ICYMI: Delegate Hala Ayala Joins Senator Warner in Observance of Black History Month

February 17, 2021

WOODBRIDGE, VA —Yesterday Delegate Hala Ayala visited Lumpkin’s Jail, also known as the Devil’s Half-Acre, in Richmond with Senator Mark Warner, Delegate Jay Jones, Mayor Levar Stoney, and other African-American leaders from the Commonwealth in observance of Black History Month. Delegate Ayala addressed those in attendance and highlighted the importance of the trip and historic location.

“Thank you to Senator Warner for hosting this event to remember the tragedy that occurred on these grounds, to commemorate how Black Virginians have continued to triumph in the face of adversity, and to heal together during Black History Month." Said Delegate Hala Ayala.

"For our Commonwealth to heal and move forward into an equitable just future, we need to understand our past and its pain. We need to know and uplift the story of the more than 300,000 African-Americans who were sold into slavery, tortured, and killed at Lumpkin’s Jail. I’d also like to thank Governor Northam for including $9 million in this year’s historic budget to build a memorial in remembrance of these souls."

Delegate Ayala will also address the House floor on Friday February 19th to honor Black History Month.