The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) wishes to call to the attention of the American people the arrival of the first documented Africans in English North America in 1619, at Point Comfort in the Virginia colony; and to record the historic contributions and achievements of Americans of African descent over a four hundred year period.

 

As part of this historic moment, we wish to not only recognize the contributions of all Americans of African descent, but it is historically significant to acknowledge that the “20 and Odd” Africans were the first recorded group of Africans to be sold as involuntary laborers or indentured servants in the English colonies.  And, our charge is to highlight the resilience and contributions of Americans of African descent, as well as acknowledging the painful impact that slavery and other atrocities have had on our nation.

 

The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society wishes to set forth the objectives and the aims that will motivate its programs and activities during this commemoration and to illustrate the significant contributions to the economic, academic, social, cultural and moral well-being of this nation and to the future of our country as intended by these programs and activities.

 

Our Objectives: