RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Richmond church that was a sanctuary for freedmen and slaves is being recognized by Virginia with a historical marker.
The marker will be dedicated Saturday at the First African Baptist Church.
While the sanctuary dates back to 1870, the First African Baptist Church was organized by freedmen and slaves in 1841. The present church was built on the same site in 1876.
The historical marker states that Confederate President Jefferson Davis spoke at a convention at the church. Another notable speaker was Booker T. Washington, among others.
