ODU to Kick Off its Commemoration of the First African Landing in Virginia
September 18, 2019
By Joe Garvey
Old Dominion University will begin its commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first African landing in Virginia on Sept. 25 when it hosts "Writing A New History: Let's Talk About Our Dream" at 5 p.m. in Chandler Recital Hall.
"Our program allows ODU to be the first institution of learning in the nation to host the 'Let's Talk About Our Dream' conversation," said Melvina T. Sumter, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice. She added that the Sept. 25 date is significant - it's the anniversary of when nine African American students "wrote a new history at Central High School in Little Rock, Ark."
Speakers will include ODU President John R. Broderick; Lesa Clark, ODU's executive director of the Office of Intercultural Relations; and Addie Richburg, executive director of the 400 Years of African American History Commission and president of the National Alliance of Faith and Justice. Richburg will facilitate the conversation.
Four students will give presentations with a thematic focus of "Take A Stand To Have A Seat." There will also be dance and musical performances.
"Writing A New History" is the signature program of the 400 Years of African History Commission. U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott were among those who introduced legislation to create the commission.
This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry. Limit two tickets per guest. Please note that ticket holders must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to event start time. Tickets that have not been scanned by 4:45 p.m. may be released to other guests. To reserve tickets, please go to ODUArtsTix.com. In the event that all tickets are claimed, overflow seating will be available in the Hampton/Newport News Room at Webb University Center.
For a list of more events planned at ODU commemorating the anniversary, go to this link.
