On August 20th, 1619, one of the darkest chapters in the history of the United States began when a group of “twenty and odd” enslaved people were delivered to the shores of British America. The captives originated from modern-day Angola and were delivered to Old Point Comfort in Virginia. This event is seen as the start of slavery in the British Colonies in North America.

Facts:

• The term “twenty and odd” is taken from the English colonist John Rolfe’s account of the first slaves to arrive in Virginia. It describes an unknown number between 20 and 30.
• The enslaved people were from modern-day Angola. Captain Jope, commander of the White Lion, transported these enslaved people.
• Between 1501 and 1866, around 5 million Africans were forcibly uprooted from their homes and sold as enslaved people into British America.
• These first enslaved Africans were sold to the then-governor of Virginia.
• The Portuguese kidnapped the first enslaved Africans with the help of African counterparts from the Kingdom of Ndongo.
• The Kingdom of Ndongo is located in modern-day Angola.
• During the sea voyage from Africa to the American continent, over 140 enslaved people lost their lives, sometimes by jumping overboard.