Let Freedom Ring!

On February 1, 2016 - Representing the Jefferson family, black and white, Prinny Anderson, Shannon Lanier (with daughters Madison & McKenzie), Diana Redman, Jeff Westerinen,and David Works were the first to ring the bell at First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Media

New York Times - Restored Williamsburg Bell to Be Celebrated

Richmond Times-Dispatch - In Williamsburg, freedom rings for historic congregation founded by slaves

Daily Press - Call for unity, justice at Freedom Bell ringing in Williamsburg

CBN - Let Freedom Ring! Historic Bell Tolls For Radical Racial Healing

Who We Are

The Monticello Community pursues a fully inclusive realization of Thomas Jefferson’s aspirations for equality among all people and the equitable opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness. We envision a time when everyone with a connection to Monticello’s original community will feel equally welcome, will be inspired by their historic legacy, and will have a deeper and more nuanced perspective on that community and its members. The Monticello Community will serve as a model of how descendants of a southern U.S. plantation community can find healing and reconciliation for the legacies of enslavement, discrimination, and socio-economic inequity.