A nationwide commemoration will honor and remember the enslaved Africans brought to Virginia’s Point Comfort, now part of Fort Monroe National Monument, in 1619.
Across the nation, parks and organizations will ring bells on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. for four minutes — one minute to honor each century of African American history.
Beginning at 2 p.m. on Aug. 25, park rangers from George Washington Memorial Parkway will offer opportunities for visitors to explore themes of remembrance, healing and reconciliation related to African American history at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington Ridge Park.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bells to ring alongside the carillon at 3 p.m. The carillonneur will also play African American hymns and musical selections that reflect the African American experience.