Descendants’ Day 2024
On October 5, 2024 Menokin hosted the second in-person Descendants’ Day. Beautiful weather illuminated the landscape as Descendants from across the country gathered to share in the day’s experience. Members of the Descendant Collective planned the event around the theme of “Telling Our Stories”. Descendants in attendance included many who attended the 2022 Descendants’ Day and many who were visiting Menokin for the first time.
Group photo of all Descendants
The group learned about Menokin and their families’ connection to Menokin. Ceremonies recognizing and honoring the ancestors were deeply moving especially as descendants spoke the names of ancestors to be remembered. A panel of descendants shared their uniquely impressive stories. Descendants reunited and met new family, explored the Menokin landscape in guided and self-guided tours, learned about genealogy research, and some experienced the Rappahannock River in kayaks.
Descendant Tim Gordon described his experience as a “special day that made my soul smile and filled it with joy”. We believe the souls of others in attendance were also smiling and filled with joy!
The Remembrance Structure is erected on the archaeological footprint of an 18h-century dwelling for the enslaved rediscovered in a 2003 archaeological survey of the property.
Shani Saunders, Descendant of Daniel West Gordon, served as the emcee for the day.
Several lines of the Gordon family were in attendance this year: Daniel West Gordon, Sedwick Gordon, & Stafford Gordon, Jr.
Ceremonies honoring the ancestors who were enslaved at Menokin and their descendants began with a procession to the Remembrance Structure led by drummers Slam Stewart and Alberto Limonta Perez. Spirituals were sung and a Libation Ceremony was performed.
S. Shani Saunders was this year’s Master of Ceremonies leading the day’s activities.
Families from across the country gathered to Menokin to be a part of Descendants’ Day. Old & new connections were made.
Photos courtesy of Steve Gordon, Taurin Gordon, Tiffani Joi Gordon, attendees & Menokin staff.