June 25th 2025.
The Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park in South Carolina recently hosted a unique and meaningful event to celebrate Juneteenth. This special occasion welcomed people of all ages to spend the night at the site of the first self-governing town of formerly enslaved individuals in the United States.
According to The Washington Post, the event, held on June 12, was led by park staff and aimed to give guests a chance to connect with the past and imagine what life may have been like during slavery. The activities included immersing oneself in the natural surroundings, gazing at the dark waters of Port Royal Sound, and visiting a replica boat and a praise house that were significant to the history of the town.
One of the highlights of the night was a reenactment of a Baptist minister reading the Emancipation Proclamation, just as it had happened on those very shores many years ago. Ahmad Ward, the executive director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, also played a recording of an interview with Mother Ethel Rivers, a centenarian who was born in Mitchelville. She shared her memories in a beautiful West African accent and described a traditional Gullah Geechee ritual called "seeking" where young boys and girls spent the night outdoors to connect with their ancestors and perhaps even encounter the divine.
This intimate and personal gathering stands in stark contrast to the larger, more publicized events that often surround discussions of slavery and its legacy. In fact, the current administration has been critical of educational programs that address these sensitive topics, labeling them as "racially divisive." However, the Juneteenth sleepover at Mitchelville Freedom Park serves as a reminder that there are alternative ways to preserve and honor our history.
The park, which is supported by donations and state funding, is just one example of the growing interest in historic sites connected to slavery. The nearby city of Charleston, South Carolina has also seen an increase in visitors seeking out plantation museums to gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in American history and to connect with their ancestors in a meaningful way.
As author Deborah Douglas puts it, "When I see efforts to erase our history, I also see other ways and means to keep it alive." Cheria Hay, a seventh-generation Mitchelville descendant, drove six hours from her home in North Carolina to attend the Juneteenth campout and expressed the importance of sharing this history with others.
The Juneteenth festivities at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park have been a long-standing tradition, and each year, the number of participants continues to grow. The diverse activities, such as the overnight campout, nature talks, family day, drum circle, concert, karaoke contest, and fun run, offer a range of experiences for all to enjoy.
In a time where even historic African cemeteries are at risk of being erased, the Juneteenth sleepover at Mitchelville Freedom Park serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring our past and sharing it with others. As the park's popularity continues to grow, it is clear that this historic site and its stories will continue to live on for generations to come.
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