The descendants of the final ship bringing enslaved Africans to the U.S. in 1860 gathered in Mobile, Alabama for a memorial ceremony on Saturday. Dressed in white, attendees met near Africatown Bridge along the river, where the ship still lies submerged due to its deteriorated state. Descendants remain committed to ensuring that the hardships endured during the harrowing two-month voyage across the Atlantic Ocean are never forgotten.
Organizer Chanelle Blackwell emphasized the significance of honoring and preserving the history of the Clotilda and the Africatown community. First discovered in 2019, the Clotilda remains a poignant symbol of resilience and perseverance. Descendants, who established a historical society over 40 years ago to safeguard their heritage, strive to educate future generations about their ancestors and African history.
Walter Jermaine Bell, who traveled from Atlanta to participate in the ceremony, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bridge generational gaps and convey the importance of this legacy to his children. Participants paid tribute to the survivors of the Clotilda, who purchased land in what is now Africatown post-Civil War, highlighting the enduring legacy of their community.
Efforts to excavate and preserve the Clotilda for a potential museum have been underway, aiming to generate vital resources for Africatown. Recommendations from an expert task force, including installing protective pillars around the ship, shed light on the vessel’s tragic fate and the need to safeguard it from further deterioration.
Among those present was Cherrelle Jefferson Smith, a resident of Africatown deeply moved by the sacred and personal nature of the event, regardless of lineage. Her emotional response underscored the profound impact of commemorating and preserving this significant chapter of history.
Reported by AP Race and Ethnicity journalist Jaylen Green in New York, with contributions from Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee.
