A Look Back: The First Slave Ship in the U.S.
In August 1619, the first English North American slave ship landed in Jamestown, Virginia. More than four hundred years later, we still experience the effects of slavery’s aftermath.
At the Center for Social Solutions, we strive to create a better collective understanding of slavery, its lasting impacts, and contemporary forms of involuntary servitude that still exist today. Our Slavery Initiative is completely dedicated to confronting both our nation’s history and the modern global practice of forced labor. As we near the date that marks 400 years after the arrival of the first slaves in the United States, we recognize the importance of commemorating this historic event.
For more information, take a look at the following materials:
Read
The 1619 Project by The New York Times Magazine
Launched in August 2019 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first slave ship’s arrival in America, the ongoing 1619 project seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of the nation’s narrative through a powerful collection of essays and multimedia pieces.
“The First Africans in Virginia Landed in 1619. It was a Turning Point for Slavery in American History — But Not the Beginning” by Olivia B. Waxman, Time
While the year 1619 marks the official introduction of the transatlantic slave trade to America, other forms of slavery had been present for decades prior to this event, shaping the lives of other minority groups in the country as well.
“One in 200 people is a slave. Why?” by Kate Hodal, The Guardian
A detailed report on the causes and socioeconomic impacts of modern slavery around the world and the work that is being done to fight against the practice of forced labor.
“A new DNA study offers insight into the horrific story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade” by Harmeet Kaur, CNN
A study of DNA from the descendants of former slaves reveals new insight into the oppressive history of slavery in America, including the violence experienced by many slaves and the less-documented slave trade that occurred within the Americas.
Watch
“Many Rivers to Cross: The First Africans in Virginia”, WHRO Public Media
This short video offers a brief description of the chain of events that brought the first slave ship to the United States.
Watch on YouTube
“‘20 and Odd:’ Africans’ Arrival in 1619”, 13 News Now
This longer documentary offers a more detailed narrative of the arrival of Africans in Jamestown in 1619.
Watch on 13 News Now
