For Immediate Release
September 12, 2005
Digital images available

Media Contact:
Black Women United for Action:
Joyce E. Kilgore (202) 271-5534 
Jek6@aol.com

Mount Vernon:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens joins Black Women United for Action in commemorating the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon with a wreathlaying ceremony and musical presentation by Howard University Choir; Intermezzo Choir of Philadelphia; and Arlington, Virginia’s Jamestown Elementary School Student Choir, Saturday, September 24 at 11 a.m. The annual event features dramatic readings and uplifting music to reflect, remember and recognize the slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions given in the early formation of this nation.

Each year, a different part of the western hemisphere is highlighted during the ceremony. This year the ceremony celebrates the common thread that all descendents from Africa share by “Focusing on the Island Connection”. The theme of the ceremony serves to remember the role that the Caribbean Islands played in the slave trade as over 4 million slaves were brought through the islands to the American colonies. Although slavery was outlawed in Bermuda, the island was instrumental in the African slave trade since slaves were smuggled through the island. The Honorable Neletha Butterfield, Minister of the Environment for the Island of Bermuda, will be the wreath layer for the ceremony this year.

Among those in attendance will be Joe Madison of Radio One Talk Network, who will be the Master of Ceremonies, and the Howard University architects who designed the memorial in 1983.

Throughout Washington’s life, slaves lived and worked at Mount Vernon. When he was 11, Washington inherited 10 slaves and the population steadily grew. During the Revolutionary War, Washington vowed never to buy or sell another slave. In 1799 when Washington passed away, his will stated that all slaves under his ownership were to be freed. Of the 123 slaves that were freed after his death, many were provided for while staying on the plantation.

Representatives from both Black Women United for Action and Historic Mount Vernon are available for interviews prior to or at the event. Please call the media contacts listed above to arrange interviews. MEDIA INVITED TO COVER. PLEASE CALL MELISSA WOOD IN ADVANCE AT (703) 799-5203 TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

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