This image is the cover for the book Arrival of the First Africans in Virginia, American Heritage

Arrival of the First Africans in Virginia, American Heritage

In 1619, a group of thirty-two African men, women and children arrived on the shores of Virginia. They had been kidnapped in the royal city of Kabasa, Angola, and forced aboard the Spanish slave ship San Juan Bautista. The ship was attacked by privateers, and the captives were taken by the English to their New World colony. This group has been shrouded in controversy ever since. Historian Ric Murphy documents a fascinating story of colonialism, treason, piracy, kidnapping, enslavement and British law.

Ric Murphy

Ric Murphy is an acclaimed historian, scholar, lecturer and award-winning author exploring the rich contributions made by African Americans in United States history. Mr. Murphy is a member of several heredity societies, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of the Sons of Colonial New England, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage. He has a master's degree from Boston University and bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts.

The History Press