York america in august of 1619. Good evening. [ applause ] im k. C. Matthews, chief of staff here at the somebuchombur center poo center. Im obviously not kevin young. Listed in your program. Kevin has been looking forward to this event for ytwo years an upset hes not able to join us tonight. Kevin is not feeling well and not able to be here. He hopes to join us tomorrow and saturday for the remainder of the program and is watching along online. It is my honor tonight to welcome all of you who are here in the audience and welcome folks who are watching online as well. This is the Second Annual conference presented by our Lapidus Center for the study of transatlantic slavery. This morning Public Library and vch shomburg city event the historical analysis of transatlantic slavery. Youll hear more about and from mr. Lapidus shortly. This is a banner week for the Schomburg Center. Just a few things i want to mention to you. We and our director are part of a documentary, t rary premiered we