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Chief Lewis sat with The Voice of Africa to offer an exclusive look into Africatown’s origins, struggles, and its fight to retain its rightful place as a beacon for the African diaspora. This powerful partnership was made possible through the introduction by Tour Motherland, whose commitment to connecting voices and stories has sparked a deeper appreciation for the rich history and resilience of Africatown.
In the shadow of Mobile, Alabama, lies a powerful testament to African resilience and ingenuity: Africatown. This historic community, built by survivors of the last known illegal slave ship, the Clotilda, has endured decades of systemic oppression while preserving its cultural heritage and identity. Africatown’s story, as told by (Ret.) U.S. Navy Chief and owner of Africatowntours.com, Lewis, is one of survival, innovation, and hope for a brighter future.
Africatown’s founders were visionaries, including leaders like Kossola Lewis (Cudjo), Pollee Allen, Charlie Lewis, Peter Lee (Gumpa), Lottie, and Jame Denison, who worked collectively to establish a community that was both a sanctuary and a testament to African resilience. Their collective efforts were a testament to their unwavering determination to build a thriving society, rooted in African traditions, values, and a deep commitment to self-sufficiency.
A Legacy Rooted in West Africa
Africatown’s origins stretch back to the western regions of Africa, from the kingdoms of Dahomey (Benin), Togo, and present-day Nigeria. Those enslaved and brought to Alabama carried with them centuries of wisdom, skills, and cultural traditions that became the foundation of this remarkable community.
“The people who came here weren’t broken—they were builders, teachers, and innovators,” Chief Lewis explained. “They brought with them knowledge of metallurgy, agriculture, and governance that stretched back to ancient Kush and beyond. They turned a terrible tragedy into a legacy of self-sufficiency and excellence.”
Africatown’s founders, including Kossola Lewis (Cudjo), Pollee Allen, Charlie Lewis, Peter Lee (Gumpa), Lottie, and Jame Denison, worked collectively to establish a community that was both a sanctuary and a testament to African resilience.
“They didn’t just survive—they thrived,” Chief Lewis emphasized. “These people created a school, a church, a burial ground, and a system of commerce. It was a Maroon space that reflected African traditions while adapting to the laws of the land.”
Building an African Community in America
Following the abolition of slavery in 1865, Africatown’s founders took deliberate steps to create a self-governing community. They pooled resources to buy land from plantation owners, established Union Baptist Church in 1869, and founded the Mobile County Training School in 1880.
“The first thing they did was buy their freedom and secure land,” Chief Lewis said. “They understood that owning land was the key to independence. From there, they built everything else—a church, a school, and a way of life rooted in African principles.”
The oral histories passed down through generations tell stories of resilience and innovation. Children were taught their heritage through rites of passage, traditional agricultural methods, and crafts like drum-making.
“My grandfather would sit us down and teach us about our ancestors,” Chief Lewis recalled. “He’d say, ‘Know where you come from, so you know where you’re going.’ It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive despite every effort to erase us.”
Decades of Systemic Oppression
Africatown’s success was not without obstacles. From the moment of its inception, systemic forces worked to undermine the community. The construction of a highway through Africatown displaced families and destroyed its economic base, while industrial pollution from nearby factories poisoned its air and water.
“It was deliberate,” Chief Lewis stated. “Just like they did to Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, they put a highway right through the heart of Africatown. They destroyed homes, businesses, and the community’s sense of unity.”
The impact of environmental racism is still felt today. Factories dumped chemicals into the fishing channels and polluted the air, leading to severe health issues for residents.
“They treated Africatown as if it didn’t matter,” Chief Lewis said. “But we matter. Our history matters. And we’re fighting back.”
The Clotilda and the Fight for Historical Integrity
The discovery of the Clotilda, the ship that illegally transported Africatown’s ancestors, brought international attention to the community. However, Chief Lewis cautions against allowing the ship to overshadow the larger narrative.
“The Clotilda is just a ship,” he said. “The real story is about the people—the survivors who built a thriving community. We don’t want Africatown to be reduced to a shipwreck. This is about our ancestors’ resilience and the legacy they left behind.”
He likened the situation to other colonial influences that have shaped and distorted African history. “We’ve seen this before. Colonial powers love to rewrite history to suit their narrative. We won’t let that happen here.”
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
Today, Africatown’s leaders are focused on preserving its history and protecting its residents. The community has rallied around initiatives like the Heritage House, which showcases artifacts and stories from the community, and efforts to combat environmental harm.
“Our priorities are clear,” Chief Lewis said. “We must maintain our residential properties, protect our people from environmental harm, and ensure that Africatown’s history is told accurately.”
Engaging the next generation is another key goal. Chief Lewis and others are working to stop the “brain drain” that pulls young talent away from Africatown and to inspire pride in the community’s legacy.
“If Africatown is to serve as a beacon, then Africa must be the light behind it,” Chief Lewis said passionately. “We need our young people to see that Africatown is more than a place—it’s a movement. It’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we stand together.”
A Collaboration for the Ages
Through the collaboration of Chief Lewis, Tour Motherland, and The Voice of Africa, a powerful force has been set in motion to ensure the legacy and history of Africatown is preserved for generations to come. The alliance is dedicated to educating the world on the cultural significance of Africatown and elevating the voices of its people.
A Call to Action
Africatown’s story is one of triumph over adversity, but its future depends on continued support and recognition. As Chief Lewis puts it:
“Africatown is not just a chapter in history—it’s a living, breathing legacy. It’s a testament to the strength of our ancestors and a blueprint for building stronger, self-sufficient communities rooted in our heritage. We owe it to the generations before us and those yet to come to protect and uplift Africatown.”
For those inspired to learn more or support the community, visit Africatowntours.com and join the fight to preserve this remarkable piece of African and American history.
