Resilience Rooted in History
The HMFP theme for this new year is “resilience.”
According to Merriam-Webster, resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust to change or misfortune.
At Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, resilience is symbolized through the AYA logomark, which represents the “fern” in African Adinkra symbology—speaking to endurance and resourcefulness. Like the fern, which survives tough climates with little water, Mitchelville’s original residents and their descendants persevered through many adversities to build a thriving, lasting community.
May 1, 2025
Alex’s Story: A Q&A with Alex Brown Jr.
What generation are you in with respect to your family’s lineage on Hilton Head Island? What is your connection to Mitchelville?
My family has been on Hilton Head for five generations. My great-great-grandfather, Prince Brown, was enslaved on Hilton Head and joined the Union Army to fight in the Civil War. Through research, we discovered that like most island Gullah, he lived in Mitchelville but later settled in Chaplin, where he purchased 80 acres of land.
This was verified through his pension records, where my great-great-grandmother Mary listed their assets. Today, about a dozen family members across three generations still reside on Hilton Head Island, living on what remains of our original family compound.
How has resiliency contributed to you and your family’s ability to thrive?
Our original acreage stretched from the beach to the marsh. As land near the beach couldn’t be farmed, my family began selling off small portions. As the economy shifted from barter to fiscal systems, we worked diligently to protect our land and clear the property title at great expense. At one time, income from 15 pecan trees was enough to cover property taxes.
As Hilton Head grew, we adapted, moving into property rentals to preserve our family’s land and history. Faith has always guided us through the challenges, strengthening our commitment to the land our ancestors cherished.
What are some highlights of your personal life and professional career?
For 35 years, I have served as Vice President of Operations at Camp Hilton Head Island. I’m currently in my second term with the Hilton Head Town Council.
I’m proud to advocate for my community and was honored that residents trusted me with another term.
Beyond my professional achievements, I was also a basketball coach at Hilton Head High School and continue to serve as a Trustee at Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
What contributions have you and your family made to the cultural legacy of Mitchelville?
We are living, breathing descendants of those who built Mitchelville. Our family’s support of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park stems from the need to ensure that our ancestors’ stories continue to be told.
Like the people of Mitchelville, our family adapted to change, survived hardships, and thrived.
Cemeteries across Hilton Head tell these stories too—with headstones facing east, honoring Gullah traditions and the eternal hope of returning to the motherland.
What challenges do you think there are in preserving the Gullah Heritage?
Awareness is the biggest challenge. Many visitors and newcomers to Hilton Head know little about the island’s Gullah history.
Understanding the Gullah Geechee culture, beyond just foodways, is vital—especially recognizing the respect for the land that made Hilton Head what it is today.
While opportunities have drawn many descendants away, we continue efforts to maintain our way of life.
Mitchelville’s preservation teaches that, after enslavement, freed people were empowered to live self-sufficiently and thrive through entrepreneurship.
A Gullah friend once said, “We can find a job. We want to own a business.” That spirit continues to drive the Gullah community, Hilton Head Island, and Mitchelville into the future.
