Gabriel, enslaved blacksmith, 2nd generation African in the United States, was executed on October 10, 1800 for organizing and leading a rebellion to free his people from this nation's slave society. While the rebellion itself was thwarted the scale of organized resistance embodied by his actions and those of his fellow conspirators preceded them and will outlive us. In Gabriel's name, we honor their spirit, their intention, their attempt, their commitment to freeing themselves and their children from the tyranny of this nation's 2nd original sin, the first being the unabashed genocide of this land's Indian peoples and their societies.
The struggle to reclaim Richmond's African Burial Ground is conducted to honor and carry forward Gabriel's commitment to his people - RESISTANCE. This October 10 the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality present the 8th annual commemoration by hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the East District Family Resource Center in Richmond's historic Church Hill neighborhood, 4-6 pm. This event is free. Contact us via DefendersFJE@hotmail.com or 804-644-5834.