This year marks 400 years since the first 20 "indentured" servants from Africa arrived in Virginia in 1619. They were forced to come to this country so that others might prosper. Known as the triangle trade, sugar, rum and tobacco were traded for slaves from Africa who were sent to America and England. None of the products traded were essential for human development or survival. In fact today they are deemed harmful. Through a modern lens, tobacco, rum and sugar are all considered unhealthy vices. So from the very beginning, Black lives were destroyed by greed and avarice. Family, men, women and children's lives were impacted in destructive ways that are still being felt today. Africans became the primary labor force for producing wealth for Europe and its colonies. Businesses flourished in America, and fortunes were amassed through free labor.
This year reminds us of the long journey African Americans have taken since 1619. This month we celebrate the heroes known and unknown who fought against the injustices of slavery and racism, and showed us a brighter future in spite of circumstances. They changed the course of history. African American history is a story of courage, determination and faith that is still being written. This is an American story.
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