James City County will highlight its African-American history this month with a discussion on one of the first settlements in Virginia created for freed slaves.
Col. Lafayette Jones Jr. will discuss the history of the Free Black Settlement from 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road. Jones is a descendant of a former slave who lived at the settlement.
Jones will also sign copies of his book, “My Great, Great, Grandfather’s Journey to an Island of Freedom in the Middle of Slavery.”
In addition to his ancestry, Jones is a two-time recipient of the James City County Historical Preservation Award and helped formulate African-American programs for Jamestown’s 400th Anniversary in 2007.
The presentation is free and open to the public of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, visit James City County online or call 757-259-4200.
