Submitted by WT 1624 Society
Hampton, VA- On Friday, August 25, 2023, the William Tucker 1624 Society is hosting its annual kickoff to the Fort Monroe Authority’s African Landing Day program. This year’s theme is Black Businesses: The Backbone of the Community -Past, Present & Future. Former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Justin Fairfax will be the featured speaker. This event is free and open to the public.
The William Tucker 1624 Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is an organization dedicated to the education of the greater public about the first Africans to arrive in Virginia. William Tucker is the first recorded child of African descent born to be baptized in English North America. He was the son of Antoney and Isabella who were among the first “twenty and odd” Africans to arrive at Point Comfort (present day Fort Monroe) aboard the White Lion in 1619.
The William Tucker 1624 Society will also host its 2nd annual Scholarship Fundraiser, “A Jazz Night Out,” from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Hampton Convention Center. The event will feature local jazz saxophonist, Rick Elliott. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through Eventbrite at https://WT1624Society.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will go directly to scholarships for deserving local students.
The Society, more commonly referred to as the Tucker Family of Hampton, has been recognized by historical and media outlets, most notable of which was a USA Today feature, 1619: Searching for Answers-The Long Way Home. For more information about the event, or about the William Tucker 1624 Society, please visit our website at www.WilliamTucker1624Society.org or call 804-536-4702.
