BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Learn about local Black history and heritage along the Tybee Island Black History Trail

By Chantel Britton

Tybee Island, often referred to as Savannah’s beach, is widely recognized for its picturesque beaches and a closely-knit community. However, beneath the island’s coastal charm lies a deep-seated history that dates back to the inception of Georgia. While its military significance during the Civil War is well known, the narrative of Tybee’s Black history remained largely untold for years.

To address this, local organizers came forth to take the initiative to highlight the island’s Black history. The Tybee Island Black History Trail was unveiled last spring and it offers insight into the history and cultural heritage of the local Black population.

How the Concept Originated

The idea of the trail arose when the island’s human rights organization, TybeeMLK, founders Julia Pearce and Pat Leiby participated in a historical tour organized by the city’s manager and local historical society. This tour lacked any mention of Tybee’s Black history, and Pearce and Leiby found this omission “insulting.” As a result, they collaborated with researchers from the Georgia Southern University and Tybee Island Historical Society to construct a trail that pays homage to the island’s Black history.

Unearthing Solidarity and Stories

The process involved recounting old reports, conducting interviews, and harnessing online resources. The Facebook group ‘You Know You Grew Up on Tybee If’ also played a crucial role in gathering information. They were successful in collecting stories from various personalities who provided valuable insights into the local Black history. A noteworthy example is the tale of Walter Brown, Jr., a Black business owner who shared stories of how Black community members navigated life in a sundown town.

Significance of the Tybee Island Black History Trail

The Tybee Island Black History Trail consists of 13 stops, each narrating a unique part of the island’s Black history. From revealing grim yet crucial stories of the island’s past as a slave port to the modern-day Black population’s experiences, the trail has been an instrument in preserving local Black history for future generations.

The trail’s starting point, known as the Lazaretto, holds particular significance for Pearce. She points to this location as the first place in North America where many of the ancestors of Georgia’s Black population set foot after surviving the perilous journey through the Middle Passage. The trail also pays tribute to the struggles faced by Black individuals during the era of segregation.

A Beacon of Enduring Stories

TybeeMLK’s Leiby emphasizes that the Black History Trail is a “living trail” since it will continue to house evolving stories. It serves as a platform for individuals to further investigate this history and to celebrate and pay tribute to it. As further stories are discovered, they will be added to the trail, ensuring its enduring growth.

The organization welcomes anyone interested in understanding local Black history and advancing human rights and social justice to join them. They continue to reach out to the community, adding more stories to the trail and moving toward a more equitable future.

Pearce’s Invitation

Noting the importance of social justice work, Pearce encourages those interested in similar causes to consider joining TybeeMLK. In her words, “I want them to think about TybeeMLK and become a member to work with us to bring forth this history and make the world more like how Dr. King envisioned it.”

To explore the Tybee Island Black History Trail, you can follow the online story map.