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In Photos, the Remaining Descendants of the Last Known Slave Ship Hold Memorial Ceremony

July 8, 2025

Descendants of enslaved Africans from the last slave ship to reach America gathered in Mobile, Alabama for a memorial ceremony honoring those transported on the Clotilda in 1860. The event took place near the Africatown Bridge where the ship remains submerged due to its deteriorated condition, with attendees dressed in white participating in a ceremonial wreath-laying. The Clotilda was discovered in 2019, but descendants had established a historical society over 40 years ago to preserve their heritage and ensure future generations understand this history.

Who is affected

  • Descendants of the 110 Africans transported on the Clotilda
  • The Africatown community (formally known as Plateau)
  • Attendees of the memorial ceremony
  • Residents of Mobile, Alabama
  • Future generations who will learn about this history

What action is being taken

  • A memorial ceremony is being held near Africatown Bridge
  • A $1 million state-funded investigation is underway to excavate and preserve the Clotilda
  • A task force of archaeologists, engineers, and historians is recommending installing pillars around the ship underwater for protection
  • Descendants are actively working to preserve the culture and heritage through events and education

Why it matters

  • The Clotilda represents the last ship carrying enslaved Africans to America in 1860
  • The discovery of the ship in 2019 provides physical evidence of this historical event
  • The Africatown community was founded by survivors of the Clotilda after the Civil War
  • Preserving this history ensures future generations understand the experiences of enslaved people
  • The potential museum could generate needed revenue for the Africatown community

What's next

  • Installation of protective pillars around the ship underwater to protect it from passing vessels
  • Continued efforts to preserve the ship with the goal of creating a museum
  • Ongoing work to generate revenue for the Africatown community through historical preservation

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint