NORFOLK, VA – Multiculturalism is the cornerstone of Norfolk's tourism success. Having deep historical roots in African-American heritage, Norfolk celebrates its rich past with renowned cultural festivals, monuments, and attractions while keeping the tradition alive by maintaining its presence in contemporary African-American life through its universities and long standing houses of worship.
“Norfolk is a compelling destination for travelers seeking to learn more about the African-American experience,” says Tony DiFilippo, President and CEO of the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau, “The civic and cultural life of African-Americans in Norfolk has enriched the experience of every visitor to our city.”

So much so, in fact, that Norfolk was honored with a coveted Virginia Governor’s Conference Award (2004), which recognizes the importance of its substantial plan to promote the destination to the African American community; and Norfolk was named one of the top ten destinations traveled to by African-Americans, according to the Travel Industry of America (2004).

Norfolk continues to be an intriguing destination for African-Americans or any traveler that seeks an enlightening travel experience. Consider this list of opportunities that highlight important events, venues and monuments that celebrate the history of black Americans while visiting Norfolk:

ART TOUCHED BY AFRICA

One of the largest family-oriented cultural celebrations on the East Coast, AFR’AM FEST is an award-winning African-American festival held in Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk held Memorial Day Weekend (May 23, 24, 25, 2009.) AFR’AM FEST is organized by The Southeastern Virginia Arts Association (SEVAA), a Hampton roads non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of African-Americans. SEVAA sponsors activities that promote and assist artists and cultural organizations, encourages participation in the arts, acts as a channel of communication for its membership and works to generate increased support for the arts. Day and weekend passes are available.

Each spring artists from around the world team up with the region’s own professional arts organizations to present Virginia Arts Festival (April 14- May 31, 2009), a month long celebration of music theatre and dance. The Rhythm Project, a locally based musical and dance group that fuses the cultures of West Africa, Trinidad and Cuba, has received high praise for its energetic performances and educational outreach during Virginia Arts Festival.

Newly renovated, the Attucks Theatre is a state and national landmark, once known as "the Apollo of the South", located in the former entertainment and commercial center for Hampton Roads’ African-American community during the early part of the 20th century. It is the oldest remaining theatre in the nation that was financed, designed and constructed by African-Americans. Unveiled October 2004, the performing arts center has the charm and authenticity of the original theater, but with 21st century capabilities. Today, Attucks Theatre holds live concerts, theatrical performances, speakers’ bureaus and educational programs and has plans to become an arts incubator, providing a home to several arts groups.

The renowned Chrysler Museum of Art celebrates African-American history and culture every day of the year. The Chrysler boasts more than 30,000 pieces of art, spanning over 5,000 years of history, including several African and African-American artworks in its permanent collection in addition to many special exhibits throughout the years. In the last ten years The Chrysler has made it a priority to build on the Museum’s collection of African-American art. Current works include pieces from major artists like Elizabeth Catlett; Hale Woodruff; Robert Colescott; Charles Moore and Ernest Withers. A quilt by Gees Bend quilter Loretta Pettway was brought into the collection in 2005 as a gift from the Friends of African-American Art. In addition, the museum holds an impressive collection of Civil Rights Movement photography as well as images of iconic African-American performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Billie Holiday.

HEAVEN KNOWS

Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church
The oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in Norfolk, Saint John began as a mission for slaves.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception: Saint Mary’s is the oldest parish community in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. African-Americans began attending here in 1886 and today, Saint Mary’s parish is 99 percent African-American.

First Baptist Church: Norfolk’s oldest black Baptist Church, established in 1800 by an integrated congregation including whites, free blacks and slaves, is now a restored national landmark and serves as a small museum of artifacts.

Gospel Cruises Aboard the Spirit of Norfolk: Feature a bountiful early dinner buffet and performances by live gospel acts.


THE ROAD TO FREEDOM

Juneteenth Festival: Juneteenth Festival commemorates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that symbolically completed what the Constitution started by proclaiming freedom for all Americans. This outdoor festival has grown to include keynote speakers, visual artists, a medical village, lectures, Sunday church services, a college fair and Civil War regiments – both gray and blue. The Juneteenth Festival is produced by the Juneteenth Festival Company, a non-profit organization founded by Sheri Bailey, a Hampton Roads native and playwright. Since its inception in 1995, the Juneteenth Festival Company has grown from an all-volunteer; regionally sponsored cultural arts project into this perennial festival producing, widely respected and often requested arts and educational organization that also produces numerous performances and lectures for the Hampton Roads community.

Norfolk State University: One of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities founded in 1935, the campus includes five schools, 14 graduate programs and one doctoral program.

West Point Monument: Located at the historic West Point of Elmwood Cemetery, this monument is recognized as one of the country’s only memorials dedicated to the contributions of African-American serviceman during the Civil and Spanish American Wars and is a vivid document of segregation in the South. This site is part of the Virginia Civil War Trails program, which links Civil War sites throughout the Commonwealth.

Martin Luther King Memorial: Norfolk is home to an 83-foot monument designed to preserve the legacy of Martin Luther King Junior and other slain civil rights leaders. The memorial also commemorates the efforts of Joe Jordan, Norfolk's first black City Council member elected since Reconstruction.

WATERWAYS TO FREEDOM

Virginia’s Underground Railroad network succeeded in sending hundreds, if not thousands, of runaways to areas as far away as the Ontario province of Canada. In early 2009, the Norfolk CVB partnered with local historian Cassandra Newby-Alexander and Norfolk State University to recreate print and online maps depicting the underground journey in Hampton Roads. Request a brochure or take the journey online at http://visitnorfolktoday.com/site/waterways-to-freedom/.

For more information on stay packages or to request Norfolk’s African-American Heritage or Multicultural brochure visit: www.visitnorfolktoday.com.

Considered the dynamic heart of Virginia’s storied Hampton Roads region, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively downtown waterfront and 144 miles of shimmering coastline. Offering a vibrant blend of history and heritage with contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and the Commonwealth’s most important cultural institutions, Norfolk is an exciting destination. Here, where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay, visitors will find an easily walkable downtown that offers eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and year-round special events. For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.visitnorfolktoday.com, or call 757-664-6620 or toll free at 800-368-3097.