shine a light on the women of Fort Mose, who played a vital role in the story. As she reminded the crowd,“ the courageous women, the women that struggled to get here … had to till the land … plant the harvest … raise the children and cook and clean... they made a home.”
The January 19 groundbreaking was ahead of a slew of events, including a vibrant jazz and blues series. From February 8-17, performers including Common, Wynton Marsalis and The New Jazz Underground took the stage. February also featured a signature event called the“ Flight to Freedom” re-enactment. This three-day festival at Fort Mose State Park takes thousands of visitors on immersive guided tours of the Flight to Freedom Trails led by reenactors. The stirring account of the freedom seekers’ perilous journey from enslavement on the Carolina plantations to freedom in Spanish Florida leaves a
memorable mark on attendees. With the forthcoming addition of the reconstructed fort, we can expect an increase in average visitors.
As mist around Fort Mose began to dissipate on the morning of January 19, the event closed with the re-enactment of a cannon firing. The militia muster stood poised in their blue and red militia gear. After following the proper orders, those in attendance were warned to cover their ears. Just like that, the tribute went out with a resounding bang- one that will ring out and echo perpetually in heart and mind.
Teddy Regis holds degrees in English and Communication from Flagler College. He has worked as a sign language interpreter for seven years.
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