Whatever the status of these first Africans to arrive at Jamestown, it is clear that by 1640, at least one African had been declared a slave. This African was ordered by the court "to serve his ...

In 1619 the first black Africans came to Virginia. With no slave laws in place, they were initially treated as indentured servants, and given the same opportunities for freedom dues as whites.

Bells across the country will toll Sunday afternoon as the National Park Service marks the 400th anniversary of the 1619 landing ... of the first slaves being brought to Virginia,” Gable said.