In photos, the remaining descendants of the last known slave ship hold memorial ceremony
The ship, known as the Clotilda, was discovered in 2019 in the murky waters of the Alabama Gulf Coast. But, more than 40 years ago, descendants of the 110 Africans who were ferried to American shores collectively founded a historical society to preserve the culture and heritage of the last Africans brought to America, and to ensure that future generations are aware of their ancestors and African history.
Get Starting Point
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Walter Jermaine Bell traveled to Mobile from Atlanta and laid down a ceremonial wreath at the event. He said he was honored and humbled to participate.
Advertisement
'Such a gratifying feeling, a redeeming feeling, to be able to do something to bridge the gap, not just for this group, but also for my kids who are present,' he said. 'I really wanted them to see and participate in this.'
Historical records show that Africatown, formally known as Plateau, was bought by 32 of the freed survivors of the Clotilda after the Civil War, about 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) north of Mobile.
Advertisement
The Clotilda had been under a $1 million state-funded investigation to excavate and preserve the ship, to be brought on land, with the goal of turning it into a museum that could generate a much-needed amount of revenue for the Africatown community.
A task force of archaeologists, engineers, and historians, headed by the Alabama Historical Commission, recommended in a report that pillars be installed around the ship underwater to protect it from passing ships — an event they suspect caused the ship to break in half before it sank.
Cherrelle Jefferson Smith attended the annual event for the first time. A resident of Africatown who moved to Mobile in 2014, she said 'it seems like I was meant to be here.'
'It was very sacred and personal, no matter if you're a descendant or not,' she said, adding that she was brought to tears by the event.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
____
AP Race and Ethnicity reporter Jaylen Green reported from New York. Adrian Sainz contributed from Memphis, Tennessee.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
A Complete Guide to Pest Control Services in Miami
Miami is known for its warm, tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture—but with the heat and humidity comes a downside: pests. From termites and ants to rodents and mosquitoes, pest problems are common in Miami homes and businesses. That's why understanding how pest control services in Miami work is essential for every property owner. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the types of pests you may encounter, signs of infestations, treatment options, and how to choose the right pest control company in Miami. Miami's warm weather and high humidity create the perfect environment for pests to thrive all year long. Whether it's a roach in the kitchen or termites eating away at your home's foundation, these intruders can cause serious health risks and structural damage if left untreated. Allergies and respiratory issues Food contamination Structural damage to walls, furniture, and insulation Electrical hazards from rodent-chewed wires Spread of viruses and bacteria That's why regular and professional pest control isn't just a luxury in Miami—it's a necessity. Understanding the pests you're up against is the first step to effective control. Here are the most common pests Miami residents deal with: Termites: Silent destroyers that cause extensive damage to wood structures. Silent destroyers that cause extensive damage to wood structures. Ants: Especially ghost ants and carpenter ants, which are very active in Florida. Especially ghost ants and carpenter ants, which are very active in Florida. Cockroaches: German and American cockroaches are commonly found in homes and commercial spaces. German and American cockroaches are commonly found in homes and commercial spaces. Rodents: Rats and mice invade properties in search of food and shelter. Rats and mice invade properties in search of food and shelter. Mosquitoes: Thrive in Miami's humid climate and can transmit serious diseases like Zika and dengue. Thrive in Miami's humid climate and can transmit serious diseases like Zika and dengue. Bed Bugs: Often found in hotels and multi-family homes. Often found in hotels and multi-family homes. Spiders and Fleas: Common in households with pets and untreated yards. Many pest problems go unnoticed until they become serious. Here are some red flags to watch for: Droppings or shed skins Strange sounds in walls (especially at night) Visible nests or entry points Chewed furniture or electrical wires Musty odors (especially from rodents or cockroaches) Bite marks on skin (from bed bugs or fleas) If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call a pest control expert. Professional pest control companies in Miami offer a range of services to target different pest problems: For homes, condos, and apartments. Includes prevention and treatment of common household pests like roaches, ants, spiders, and rodents. Tailored solutions for businesses such as restaurants, hotels, offices, and warehouses. Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. Includes inspections, soil treatments, and fumigation to eliminate active termite colonies and prevent future infestations. Yard treatments, larvicide applications, and standing water elimination to reduce mosquito breeding areas. Sealing entry points, setting humane traps, and sanitizing contaminated areas to eliminate rats and mice. Heat and chemical treatments to eliminate bed bugs in homes, hotels, and multi-unit buildings. Pet-safe and environmentally responsible solutions for homes with children or sensitive occupants. Due to the year-round pest activity in Miami, most professionals recommend: Quarterly treatments for prevention for prevention Monthly treatments for properties with ongoing pest issues for properties with ongoing pest issues Annual termite inspections to catch damage early Regular treatments ensure that pests don't return after the initial extermination. When hiring a pest control provider, look for the following qualities: ✅ Licensed and insured in Florida ✅ Years of local experience ✅ Positive reviews and customer feedback ✅ Guarantees on services ✅ Customized treatment plans ✅ Safe, EPA-approved products Ask for a free inspection and compare pricing to ensure you're getting the best value and protection. Hiring experts gives you many advantages over DIY solutions: Accurate pest identification Faster and more effective results Safer methods for kids and pets Long-term prevention and maintenance plans Peace of mind knowing the problem is handled professionally Pests are an unavoidable reality in Miami—but with the right knowledge and a trusted pest control provider, they don't have to be a problem. From routine maintenance to emergency extermination, pest control services in Miami offer the tools, technology, and experience to keep your property pest-free all year long. Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, investing in professional pest control is one of the smartest ways to protect your health, property, and peace of mind in South Florida. Contact info: Website: Email:info@ TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Epoch Times
9 hours ago
- Epoch Times
My Blueberry Scones Are Melt-in-Your-Mouth Good
There's no better fruit to serve at breakfast than blueberries. Baked goods and blueberries go hand-in-hand, from Why You'll Love It It's bursting with blueberry flavor. These scones are packed with juicy blueberries so every bite has fresh fruit flavor. So tender and buttery. Scones have a bad reputation for being bland and dry, but these American-style scones are decidedly not. They're tender, buttery, and just sweet enough. Key Ingredients in Blueberry Scones Blueberries: You'll need 1 1/4 cups of blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to the dough. Heavy cream: Adds moisture and fat to the dough. Some scone recipes call for buttermilk instead of heavy cream, but that will make this dough sticky and tough. It's best to stick with heavy cream here, as its higher fat content helps to make these scones so tender. Unsalted butter: Keep the butter cold so that you can easily grate it on a box grater. The flecks of butter distribute evenly throughout the dough and give the dough its tender texture. Lemon: Grate the zest on a rasp-style grater, then juice the lemon for the powdered sugar glaze. Helpful Swap Other citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, can be used in place of lemon zest and juice. Blueberry Scones Serves 8 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon) 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw, about 5 1/2 ounces) 1 cup cold heavy cream 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest and 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl and rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant. Whisk in 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Associated Press
Syrian Civil Defense battles wildfires in Latakia
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
