Documentary Illuminates America's First Self-Governed Town Founded by Freed Slaves
While the American Civil War raged across the nation in 1862, a remarkable story of liberation and self-determination was unfolding on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Formerly enslaved people there were not just dreaming of freedom—they were actively building it. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Mitchelville, recognized as the first self-governed, autonomous city established by freed people in United States history.
The Birth of Mitchelville and the Gullah Geechee Legacy
The settlement was named for Union Army Major General Ormsby Mitchel, who led what became known as the Port Royal Experiment. This initiative served as a crucial model for transitioning away from slavery and foreshadowed the Reconstruction period that would follow the war. The freed people, who would become known as the Gullah Geechee, constructed their own homes, elected their own officials, established their own economy, and made history by mandating education for their children—a first in the nation.
For the first time, these individuals could make personal decisions about what to wear, whom to associate with, and where to go—basic freedoms denied during their enslavement. This foundational community represents a pivotal moment in American history that is now being explored through contemporary storytelling.
The Spirit We Move With: Connecting Past and Present
A new documentary titled The Spirit We Move With delves into the historical significance of Mitchelville while examining its enduring connection to present-day Gullah Geechee descendants. The film powerfully conveys that the Gullah Geechee people are not merely historical figures but active pioneers shaping their future. Through intimate portraits of families and community members, the documentary emphasizes their remarkable resilience and ongoing influence on the island they have called home for generations.
Executive producer Lola Campbell, a sixth-generation Hilton Head native whose ancestry traces back to an enslaved person brought to the island around 1820, emphasizes the documentary's dual purpose. "It's valuable both to outsiders and to Gullah Geechee people ourselves," Campbell explains. "Our ancestors understood the importance of storytelling, and now we must continue that tradition."
Preserving Culture Against Modern Challenges
The documentary explores specific Gullah Geechee traditions through stories about family, food, and land. "Capturing stories and making sure that the culture remains and that people know it is still here and thriving is important for me," Campbell states. However, the film also addresses the complex position these communities often occupy: while outsiders show keen interest in their history, this attention sometimes comes at the expense of recognizing them as living, evolving communities.
Gullah Geechee people have faced significant threats to their way of life, including pressure to assimilate by speaking English instead of preserving their unique language, and persecution for practicing traditional arts like selling palmetto roses. Perhaps most critically, they have fought to protect ancestral lands from encroaching development.
The demographic shift on Hilton Head Island illustrates this struggle starkly. In 1880, the island was approximately 98% Black; today, it is about 77% white. Since 1995, Gullah Geechee land ownership on the island has decreased by approximately 70%, highlighting the urgent need for cultural preservation efforts.
Intimate Filmmaking with Community Collaboration
Director Andrew Maguire, who is not a Gullah Geechee descendant, approached the project with what Campbell describes as "respect and sensitivity." Maguire worked with a minimal crew—just himself and an assistant—to foster intimacy and trust. "We basically filmed a Sunday family dinner and I got to be right in the middle of it," Maguire recalls. "I had chills the whole time. It was so special and such a unique experience that I'll take with me forever."
Campbell notes the significant responsibility involved in the project, beginning with "a blessing from that group of what the overall theme of this could be." The community's openness to sharing their stories became central to the film's authenticity. "This family was so open to me just being in their living room with a camera," Maguire observes. "It speaks to the way the community approached the film, their acceptance, of wanting to tell their story."
Storytelling as Cultural Preservation
A central theme of the documentary is ensuring that community members of all ages understand their history—a function the project itself serves. "Storytelling is one of the most important parts of preservation for our culture," Campbell emphasizes. "It's the way that we pass down from generation to generation. That comes through in the film because that is the only way our culture can really sustain or survive."
She adds with determination: "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. We pass those on."
After premiering in early February at Mitchelville Freedom Park, The Spirit We Move With will be shown at various festivals, including the Rapport festival in Brixton, London, on March 28th. The documentary represents both a historical record and a living testament to a community's enduring strength and cultural vitality.
