From the Civil War period, Hampton's African-American community has fashioned strong churches, institutions, businesses, and a major university where political and economic leaders have emerged. The indefatigable spirit ofa people once called "contraband" has a remarkable story illustrated by vintage photographs of Emancipation Oak, Freedom Fortress, Aberdeen Gardens, Little EnglandChapel, Bayshore Beach, and other historic sites.
In Hampton, Virginia, cultural/social scientist and resident Colita Nichols Fairfax shows how social policies influenced and impacted African-American life and history. This assemblage captures the resolve of a community that reared and educated children, established spiritual institutions, lobbied for political power, and built a resort to ensure that “freedom” would visit future generations.