Angela

Angela ( 1619–1625), also Angelo, was one of the first enslaved Africans to be officially recorded in the Colony of Virginia in 1619.

Early life and enslavement Angela's early life is little known, and her date of birth is unknown. Still, she was likely born in present-day Angola, in what was then the Kimbundu-speaking area of the Kingdom of Ndongo. She likely had a rural upbringing. In 1619, she was part of a group of 350 enslaved Africans who were sold to Manuel Mendes da Cunha, captain of the São João Bautista. This ship was destined for Vera Cruz, and the people who were its "cargo" were to be sold to plantations in the Caribbean and beyond.

During its journey across the Atlantic, the São João Bautista was attacked by the Treasurer and White Lion. Those ships carried a letter of marque, which permitted them to attack Portuguese vessels. These ships stole many enslaved Angolans, perhaps 45–50, and changed course to Virginia. The ships landed at Point Comfort in late August 1619. The first to arrive was the White Lion, with twenty enslaved people sold there in exchange for food. Three or four days later, the Treasurer arrived with a second group of enslaved people; some were put ashore before the ship fled, fearing arrest. Of those put ashore, one of them was likely Angela. A Captain Willian Peirce purchased her.

Life in Virginia

After William purchased her, Angela worked for his household. In 1622, local indigenous people attacked the colony and killed 347 of the inhabitants; Angela survived. The attack was followed by a period of famine, which Angela also survived. Four cowrie shells were excavated as part of the site assemblage and have been cautiously interpreted as connected to Angela. Attendees included over two hundred people, including local and national members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as well as people from the Ghanaian community. A memorial to Angela was unveiled at Fort Monroe.