We all know the River doesn’t just belong to one neighborhood. Everybody goes to the River.   June 27th is James River Park Day.

Actually, that is sort of a misnomer — because the best activity of all on James River Park Day is actually the one that takes place at night.  So many people who live in Richmond don’t know its slave history and have never done the Slave Trail walk. Traditionally it is done each year shortly after the Juneteenth celebration as a very moving torch-lit walk.  Even without torches, it is incredibly moving to walk that hallowed trail at night, as the slaves did, to avoid being seen in the light of day, in their wretched state.  It’s no secret how I feel about the Slave Trail, Lumpkins Jail and Richmond’s slave history. I simply wish more people would leave their comfort zone and challenge themselves to do something like the Slave Trail walk at night. No other city has history like this and hides it so well.

Don’t miss these special activities:

9 a.m. – Man & Nature Tour of Belle Isle (Meet at Tredegar Parking Lot.)

10 a.m. – River Exploration for Kids (Requires advance registration. Call 646-8911.)

2 p.m. – River Exploration for Adults (Meet at Reedy Creek entrance.)

8:30 p.m. – Night Walk on the Slave Trail (Meet at Ancarrow’s Landing.)

For more information, call 646-8911.