By The Thriving African Town In Alabama
In 1860, the last American slave ship, carrying 160 West African captives, docked illegally in Mobile, Alabama. Among them was Cudjo Lewis, who feared his birth culture would be erased in this new land. (A thread)
After gaining freedom, Lewis purchased two acres and founded Africatown, a self-sufficient community modeled after his West African home.
Africatown thrived, with extended families living together, speaking regional languages, and preserving traditions. Today, this historic community still exists, home to the descendants of the last slave ship.
The essence of black culture Africatown, located near Mobile, Alabama, was established by a group of West Africans who were illegally transported to the United States aboard the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to reach U.S. shores in 1860.
These individuals were brought against their will, enduring the harrowing Middle Passage decades after the international slave trade had been outlawed.
Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the Clotilda survivors sought to return to Africa. Lacking the necessary funds, they decided to create a new community in America that mirrored their homeland’s culture and traditions. They purchased land north of Mobile, in an area known as Magazine Point, and founded Africatown.
This self-sufficient community had its own leaders, church, school, and cemetery, allowing residents to maintain their African heritage while adapting to their new environment.
Cudjo Lewis, one of the Clotilda survivors, played a pivotal role in Africatown’s establishment. In 1872, he purchased two acres of land for $100, contributing significantly to the community’s development.
Africatown thrived for many years, preserving the unique cultural identity of its founders. However, over time, industrial encroachment and economic challenges led to its decline. Despite these hardships, Africatown remains a testament to the resilience and determination of its founders. Recent efforts have aimed to revitalize the area and honor its rich history, especially following the 2019 discovery of the Clotilda’s remains, which renewed interest in Africatown’s legacy.
Today, Africatown stands as a symbol of cultural preservation and the enduring spirit of a community that transformed adversity into a lasting heritage.
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