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A National Gathering Place for Healing Without Shame or Blame

AS AMERICA GRAPPLES WITH ISSUES related to race and violence, there is an immediate need for Fort Monroe to serve as a venue where conversations connected to the tragedy of slavery can be held. In the wake of George Floyd's murder, to offer only "thoughts and prayers" breeds cynicism. The designation of Fort Monroe as the place where Americans can be guided in discussions promoting education and healing, without shame or blame, will be an effective tool in unearthing the systemic roots of slavery.

As the story is told, in 1619 in the latter part of August "20 and odd" Angolan men and women came ashore where Fort Monroe stands today. Over two centuries later, about a month after the Civil War began at Fort Sumter, three enslaved men — James Townsend, Frank Baker, and Shepard Mallory — escaped from their owner, commandeered a rowboat, made their way to Fort Monroe and Union Gen. Benjamin Butler. When their owner came to claim them, Gen. Butler cited the "Contraband of War" policy and denied the men's return to their former owner. Instead, the trio was put on the federal payroll and on the path to citizenship. Within days, people were streaming into

"Freedom Fortress Monroe" and celebrating the end of chattel slavery. This extraordinary incident made Fort Monroe the site of "the greatest moment in American history," according to Edward Ayers, noted Civil War historian and past president of the University of Richmond.

• Four years later in December 1865, the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, made its way through Congress, and was voted into law on December 18th.

• In a democracy, federal laws need states to follow them.

• In the work of unearthing the roots of slavery Virginia should be the leader creating a blueprint about how to move beyond the past.

• In 2007 Gov. Tim Kaine proclaimed the third Saturday in June as "Juneteenth Freedom Day."

• In 2019 Gov. Ralph Northam made Juneteenth a state holiday.

• In 2022, with Gov. Ralph Northam's leadership, Virginia abolished the death penalty.

• Few Americans know this history, but they should, and in the years to come they will.

Fort Monroe will shine a light on the birthplace of America and the place where the dreams of freedom started for African Americans burdened with gradual enslavement that led to jubilant self-emancipation when three Black men, who probably could not swim, crossed a river.

JUNETEENTH EDUTAINMENT

June 17th (12-6pm)

June 18th (10-4pm)

June 19th (12-4pm)

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church 637 North St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 eventbrite.com/www.JuneteenthVA.org

700 Oriole Drive irginia Beach, VA 23451

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Anne Cookie Page Rose & Womble Realty Company (757) 536-7534

CALLCOOKIE@COX.NET http://www.callcookie.com/

469 Homes Sold in April Down 4.9% from last month Down 29.7% from last year

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Average Sales Price Up 9.0% from last year

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700 Oriole Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Average Price Per Square Foot 8 Median Days on Market Up 60.0% from last year

$599,000

81%

Percent of sold homes selling within 30 days of list date

610

Beautiful Views, Sought after Waterfront Condo Community-Cove Point. Nestled beside the neighborhood Birdneck Point off Laskin Rd. Bring your boat, this unit has its own boat slip. Easy access to stairs or elevator. Open floor plan with spacious Great Room, Gas Fireplace, Dining Room, Eat in Kitchen. This home is filled with sunshine. Sliding glass doors open up to your private balcony in the Kitchen, Great Room and the Primary Suite. The 2nd bedroom has its own full bath, plus a dedicated area for a home office. Building A , 2nd floor #212

Total Active Residential Listings Up 9.5% from last month Down 10.7% from last year

445 Homes currently under contract Up 9.6% from last month

700 Oriole Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Anne Cookie Page

Rose & Womble Realty Company

(757) 536-7534

CALLCOOKIE@COX.NET

Anne Cookie Page http://www.callcookie.com/

Rose & Womble Realty Company

(757) 536-7534

CALLCOOKIE@COX.NET http://www.callcookie.com/

V our at view.paradym.com/4779852

700 Oriole Drive

$599,000

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

$599,000

Beautiful Views, Sought after Waterfront Condo Community-Cove Point. Nestled beside the neighborhood Birdneck Point off Laskin Rd. Bring your boat, this unit has its own boat slip. Easy access to stairs or elevator. Open floor plan with spacious Great Room, Gas Fireplace, Dining Room, Eat in Kitchen. This home is filled with sunshine. Sliding glass doors open up to your private balcony in the Kitchen, Great Room and the Primary Suite. The 2nd bedroom has its own full bath, plus a dedicated area for a home office. Building A , 2nd floor #212

Beautiful Views, Sought after Waterfront Condo Community-Cove Point. Nestled beside the neighborhood Birdneck Point off Laskin Rd. Bring your boat, this unit has its own boat slip. Easy access to stairs or elevator. Open floor plan with spacious Great Room, Gas Fireplace, Dining Room, Eat in Kitchen. This home is filled with sunshine. Sliding glass doors open up to your private balcony in the Kitchen, Great Room and the Primary Suite. The 2nd bedroom has its own full bath, plus a dedicated area for a home office. Building A , 2nd floor #212

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