Vermont First African Landing Day is HERE!  

Folks, come out and join us for the 4th annual Vermont First African Landing Day on August 27, 2022, at Intervale Center, Burlington, Vermont!  Vermont First African Landing Day was initiated by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and proclaimed by Governor Phil Scott on August 24th, 2019. The purpose of this day is to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had [have] on the United States; and to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States and the contributions of African-Americans to the United States. 

This year’s theme is “We Come This Far By Faith” and reflects the role that faith has played in the lives American Descendants of Slavery in their journey from 1619 to present day. We are excited to have GRAMMY Award Nominee, Stellar Award Winner, Billboard Winner, ASCAP Winner, Steeple Award Nominee, and Gospel Choice Award Nominee Bishop Cortez Vaughn will be with us this year. The Keynote Speaker, Bishop Dwayne Royster serves as the Founder of the Society for Faith and Justice, an ecumenical religious order committed to a charism of social justice as a spiritual discipline and spiritual practice. There will be traditional food, music, dancing, speakers, exhibits and more. Empress is bringing the food and the Hampton Museum 1619 Traveling Exhibit will be on display. Activities go from noon till 6:00 PM. Go to the Vermont First African Landing Day website for additional details. Go here If you are interested in sponsoring, supporting or volunteering.

Get your FREE tickets here.

We definitely would like to see you there!

The Abolish Slavery National Network (ASNN) will be hosting its Second Anniversary celebration at The Richard Kemp Center! Abolitionist from all over the country will be coming together in one space to celebrate the work this organization has accomplished over the last two years. Come hear a live panel discussion and get the latest from our Alabama, Louisiana Oregon, Tennessee abolitionists who working to abolish slavery this year! And yes, we'll also get some updates on the Abolish Slavery Vermont Campaign and Proposition 2.  There will be a film screening of "Slave State 2022". Watch here for live streaming.  

The Hampton Museum 1619 Traveling Exhibit is back in Vermont and will be on display at the Richard Kemp Center from Monday, August 24th through Friday, August 26th after which time it will be on display at Vermont First African Landing Day. The exhibit will then return to the Richard Kemp Center where it will remain on display through September 15th. All are invited to come and learn more about the arrival of the first Africans arriving in the "Virginia Colonies." This is a story of resilience, contribution and power.

Join the Prop 2 Campaign

You are also invited to volunteer for our campaign to Abolish Slavery VT! Take this opportunity to sign our pledge, and to volunteer. There are many activities you can engage in to help us spread the word. This campaign is a collaboration between Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and VIA.