5th Annual Enslaved Memorial & Wreath Laying Ceremony at the former Belmont and Coton Plantations

Theme: “400 Years of Perseverance 1619-2019”

October 2019

On Saturday, October 12, the Loudoun Freedom Center conducted it’s fifth year of honoring the ancestors and recognizing 400 years of African American resilience, with a multi-day celebration in Loudoun, centered around the enslaved communities of the former Belmont and Coton Plantations and the first Africans enslaved in Virginia. Celebrations included remembrance ceremonies, site dedications and historical tours.

The 400th Commemoration Weekend Events:

Blessing of the Ancestors

Saturday, October 12, 2019, 10am -12 noon (Invitation Only)

Location:  The African American Burial Ground at Belmont, 19508 Belmont Ridge Road & Freedom Trail Way, Ashburn, VA 20176

The Loudoun Freedom Center and the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library extends a special invitation to meet the acquaintance of his Majesty, Doctor De-Gbeze G Ayontinme Tofa IX of the Toff­a I Dynasty (Port Novo, Benin). His Majesty will conduct a traditional African blessing of the African American Burial Grounds For The Enslaved At Belmont.  Shuttle service provided.