DREAMS FOR AFRICATOWN

In the Summer of 2021, descendants of Timothy Meaher sold a former credit union building to the city (Mobile) for $50,000. This building, located in the heart of Africatown, was hoped to serve a food bank as a part of a community revitalization initiative. And at the time of the building being sold, the Meaher family stated that they “could not think of a better way to give back to the community”. However, since that time it was determined that the building would be demolished due to expensive renovation costs. Which proves that reconciliation goes deeper than superficial fixes, true steps to reconciliation begins with honest dialogue.

While we cannot change the past, we can attempt to rectify it and do better moving forward. Undoubtedly, charitable donations and discounted land sales, are beneficial to the Africatown community, but the road to true reconciliation and healing starts with conversations, and it is the hope of many descendants to one day share a well overdue conversation with the Meaher Family. It is time for the descendants to heal.

Africatown now finds itself in need of support economically, educationally, environmentally. Once a hub for intense social and economic activity, population numbers have dropped drastically over the years, employment opportunities have dried up, and abandoned houses and worn-down streets fill the area. As a result, it must be acknowledged that the current struggles of Africatown are a reflection of the lasting impact of slavery on African-Americans and society, and it is imperative that these issues be addressed by county and city officials.

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  • The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, led by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and United States Congress should conduct a federal investigation into the crimes committed by co-conspirators Timothy Meaher, Captain William Foster and all parties involved in the smuggling of 110 enslaved Africans aboard Clotilda in July 1860. The recent discovery of Clotilda should prompt an investigation into previous court cases and new cases should be opened where warranted.

  • The United States congress, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi should pass H.R. 40 Reparation Bill. Once passed, congress should conduct a study on the reparations owed to descendants of the 110 enslaved Africans aboard Clotilda. Afterwards, the United States government should pass legislations to pay owed reparations to descendants of the 110 enslaved Africans aboard Clotilda.