ANGOLA, Africa — "Breathtaking."
That’s the best word Wanda Tucker can find to describe events during her trip to Angola, Africa as she travels with the President of the United States.
On Tuesday at the National Slavery Museum, President Biden spoke to Angolan dignitaries, citizens, some members of the United States Congress and three proud members of America’s first Black family.
“Wanda Tucker of Hamilton [Hampton], Virginia. Wanda, are you there?” President Biden said as he scanned the crowd. “There you are, Wanda. God love you. Her brother, Vincent…Carolita as well. Thank you for being here.”
The Tuckers are believed to be the descendants of Antony and Isabella Tucker, a couple kidnapped from Angola in 1619 by Portuguese settlers. They were forced onto a ship that was commandeered by the British before they eventually landed in Point Comfort or present-day, Hampton, Virginia. For several years, members of the Tucker family have traveled to Angola to lay eyes on the place where their ancestors once thrived.
This is the first time an American president has visited the country marking a moment in history so vital to the American story.
“Young women, young men born free in the highlands of Angola only to be captured, bound and forced in a death march along this very coast,” delivered Biden.
“He spoke about Antony and Isabella." beamed Vincent Tucker from his hotel room in Angola. "He talked about our ancestors.”
“You have to first acknowledge – You have to acknowledge the pain," said Wanda, who traveled with the White House delegation. "You have to acknowledge the tragedy the horrors for which he did do in his speech tonight and recognizing that, and calling it out for what it was."
She also shared how warmly she was embraced by the President, “He welcomed me with open arms. He embraced me. He kissed me on my forehead. He spoke to me personally.”
The trip was far from just an opportunity to mark history. It was about sharpening a relationship in trade and investment between the United States and Africa.
"Two years ago, I pledged to deliver $55 million in new investments in Africa and to mobilize America business to close new deals with African partners. Two years ago. We're way ahead of schedule," Biden said.
The President met with Angolan leaders in Lobito to advance a plan to expand a railway critical to the mining industry in the continent. The United States has provided a $550 million loan to support the project.
The President is inspired by the African-United States connection the Tuckers have massaged for years. “Right now, we have a project that we’re trying to build a wall for one of the orphanages there,” explained Vincent. "The other thing is the tourism that we are helping them build up. And they appreciate that."
The Tuckers are also honorary board members of The American Chamber of Commerce in Angola (AMCHAM). AMCHAM is a non-profit organization committed to further developing commerce between the United States and Angola.
President Biden said he told Wanda he wanted to honor the connection the Tuckers have with Angola.
Wanda recalled, "I said my ancestors would be proud of this moment and he said they are proud of you and that's when I teared up."
