Author: Roanoke Island Festival Park
Celebrating Black History Month at Roanoke Island Festival Park: Honoring the Freedmen's Colony and Environmental Justice
February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the rich contributions and history of African Americans. At Roanoke Island Festival Park, we recognize this month as an opportunity to highlight the story of the Freedmen’s Colony on Roanoke Island and explore the important intersection of environmental justice.
The Freedmen’s Colony on Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island was home to the Freedmen’s Colony, an important site in the history of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Established in 1862, the colony provided a refuge for formerly enslaved African Americans who had escaped from the Confederate South.
As the Civil War raged on, Union forces took control of Roanoke Island, offering shelter and a new life to the freedmen. The colony became one of the first organized efforts to help formerly enslaved people transition to freedom. On this island, thousands of African Americans began to build new lives, creating communities, schools, and churches. In many ways, it was a sanctuary—a place where individuals could create their own futures in a world that had previously denied them opportunity.
At Roanoke Island Festival Park, we honor the story of these courageous men, women, and children who found freedom on this island. Their legacy lives on in the land, and their determination continues to inspire generations.
Environmental Justice: A Continuing Struggle
As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to recognize how the Freedmen’s Colony’s story connects with broader issues of environmental justice. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
The legacy of the Freedmen's Colony on Roanoke Island can be viewed through the lens of environmental justice because the very land that gave sanctuary to the freedmen also holds the stories of their survival and resilience. However, the environmental challenges faced by many Black communities—especially in areas like the coastal South—are still deeply felt today.
Environmental justice is not just about preserving land; it is also about recognizing how the well-being of communities is intrinsically tied to the health of their environment. The ongoing struggles for equal access to clean air, water, and a safe living environment reflect a continuation of the fight for freedom and opportunity that began on Roanoke Island.
Roanoke Island is a living testament to the resilience of African Americans who sought freedom, built new lives, and contributed to the preservation of the land. As we reflect on their legacy this Black History Month, it’s vital to consider how their experiences shape our understanding of justice, equality, and the environment.
Celebrating Black History and the Future
This Black History Month, Roanoke Island Festival Park encourages everyone to explore the Freedmen’s Colony and learn about its history. By acknowledging the past, we can better understand the ongoing struggles for justice—environmental and otherwise—and work toward a future where every community can thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable history of the Freedmen’s Colony, and reflect on how the intersection of history, race, and the environment continues to shape our world today. Together, we honor the past while working toward a more just and sustainable future for all.
For more information, resources, and events across North Carolina check out the NC African American Heritage Commission's Black History Month Toolkit. https://aahc.nc.gov/2025-black-history-month-toolkit