400 Years of African American History Commission

The 400 Years of African-American History Commission develops and facilitates activities throughout the United States, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia in 1619. We recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African Americans from that seminal moment forward, while simultaneously acknowledging the painful impact of slavery, racial discrimination, and racism on our Nation.

We are proud to present a set of student documentaries for the National History Day Contest! This June, over 2,600 students and teachers from the United States and beyond attended the annual competition, where students spent months researching their chosen topic’s significance in history and communicating their ideas in creative formats. Click here to see the work done on activism, the arts, social justice, and landmark dates in the civil rights movement!

The 400 is committed to highlighting the contributions made by African Americans throughout history and today in medicine, the arts, politics, sports, science, and business. Our films and social media bring out stories you might not know, even about names you might recognize. Follow us @400YAAHC! 

Our programs range from virtual celebrations, to conferences, to focus groups and discussions about issues facing the African American community. From Juneteenth to Justice Sunday, we’ve got you covered with fascinating programs that’ll keep you coming back.

A major contribution from the 400 is the ability to recognize leaders in the community, and we do that both through our 400 Distinguished awards and our grant programs with partners like the National Alliance of Faith and Justice and the National Park Service.  

What’s Happening at the 400?

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400 Years of African American History Commission