08/20 (Tue) Interfaith Vigil on the 400th Anniversary of the Slave Trade

 Sankofa*  – Pilgrimage Marking the 400^th Anniversary of the Arrival of Enslaved Africans

*Sankofa – “We must reach back to reclaim that which is lost in order to move forward.”
-from the Akan people of Ghana

August 20 marks the 400^th anniversary of the introduction of the slave trade into the English American colonies.  On that date in 1619, a captured Portuguese slave ship, bound for Mexico, was brought to the Royal Virginia Company colony at Jamestown and the first African slaves were put up for sale.  Jamestown was an Anglican (Episcopal) settlement.  Almost every denominations which came to set roots on these shores would be implicated in participating or condoning the slave trade until the rise of the abolitionist movement at the end of the 1700s.  Therefore the Church carries responsibility for the institution of this horrendous event. The impact, the root of racism that began on this date, continues to have staggering effects on our nation, including what we see in the news media every day.

The Episcopal Parish of the Holy Family will join St John Vianney Roman Catholic parish, Immanuel Church, Southern Baptist and other Protestant churches and faith traditions in a pilgrimage marking this pivotal event in our nation’s history, soul, and culture.  It begins at Holy Family, 5038 Hyland Ave at 7:00 pm for a Service of Repentance and Reflection and then proceed to Immanuel, 467 N White Road.  All members are invited to this observance of  Sankofa.  For further information contact Fr. Jerry Drino jdrino@gmail.com, 408-806-4506.