Blacks of the Chesapeake Founder Vince Leggett Dies Suddenly at 71

The Annapolis community is mourning the loss of Blacks of the Chesapeake Founder Vince O. Leggett.  He was 71.

According to an online profile, Vince founded The Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation (BOCF), which documents, promotes, and educates on the significant contributions of African Americans to the bay’s maritime industries and culture. "In 2000, the Library of Congress designated BOCF as a Local Legacy Project, and in 2003, Maryland Governor Glendening commissioned Vince an honorary Admiral of the Chesapeake,' the profile stated.  

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley released the following statement:

“Vince was a tireless advocate for preserving the legacy of Black watermen. His efforts to honor their history and share their stories have left an indelible mark on the Annapolis community and beyond,” Buckley said. “Vince’s work went beyond retelling the stories of the Black watermen who worked the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. He had a passion to preserve stories that otherwise might have been lost to time. His deep connection to the water and the people whose lives were intertwined with it made him a respected figure in the Annapolis community. He will be greatly missed.” 

A cause of death was not immediately available.