This is a guest opinion column

The 110 survivors aboard Clotilda, the last known ship to transport enslaved people from Africa to the United States, should be permanently recognized in the congressional records. And it is critical to pass a resolution now.

Why now

In February of 2023, I delivered a speech titled, “Memory Keeper,” at the unveiling of the Africatown Heritage House’s Memory Keeper sculpture . Portions of that speech were published in an opinion column a few days later. The warnings in my speech have proven prophetic: “Black history is being challenged, and Black history is being rewritten. Basic Black historical facts are being questioned.” When Black historical facts are questioned, it is not just Black history that is being challenged. It is American history that is challenged.

Two articles that were published over the weekend underline my concerns that Black history is being rewritten. One of the articles, “Rewritten Underground Railroad History replaces Harriet Tubman with ‘Black/White cooperation,‘” published in the Washington Post, revealed how a National Park Service webpage had removed Harriet Tubman’s photograph and the original introductory sentence that mentioned slavery. The other, “Trump’s Smithsonian Order Follows Reconstruction Playbook in Rewriting History,” was published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, highlighting the current administration’s attempt to erase Black history. And while the National Park Service corrected their actions a few days after the Washington Post article was published, we cannot ignore the significance of that “temporary” revision that will have lasting consequences unless we act now.

Last year, I was quoted in an article that suggested the story of the Clotilda and my ancestors was a hoax. While experts, including historians and archeologists who surveyed the ship, debunked the article with evidence, the intentional lack of research and journalism resulted in what I would consider journalistic malpractice. The author made up a story and attempted to rewrite history.

My response to his article reigns true today: “It’s unfortunate this type of article would be written and published at this time, and at a time when history is attempting to be rewritten.” The collective revision of facts about Black history is an attempt by the “far-right” political movement in the U.S. to undermine Black history.

The current administration’s actions to revise history and those willing to comply make it a pivotal moment for those in leadership positions to do what they can to preserve history accurately.

A call to action to our elected leaders

To our elected leaders who hold public offices, please lead with courage, service and from the front regarding the preservation of our American history. For the past several years, I have reached out to and communicated with the office of Congresswoman Terri Sewell and recently to the office of Congressman Shomari Figures, requesting their sponsorship to add the 110 survivors aboard Clotilda into the congressional record books. The initial request has been to clear a congressional resolution to honor the 110 survivors aboard Clotilda. Afterward, we should work toward a reconciliation bill for descendants of the 110. I have also worked with other congress members who have committed to co-sponsoring the bill. However, those committed to co-sponsoring the bill would like the Alabama congress members to lead the way and are waiting for their leadership.

Saturday, April 12 will mark the 160th anniversary of my ancestors learning about their freedom. On April 12, 1865, union soldiers finally informed the Africatown Clotilda survivors of their long overdue freedom. It would be historic to pass such a resolution this month to honor those 110 survivors who were sold throughout the state of Alabama. It is time for the Alabama congress members to pass a resolution bill now. While email attempts have been unsuccessful, I am now publicly asking for your support to preserve the history and legacy of my ancestors and their shipmates, the 110 aboard Clotilda. I am seeking a primary sponsor for a congressional resolution. The preservation of history is on the line!

A Call to Action to the Parents and Guardians

Maya Angelou once said, “You don’t know where you are going until you know where you have been.” During this time of uncertainty, curricular modifications in education, and attempts to rewrite history, I encourage you to take your young people to places like the Africatown Heritage House where they can experience history itself. Visit Africatown, Selma, Gee’s Bend, and Tuskegee to hear oral history from descendants and residents of those communities about our true history. Continue to learn and educate our next generation of leaders.

Jeremy Ellis is a direct descendant of Kupollee (Pollee) and Rose Allen who were among the 110 enslaved people brought over on the Clotilda.