A special one-day event is returning to Jamestown Settlement to honor the legacy of the first African woman mentioned by name in a historical record at Jamestown.
The special event is supported in part by the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission.
“After Angelo” will celebrate African American culture and heritage with art, music, storytelling, and community conversation, according to a news release from the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.
Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
Throughout the day, attendees can expect artwork by African American artists on display — with some available for purchase — and see local organizations promoting and empowering the Black community to share their stories and literature or hosting special activities.
Exhibits and event activities have been adapted with limited capacity in indoor spaces and protective safety protocols to ensure a safe experience for the special event. See the full list of the festivities below:
- Traditional African Libation by Corey Staten at noon. Performance by Atumpan Dance Theatre.
- Drumming and Storytelling by Brandon Lee and Sylvia Tabb Lee at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- “Between Two Shores” performance of Angelo by Valarie Gray Holmes at 1 p.m.
- Instrumental music by Odysseus at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- “Many Voices/One Story” community discussion with Christy S. Coleman, JYF Executive Director and Barbara Hamm Lee, WHRO/WHRV’s “Another View” radio host at 2 p.m.
- Atumpan Dance Theatre performance with Corey the Talented Blind Guy and LaQuita Marie at 3 p.m.
The “After Angelo” event is Saturday, Feb. 27 from noon to 5 p.m.
Other exhibits
The Jamestown-Settlement Museum also has a “From Africa to Virginia” multimedia presentation, featuring chronicles of African encounters with Europeans, the impact on African culture, and the development of the transatlantic slave trade.
“The story of Angelo is shared in the newly-refreshed permanent galleries along with exhibits exploring the late 17th century and the development of a new African American culture,” according to the news release.
Throughout February, visitors can learn about the culture, society, and technology of West Central Africa, the first recorded arrival of Africans to Virginia in 1619, and stories of Africans in Virginia and their shift in status as laws changed, developing into the institution of slavery.
As part of the “After Angelo” special event on Feb. 27, education programs will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are both open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Jamestown Settlement tickets cost $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 6- to 12-years-old. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tickets cost $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 6- to 12-years-old. Children under 6-years-old are free. To purchase admission tickets, click here.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:
