Atlantic rower seeks commemoration for Harriet Tubman
Lewes, Delaware (Cape Gazette) December 3, 2019 - After rowing north through the Delmarva Peninsula nearing the end of a 5,000-mile journey by boat from West Africa, Don Victor Mooney’s thoughts turned to Harriet Tubman. As she led slaves to freedom, she often used the same waters to travel north through Virginia, Maryland and eventually Delaware.
Now, on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first slave ship in the United States, the 54-year-old New York man is seeking to rename the Virginia Inside Passage to the Harriet Tubman Waterway.
Tubman Boosters lend a hand to national campaign for Harriet
Auburn, New York (December 1, 2019) - Tubman Boosters roll into action to support the renaming of Virginia Inside Passage to Harriet Tubman Waterway. The group also made the first contribution towards the campaign for General Tubman.
Tubman Booster's mission is to keep the Memory of Harriet Tubman's remarkable life's work in the forefront, constantly shining a light for all who pursue a free, peaceful & productive society.
Group On Mission To Honor Tubman, But Effort Needs Local Support
Ocean City, Maryland (The Dispatch) November 28, 2019 – The first African American man to row across the Atlantic Ocean is now on a mission to rename a local waterway after Harriet Tubman. In 2014, Victor Mooney began a 21-month rowing journey from the Canary Islands to New York City to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS research.
“Hopefully we can garner support and listen to folks to see how we can strengthen this concept and bring it to the decision makers that will ultimately make this decision."
Harriet Tubman Waterway soars with faith
Cape Charles, Virginia (November 17, 2019) - HR 1242 Resilience Project President, Don Victor Mooney talked on Psalms 91 ~ “he’s my refuge & my fortress”, and then he shared Harriet Tubman Waterway initiative at African Baptist Church in Cape Charles, Virginia, which is located a short walking distance from Virginia Inside Passage. The amens echoed throughtout this historic church as Mooney's testimony touched the heart and soul of those in attendance.
The African Baptist Church is a 144 year old historical landmark and a part of The Eastern Shore Virginia & Maryland Baptist Association.
HR 1242 Resilience Project visits African Baptist Church in Cape Charles, Virginia
Cape Charles, Virginia (November 17, 2019) - After guest preacher, Rev. James Jones of New Macedonia Baptist Church gave the benediction at the African Baptist Church, Don Victor Mooney, President of HR 1242 Resilience Project, spoke about an initiative to rename Virginia Inside Passage to the Harriet Tubman Waterway. This was Mooney's first visit after stopping at the church while enroute to New York by rowboat in 2015, where Pastor Rev. Garris and congregation welcomed him home.
Virginia Governor gets a double take on Harriet Tubman Waterway
Caperville, Virginia (November 17, 2019) Don Victor Mooney met Rev. Kelvin Jones, Governor Ralph Northam Pastor at First Baptist Church in Capeville. He pledged to share the Harriet Tubman Waterway initiative with the Governor. Earlier in the week, Mooney had an email exchange with Ms. Traci De Shazor, Deputy Secretary for the Commonwealth about his visit to the Eastern Shore.
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Dorchester County NAACP says Yes, for Harriet
Ocean City, Maryland (November 16, 2019) - Dorchester County NAACP President, Ivory Smith lent support at Harriet Tubman Waterway info session, which was sponsored by Fager's Island. Despite the strongs winds, some community folks ventured out to listen about this initiative honoring an American hero. The Office of Lt. Governor, Boyd K. Rutherford of Maryland was updated on this initiative and sent a note of acknowledgement.
After rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, Mooney was the keynote speaker for 2018 Ocean City Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, and he received the ceremonial Key to the City.
Hommage paid at St. George African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church & Cemetry
Lewes, Delaware (November 16, 2019) - Don Victor Mooney, President of HR 1242 Resilience Project ended his visit at one of Delaware's most historic and cultural landmarks for African-Americans. This parcel of land was donated by Mr. Peter Lewis, a free Black shipbuilder, who also was an AME Delegate prior to 1880.
Among other things, AME Church was an integral part of Mooney's transatlantic row from Africa to New York's Brooklyn Bridge. This church is founded on perseverance. The community is also mobilizing to renamed a stretch of pavement in honor of Martin Luther King,.Jr.
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Mayor of Lewes, Delaware is onboard for Harriet Tubman Waterway
Lewes, Delaware (November 16, 2019) - HR 1242 Resilience Project launched the first Harriet Tubman Waterway info session in partnership with Lewes Historical Society. After the event, Mayor of Lewes, Ted Becker pledged his support. Mooney ended his visit to Lewes, where he paid hommage at the oldest known graves of African-Americans in Delaware. In 2015, Mooney docked in Lewes Harbor Marina before continuing his transatlantic row to New York.
Harriet Tubman tribute brought to US by man who rowed 5,000 miles from Africa
Salisbury, Maryland (Delmarva Now) November 11, 2019 - This corridor for freedom along the eastern shore of the Delmarva Peninsula, saw countless enslaved Africans take this route to emancipate themselves from the shackles of slavery.
Harriet Tubman knew this terrain, mastered the elements and helped usher many to freedom. The mouth of this waterway begins from the Chesapeake Bay.
Daily Challenge (September 6, 2019) - Elected, civic leaders, labor, and law enforcement gathered with United Nations diplomats at Brooklyn's Pebble Beach to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the English colonies. The theme for the commemoration was 400 years: Resilience, Faith, Healing and Partnership. It was coordinated by HR 1242 Resilience Project President, Don Victor Mooney, who rowed from Africa to US in 2014 following one of the transatlantic slave routes, in partnership with Brooklyn Borough Hall on August 17, 2019.
