Journey of Remembrance: Black Divers' Pilgrimage to Key West's Henrietta Marie Site
A group of Black divers and community members embarked on a pilgrimage to Key West, Florida, to visit sacred sites, including the location where the British slave ship Henrietta Marie sank over 300 years ago. The ship had transported enslaved people from West Africa to Jamaica and was lost near the peak of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. A concrete marker at the site commemorates the enslaved individuals on board, and the pilgrimage was a profound experience for the participants, connecting them to their ancestors and the history of slavery in the region.
The pilgrimage was a challenging yet spiritually enriching journey for the participants, who sought to honor their roots and find solace in the turbulent history of the Henrietta Marie. The pilgrimage included underwater dives to the marker and a visit to a memorial and burial ground for African refugees who perished in 1860 after being rescued from slave ships. The group also held a sacred libation ceremony to pay tribute to their ancestors and acknowledge the hardships they endured.
The underwater monument at the Henrietta Marie site represents a living history, teeming with vibrant marine life and serving as a reminder of the resilience of the enslaved individuals who perished there. The participants found a sense of connection and belonging in the underwater environment, recognizing their place in the ongoing narrative of history. The artifacts recovered from the shipwreck, including iron shackles and other items, are displayed at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, offering a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The pilgrimage to Key West was a transformative experience for the participants, allowing them to confront the painful legacy of slavery and find strength in their shared history. By engaging with the underwater monument and artifacts from the Henrietta Marie, the group sought to honor the memory of the enslaved individuals who suffered and perished during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The pilgrimage served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and acknowledging this dark chapter in history as a way to honor the resilience and spirit of those who came before us.