From 1830 to 1860, Richmond's Manchester Docks served as a crucial entry point for tens of thousands of enslaved people, with many disembarking from ships bound to the bondage system that fueled Virginia's wealth. This dark historical pathway, referred to as the "slave trail," leads to the city’s auction house, where enslaved individuals were bought and sold as property. In an effort to reckon with this history, a citywide walking tour has been formed, allowing participants to explore Richmond’s significant role in the domestic slave trade.
On June 13, approximately 20 Virginians engaged in a silent march along the slave trail, some holding onto each other to better understand the plight of enslaved people who once walked this path in chains. The poignant atmosphere was enhanced by a performance of the African American spiritual "Wade in the Water" by a gospel singer, underscoring the emotional weight of the experience. One participant, 65-year-old Renee Munford, expressed a deep connection with her ancestors, reflecting on their possible fears and confusion as they made similar journeys.
The pilgrimage, called "Walking With the Enslaved: The Church’s Role in Slavery Pilgrimage," was facilitated by two local Episcopal churches, St. Paul’s and St. Philip’s. The initiative aims to address Richmond's racial history through visits to significant sites, including Virginia’s state Capitol, a 19th-century slave jail, and Richmond’s first African church. Organized in the context of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Juneteenth, the tour emphasizes the Episcopal Church's commitment to racial reconciliation, which was notably announced in 2016 by Bishop Michael Curry, the first African American to lead the denomination nationally.
The partnership between St. Paul’s, historically attended by significant Confederate figures, and St. Philip’s, one of the oldest Black Episcopal churches in the South, has fostered a transformative experience that combines stories of enslaved individuals with prayer and spirituals. Prior to the pilgrimage, the participants gathered for an introductory session led by docent Nikki Fernandes, who encouraged them to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit’s guidance throughout the day.
Jerry Gilbert, a co-chair of the pilgrimage, emphasized the importance of immersive experiences in fostering meaningful understanding. The collaboration aims to enhance the walks by counterbalancing potential blind spots stemming from white privilege. St. Paul’s has been actively confronting its own racist history since the 2015 shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church, leading to the removal of Confederate symbols from its sanctuary.
The pilgrimage continued through significant sites, including the First African Baptist Church, where participants were reminded of Henry "Box" Brown, an enslaved man who famously escaped by shipping himself to freedom. The tour incorporated elements of sacredness with prayers, reflections, and music that highlighted the emotional gravity of the journey. Shauntae Lilly, the gospel singer accompanying the group, described her role as providing a voice for the journey, embodying the stories of those who suffered.
Ending at sites like the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground and the sunken slave jail, the pilgrimage illustrated ongoing challenges faced by Black Richmonders, including the tragic impacts of urban development, such as Interstate 95, which severed Black communities. Participants were encouraged to share their reflections and emotions after the walk, allowing for a collective dialogue about the experience.
Monica Melton, an educator, reflected on the experience and expressed her newfound intention to advocate for Black political power in the South. Her husband, Rev. Brent Melton, was also inspired to revise his sermon to emphasize the importance of community-building and engagement prompted by the pilgrimage.
After initially feeling hesitant about the day's events due to past unsuccessful reconciliation efforts, Renee Munford found solace in witnessing white Virginians willing to confront this challenging history. She expressed hope that their participation signaled a genuine interest in building a bridge toward healing and understanding of Richmond's complex racial history.
