A film honors America’s first self-governed town founded by formerly enslaved people

February 28, 2026

TL;DR

Mitchelville, founded in 1862 on Hilton Head Island, was the first self-governed city for freed people in the U.S.
The city was established by formerly enslaved people, known as the Gullah Geechee, who created their own economy, elected officials, and mandated education.
A new documentary, "The Spirit We Move With," explores Mitchelville's legacy and its connection to contemporary Gullah Geechee descendants.
The film highlights the resilience and continued impact of the Gullah Geechee community on Hilton Head Island.
Challenges faced by the Gullah Geechee include land loss due to development, pressure to assimilate, and the persecution of traditional art forms.
Storytelling is presented as a crucial element for preserving Gullah Geechee culture and passing it down through generations.
The documentary was developed by the island's Gullah community and made in partnership with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton chamber of commerce.
The film premiered at Mitchelville Freedom Park and is scheduled for showing at festivals, including the Rapport festival in London.

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