Dr. Wanda Tucker Shares Powerful Family History with Middle and Upper School Students

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, middle and upper school students had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Wanda Tucker, a descendant of the first recorded enslaved Angolans brought to the English American colonies in 1619. Dr. Wanda Tucker is the descendant of Isabel and Antony, who arrived on the shores of what is now Fort Monroe, Virginia.

Dr. Tucker shared the deeply personal story of her ancestors, who were among approximately 350 souls aboard the San Juan Bautista, originally bound for Mexico. During the voyage, the ship was attacked by the English privateer White Lion, and a group of captive Africans was taken and brought to Point Comfort—present-day Fort Monroe—where they were sold into bondage in Virginia. Not all survived the harrowing journey, marking the beginning of a pivotal and painful chapter in American history.

According to census records, Isabel and Antony were enslaved by Capt. William Tucker. In 1624, they welcomed a son, William Tucker, who is recognized as the first recorded African child born and baptized in English North America.

When Capt. Tucker died without a will in 1643/44, there was no documentation detailing what became of those he enslaved. Some historians believe they may have been set free, though the historical record remains unclear.

Dr. Tucker also spoke about Queen Njinga of Angola, who resisted Portuguese expansion and fought to curb the transatlantic slave trade in her homeland. She shared how her own family continues to strengthen connections with Angola today while working to preserve and educate others about their history.

“It’s an honor for me to share that story and to share that as a descendant,” Dr. Tucker told students. She also discussed the annual commemoration held each August at Fort Monroe to remember the lives and legacy of those first Angolan captives.

Following the presentation, Dr. Tucker spent additional time in history classes engaging with students, answering thoughtful questions, and helping them connect the past to the present.

Today, the Tucker Family Cemetery in Hampton remains open to the public, serving as a lasting reminder of a family whose story is deeply interwoven with the earliest chapters of American history.