A Cinematic Tribute to America's Pioneering Freed Black Community
In the midst of the American Civil War in 1862, a remarkable story of resilience and self-determination unfolded on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Formerly enslaved individuals, envisioning a future free from bondage, organized to establish Mitchelville, the first self-governed, autonomous city for freed people in the United States. Named after Union Army Major General Ormsby Mitchel, this settlement was part of the Port Royal Experiment, a pioneering model that previewed the Reconstruction era by exploring how the nation could transition away from slavery.
Building a New Society from the Ground Up
The inhabitants, who would later be known as the Gullah Geechee, constructed their own homes, elected local officials, and developed an independent economy. For the first time in U.S. history, they mandated education for their children, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. These freed individuals exercised personal freedoms previously denied to them, making decisions about their attire, social interactions, and movements—a stark contrast to their lives in enslavement.
'The Spirit We Move With': A Documentary of Legacy and Resilience
A new documentary titled The Spirit We Move With, set on Hilton Head Island, explores the historic significance of Mitchelville and its connection to modern-day Gullah Geechee descendants. Directed by Andrew Maguire and executive-produced by Lola Campbell, a sixth-generation islander, the film emphasizes that the Gullah Geechee are not merely relics of the past but active pioneers shaping their future. Through intimate storytelling, it highlights their enduring resilience and impact on the island they have called home for centuries.
Developed in collaboration with the Gullah community and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, the documentary premiered in early February at Mitchelville Freedom Park. It is scheduled for screenings at various festivals, including the Rapport festival in Brixton, London, on March 28.
Preserving Culture Through Storytelling
For Campbell, whose ancestry traces back to an enslaved person brought to the island around 1820, the film serves as a vital tool for both outsiders and the Gullah Geechee themselves. "Storytelling is one of the most important parts of preservation for our culture," she explained. "It's the way that we pass down from generation to generation. We're still here. We are surviving. We may look a little bit different than before, but we continue to pass those overarching themes, the significant things that describe our culture."
The documentary delves into specific Gullah Geechee traditions on Hilton Head Island, covering aspects like family, food, and land. However, it also addresses the challenges faced by the community, including external threats to their way of life. Many have been pressured to assimilate by speaking English over their native language, and some have faced persecution for practicing traditional arts, such as selling palmetto roses. Additionally, developers have encroached on ancestral lands, leading to significant land loss: from 98% Black population in 1880 to about 77% white today, with Gullah Geechee land ownership declining by approximately 70% since 1995.
Intimate Filmmaking with Respect and Sensitivity
Director Andrew Maguire, who is not a descendant, approached the project with deep respect and sensitivity, as noted by Campbell. With a small crew, he fostered an intimate filming environment, such as capturing a Sunday family dinner. "I had chills the whole time. It was so special and such a unique experience that I'll take with me forever," Maguire shared. "This family was so open to me just being in their living room with a camera. It speaks to the way the community approached the film, their acceptance, of wanting to tell their story."
Ultimately, The Spirit We Move With underscores the importance of preserving history and culture through narrative, ensuring that future generations understand their heritage and continue the legacy of resilience and self-governance that defined Mitchelville.
