Black state lawmakers in Virginia boycotted Trump’s visit to Jamestown.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus chose not to attend the Tuesday ceremony to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first representative assembly in the Western Hemisphere in Jamestown. The decision was announced a day prior to the event.

According to The Washington Post, President Trump was invited to speak at the ceremony. To the surprise of no one, Trump completely failed to acknowledge the complex history of the colonial town.

The celebration of what many are calling “the foundation of democracy in this country” also represents the initial arrival of enslaved African people to the American colonies in 1619.

“Although the scheduled events are geared towards reflecting upon the first representative legislative assembly in North America, that sentiment can not and must not be separated contextually from the fact that the first documented enslaved Africans were brought to the country during this same period,” the caucus stated in a press release published on Monday.

VLBC Boycotts Presidents Visit!

Here is our press release https://t.co/YCx7kg41fE

— VLBC (@VaBlackCaucus) July 29, 2019

The press release also states that the full American Evolution Board was not included in the discussion about extending an invitation to President Trump.

The absence of the caucus at the event is meant to send the message that Black lawmakers in Virginia do not approve of or support Trump and his administration.

“This week will reveal which legislative leaders are willing to take a stand with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.”

The statement concluded with the schedule of events for an alternative celebration and healing space to honor and commemorate the arrival of enslaved Africans to Virginia with a wreath-laying ceremony.

Jamestown-Virginia

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