FREEDMAN’S VILLAGE: MORE THAN JUST A HISTORICAL FOOTNOTE

By Kirah Young

Every Memorial Day, my family takes the Metro down to Arlington Cemetery to

remember the fallen heroes who are interred there. Situated within Arlington National

Cemetery is a little known symbol, that as an African American family, feels especial-

ly personal for my family and inspires a sense of pride. Freedman's Village stands as

an enduring symbol of African American resilience and the relentless pursuit of jus-

tice during the Civil War. Established amid one of America's most transformative and

turbulent eras, this community served not only as a sanctuary from slavery but also

as an emblematic statement of African American aspirations for self-determination

and equality. Leading my school's Black Student Union has allowed me to draw deep-

ly from the narratives of Freedman's Village, enriching our discussions on race, equi-

ty, and justice, and emphasizing how historical awareness directly informs our cur-

rent social activism efforts.

Established in 1863, Freedman's Village wasn't merely a refuge — it was about

redefining freedom itself. Its strategic placement on land previously owned by Con-

federate General Robert E. Lee underscored its symbolic significance, transforming a

site that once represented oppression into a beacon of hope and racial advancement

(Berlin et al., 1993). Freedman's Village stood apart from other wartime settlements

due to its thoughtful planning and purposeful design. Instead of temporary, make-

shift shelters, the residents benefited from carefully organized infrastructure includ-

ing schools, hospitals, churches, and productive farmland (Gurney, 1988). This ap-

proach signified a critical shift: freedom was no longer just an abstract declaration

but a lived experience anchored in education, employment, and self-governance. In

doing so, the village embodied a profound understanding that liberty required genu-

ine opportunities for autonomy, not merely the end of physical bondage.

The village was further distinguished by its notable residents, such as Sojourn-

er Truth. Truth, whose activism and commitment went beyond mere rhetoric, provid-

ed both spiritual guidance and practical mentorship (Truth, 1875). Her influential

presence elevated the morale and aspirations of villagers, reinforcing Freedman's Vil-

lage as a significant hub of resistance and community strength. Stories of individuals

like Emily Morgan vividly illustrate the transformative power of the village. Morgan’s

account, describing her journey from the hardships of slavery to educational empow-

erment and dignity within Freedman's Village, offers profound insights into the deep

personal impact the community had on its inhabitants (Morgan, 1865). Each narra-

tive from the village is a testament to collective resilience, representing individual

hopes and dreams intertwined with the broader struggle for freedom.

However, despite its many successes, Freedman's Village faced continuous op-

position from surrounding white communities, whose fears and racist prejudices

posed significant challenges. Yet, even amid such resistance, the village persisted for

more than thirty years, exemplifying the extraordinary resilience and determination

of its residents. Its existence inspired subsequent communities of color, laying

groundwork for future civil rights advancements.

R

Importantly, Freedman's Village was instrumental in fostering a robust sense of

pride and identity among African Americans. Its comprehensive educational programs

empowered residents with essential literacy and vocational skills, preparing them to

actively participate in the ongoing fight for civil rights. Thus, the village's legacy ex-

tends far beyond survival; it served as a springboard for future generations of activ-

ists, educators, and leaders.

Today, the historical lessons of Freedman's Village hold remarkable relevance,

particularly in contemporary dialogues about social justice and racial equity. As the

Black Student Union leader, I've actively applied the insights gained from studying

Freedman's Village by organizing events that spotlight historical narratives to educate

and inspire my peers. For example, by incorporating stories from the village into our

school presentations, we've sparked powerful conversations that connect past injus-

tices to current societal challenges.

Reflecting on Freedman's Village, its historical significance resonates powerfully

today. Understanding this history is essential—not only as an academic pursuit but as

a necessary foundation for preventing the repetition of past injustices. Through our

work in the Black Student Union, I've seen firsthand how historical narratives shape

effective advocacy and education. History is not just a chronicle of past events; it ac-

tively guides our efforts in building a more equitable future.

In conclusion, Freedman's Village stands as far more than just a historical foot-

note—it symbolizes resilience, hope, and the ongoing pursuit of genuine equality. Its

enduring legacy challenges us to view history as a living guide, essential for shaping

a just and equitable society.

Bibliography

Berlin, Ira, Barbara J. Fields, Thavolia Glymph, Joseph P. Reidy, and Leslie S. Row-

land. Freedom: A Documentary History of Emancipation, 1861-1867, Series I, Vol-

ume I: The Destruction of Slavery. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Gurney, Christine M. Freedman's Village, Arlington, Virginia, 1863-1900. Arlington

Historical Magazine, vol. 8, no. 3, 1988, pp. 5-17.

Morgan, Emily. Personal Memoir, 1865. Library of Congress, Manuscript Division.

Truth, Sojourner. Narrative of Sojourner Truth. Boston: Published for the Author,

1875.