Important Dates in African-American History By shuffman1 Jan 26, 1619 1st African Slaves in America Period: Jan 26, 1619 to Apr 4, 1968 Timespan Jan 26, 1793 A federal fugitive slave law is enacted, Jan 26, 1808 Congress bans the importation of slaves from Africa. Jan 26, 1820 The Missouri Compromise bans slavery north of the southern boundary of Missouri