Sankofa’s 14th International Day of Remembrance Ceremony at Outlook Beach (Hampton)

The Sankofa Projects hosts their 14th Annual International Day of Remembrance at Outlook Beach at the Fort Monroe National Monument.

Remembrance is a spiritual ceremony honoring the millions of African men, women, and children who perished during the Middle Passage of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which is referred to as “the largest forced migration in history and undeniably one of the most inhumane,” according to the United Nations. Following in the tradition initiated by activist and scholar Toni Cade Bambara in 1989, Chadra Pittman, Founder & Executive Director of The Sankofa Projects, brought Remembrance to Hampton in 2012, to give voice to this untold chapter in the annals of slavery. “Recognizing the historical significance of the city of Hampton as the birthplace of slavery in North America and where the seeds of freedom were sown through the Contraband Decision in 1861, it was imperative to begin a tradition of Remembrance in Hampton” says Pittman.

The day’s events will include an annual Ceremonial Remembrance Walk around the Tree of Remembrance, a procession to the water, poetry, drumming and traditional songs and theatrical performances. At 12:00 noon an International Libation will be orchestrated by Baba Orimalade Ogunjimi of Ile Nago and will occur simultaneously across the United States in Brooklyn, New York; Montgomery, Alabama; Oakland, California; Charleston, South Carolina St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and internationally.

Presented in partnership with the Hampton History Museum, Fort Monroe Authority, and Unity Commission.

Location: Outlook Beach- Gullick Dr. Hampton, VA 23651