Norfolk's African-American Heritage, Culture and Attractions
NORFOLK, VA – Norfolk, VA has been honored with a coveted Virginia Governor’s Conference Award, recognizing the importance of its substantial plan to promote the destination to the African-American community.
What makes Norfolk a compelling destination for travelers seeking to learn more about the history and contributions of this vibrant community is the city’s distinctive attractions, monuments, entertainment and festivals that commemorate and celebrate the African-American experience. Consider this list of the opportunities that highlight the African-American experience in Norfolk:
ART TOUCHED BY AFRICA
One of the largest family-oriented cultural celebrations on the East Coast, AFR’AM FEST is an award-winning festival. The African-American cultural festival is held annually at Town Point Park in Norfolk, Virginia during Memorial Day weekend and is organized by
The Southeastern Virginia Arts Association (SEVAA), a Hampton roads non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of African-Americans. SEVAA sponsors activities that promote and assist artists and cultural organizations, encourages participation in the arts, acts as a channel of communication for its membership and works to generate increased support for the arts. Beyond the lauded AFR’AM FEST, the organization has co-sponsored events including the Boys Choir of Harlem, Norfolk State University Music Department Gala Concerts, Hampton University Music Department, the nationally renowned Gambian National Dance Troupe, art exhibits, symposia, and other community projects.
The Attucks Theatre is a state and national landmark, located in the former entertainment and commercial center for Hampton Roads’ African-American community during the early part of the 20th century. Unveiled October 2004, the performing arts center has the charm and authenticity of the original theater, but with 21st century capabilities. Today, Attucks Theatre holds live concerts, theatrical performances, speakers’ bureaus and educational programs and has plans to become an arts incubator, providing a home to several arts groups.
HEAVEN KNOWS
Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church
The oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in Norfolk, Saint John began as a mission for slaves.
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception: Saint Mary’s is the oldest parish community in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. African-Americans began attending here in 1886 and today, Saint Mary’s parish is 99 percent African-American.
The First Baptist Church: Norfolk’s oldest black Baptist Church, established in 1800 by an integrated congregation including whites, free blacks and slaves, is now a restored national landmark and serves as a small museum of artifacts.
THE ROAD TO FREEDOM
Juneteenth Festival: Juneteenth Festival commemorates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that symbolically completed what the Constitution started by proclaiming freedom for all Americans. This outdoor festival has grown to include keynote speakers, visual artists, a medical village, lectures, Sunday church services, a college fair and Civil War regiments – both gray and blue. The Juneteenth Festival is produced by the Juneteenth Festival Company, a non-profit organization founded by Sheri Bailey, a Hampton Roads native and playwright. Since its inception in 1995, the Juneteenth Festival Company has grown from an all-volunteer; regionally sponsored cultural arts project into this perennial festival producing, widely respected and often requested arts and educational organization that also produces numerous performances and lectures for the Hampton Roads community.
Norfolk State University: One of the nation’s largest, predominantly black higher learning institutions founded in 1935, the campus includes five schools, 14 graduate programs and one doctoral program.
West Point Monument: Located at the historic West Point of Elmwood Cemetery, this monument is recognized as one of the country’s only memorials dedicated to the contributions of African-American serviceman during the Civil War and is a vivid document of segregation in the South.
This site is part of the Virginia Civil War Trails program, which links Civil War sites throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk’s Civil War heritage by taking the Civil War Trail around the city that also includes the historic Freemason District.
Martin Luther King Memorial: Norfolk is home to an 83-foot monument designed to preserve the legacy of Martin Luther King Junior and other slain civil rights leaders. The memorial also commemorates the efforts of Joe Jordan, who was instrumental in eliminating the poll tax and Norfolk's first black City Council member elected since Reconstruction.
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