2025 Juneteenth Celebration Sleepover

Sleep Under the Stars & Step Into History

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ; 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM (Optional Sleepover Experience)
Location: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head Island, SC
Cost: $20 per person, $10 tent rental avaialble 

Join us for a deeply moving overnight experience at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park as part of the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration. Led by our event coordinator, Tendjai Bailey, this unique evening invites participants to connect with the past in one of the most significant places in American history.

Through storytelling, cultural traditions, shared meals, and reflective conversation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Gullah Geechee people, experiencing the freedom and community of Mitchelville through a blend of storytelling, cultural sharing, reflection, and a special Seeking experience. This sleepover will be a night of deep connection, where participants will reflect on the journey to freedom and the cultural practices that have kept the Gullah Geechee heritage alive. Whether you stay through the night or join us for the evening, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of community, perspective, and purpose.

Evening Highlights:

• Opening Circle & Welcome: Hosted by Tendaji Bailey, setting the stage for the night’s reflective journey.
• Traditional Gullah Dinner: A meal served under the stars, offering a taste of authentic Gullah culture.
• Film Screening: Seeking by Lowcountry Gullah (Luana Graves Sellers) will be shown. This film explores the spiritual practice of "seeking" and the deeper connections to Gullah culture, highlighting the personal stories and spiritual journeys of Gullah elders. 
• Fireside Storytelling & "Seeking" Experience: Elders from the Gullah Geechee community will share their "seeking" journeys, discussing their personal paths to finding purpose, meaning, and spiritual connection. Participants will be invited to spend time in designated areas of the park, reflecting and sharing their own experiences.
• Optional Overnight Stay: For those who choose to stay overnight at the Park, you can bring your own gear or rent a basic tent for $10. Enjoy a night under the stars in one of the most historically significant places for African American freedom.
• Security & Park Restrooms: Available throughout the night for comfort and safety.

Event Timeline:

• 6:00 PM: Traditional Gullah Dinner
• 6:30 PM: Welcome & Opening Circle
• 7:00 PM: Fireside Storytelling & “Seeking” Experience
• 7:30 PM: Reflection time in designated park areas
• 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM: Overnight stay under the stars (Optional)

Note

While spending the night is highly encouraged for a deeper connection to the site’s history, it is not required. Join us for an unforgettable evening of reflection, storytelling, and community building in this historic setting. Please bring your own chair, sleeping bag, cot, pillow, and comfort items (such as bug spray and a battery-operated fan) to fully enjoy this unique experience. 

Additional Event Details:

Registration: Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Each participant is asked to bring their own sleeping bag, cot, pillow, and any comfort items (bug spray, battery-operated fan, etc.).
Tent Rental: If you wish to stay overnight, please let us know during registration if you need a tent and basic camping supplies. Tent rental is available for an additional $10 fee.
What’s Included in the Registration Fee: The $20 registration covers participation in the event, the Gullah dinner, the film screening, storytelling sessions, and the "Seeking" experience.