellas, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.
• Patton Street Park is a CLEAR BAG event. Small coolers (16 quarts or less) are permitted.

🚫 Prohibited items include outside alcohol, glass containers, pets (except service animals), drones, fireworks, weapons, pop-up tents, bikes, scooters, skateboards, and large coolers.

The event is rain or shine unless otherwise announced.

For full event details, parking information, and schedules, visit https://loom.ly/P7H6blM.

The first Africans — who were forcibly brought to Virginia in the early 17th century — were kidnapped from the region of West Central Africa. Their arrival in 1619 marked an early chapter in what would become the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

A memorial at modern-day Fort Monroe, where the enslaved Africans arrived, was dedicated April 24.

"The African Landing Memorial at Fort Monroe seeks to interpret this historical event beginning with the origins of the people—what their life might have been like prior to their abduction, the journey across thousands of miles of ocean– to their landing at Point Comfort and the lives they made for themselves," the 1619 Landing website reads.

“Very rarely am I speechless, but this one feels so deep," said Wanda Tucker, a descendant of of two of the enslaved Africans in that 1619 group.

Join us this Friday from 3 - 6pm for the dedication of the African Landing Memorial Plaza!

As the first completed element of the African Landing Memorial, this plaza focuses on reflection, remembrance, and connection linking the histories of West Central Africa, the transatlantic journey, and the shores of present-day Virginia.

Experience a ceremony that encourages you to be involved and connect to the story of the first Africans brought to Virginia in 1619, where it happened!

As we begin our annual fundraising season, now is the perfect time to join or renew your membership with the William Tucker 1624 Society.

Your membership helps support scholarships, Tucker Cemetery preservation, educational programs and initiatives, and community partnerships throughout the year.

Membership is a simple way to stay connected while helping sustain the Society’s year-round work. It provides connection to the extended family network, invitations to gatherings and commemorative events, priority access to Society updates and heritage tour information, and opportunities to support important Society initiatives.

Annual membership is $50. Join or renew today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wt1624-society-memberships

We remain committed to honoring our ancestors, educating future generations, and creating greater opportunities for students. With your support, we can preserve history, strengthen community, and invest in the next generation.