Good day. I'm Ted Johnson, the Community Engagement Ranger at Timucuan Ecological and
Historic Preserve. As a National Park service site, Timucuan Preserve protects the natural
ecology of over 46,000 acres of land and water and over 6,000 years of human history along the St
John's and Nassau Rivers in Northeast Florida. I'm here with Shanell and Felicia to share a creative
project we worked on together to help tell the stories of those enslaved at Kingsley Plantation,
one of the historic sites protected within the preserve. Hi Ted, I'm so
glad to be here. I'm Shanell Davis-Bryant, the Program Manager with Groundwork Jacksonville
and I lead the Green Team Youth Corps. The goal of the Green Team is to empower youth to become
active community stewards through environmental education and financial incentive.
My privilege is to develop the next generation of environmental leaders and community stewards
with our year-round program. Each summer i lead a group of 22 youth providing opportunities
for them to engage in educational and inspirational outdoor activities while
learning skills to become the next generation of environmentally engaged leaders of Jacksonville.
Hi, and I'm Felicia. I'm the program and outreach director for the Timucuan Parks Foundation.
We're the official friends group for the National Park Service here in Jacksonville. Our mission is
to preserve, promote, and enhance Jacksonville's natural areas through community engagement
education and enjoyment. We've had a lot of fun this summer hosting the Green Team in the Timucuan
Preserve, getting the kids outdoors for kayaking, we've been fishing and just exploring the park's
natural and cultural resources. Last summer we all met to brainstorm how to most effectively
engage the Green Team at Timucuan Preserve and we developed a project that provided the youth
with an opportunity to learn about the national park service, Kingsley Plantation,
and to honor those who were enslaved at the site. All in support of the National Commemoration of
the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in British North America, also
acknowledging an even earlier African presence in Spanish-claimed territories such as Florida.
The commemoration is also meant to celebrate the resilience and contributions of African Americans.
Special insights were provided by Kingsley descendant Miss Perry Francis. Most importantly,
the youth were provided opportunities to learn and develop invaluable life skills including critical
thinking, active listening, and public speaking. Green Team members also gained insight that will
be helpful in competing from national park service jobs in the future and the Jacksonville public
library sponsored two special training sessions focusing on effective researching techniques.
Originally the team was going to present a public program on the grounds of Kingsley Plantation,
then the pandemic hit and we waited in anticipation of being able to hold the
program in person. As the pandemic wore on, we knew with certainty we wouldn't be able to
conduct an in-person event. We adapted and changed plans multiple times,
we re-evaluated the situation, revised our plan, and re-emerged as stronger partners. We focused
on providing the most valuable and rewarding experience for the Green Team. With the support of
Timucuan Parks Foundation, we were able to create these very unique mini Black History lessons.
We were more than happy to support this project and these young creative stewards, we had grant
funding from 400 years of African American History Commission, the National Environmental Education
Foundation, and a National Park Service challenge grant. We also think these podcasts are going
to be valuable to those who want to know more about the National Park here in Jacksonville and
it's important for everyone to know about those enslaved at Kingsley Plantation. These radio shows
were created through video conferencing software with each member calling in from their homes,
as we were all self-isolating for safety. We worked to create the most optimal sound recordings
given the challenges. Our producer Tim Driscoll worked incredibly well with the technological
challenges and the Green Team members had a rich and enjoyable learning experience.
They combined their learning with their creativity to contribute to sharing the stories of Kingsley
Plantation. Despite the challenges and changes we are excited to have partnered with the National
Park Service and Timucuan Parks Foundation this year in commemoration of those who are enslaved
and endured seemingly insurmountable conditions and exhibited unimaginable resilience in the u.s
over the past 400 years. It is my pleasure to introduce the Green Team's morning show.
Good morning it's your boy DJ Truth, coming at you live and you know it's a wonderful day to learn
about that history. Today we have a few guests willing to share their first-hand experiences from
the Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, Florida. We'll jump right into this 200 year old historic
site after a short work from our sponsors. Black Excellence. What is Black Excellence?
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Welcome back, it's your boy DJ Truth here with Abraham who's been in the mix since 1786.
Abraham is currently in the back of the studio being interviewed by ms Ella.
All right all right thank you for that introduction DJ Truth. Now Abraham,
big fan big man. I've always wanted to ask you something, how scared were you when you went up
that mountain with your son Isaac? Oh um i think you confused me with the Abraham from the bible.
Oh geez, oh I'm so sorry. We've got him coming in later today, I must have gotten
the cards mixed up, same name and all. All right Abraham, so the Emancipation Proclamation, huh?
How crazy was that? Yeah, I'm not Abraham Lincoln either. Of course, of course. Oh Abraham...
Han... Hanah-han... Hanahan? It's so nice for you to join us this morning, it is lovely to meet you!
Uh, thanks? Now, the number one reason that our listeners wanted you on this show was because
they admired your bravery and character. Could you tell us a little bit about some
times you showed character? Sure, in 1810 the St. Johns River Militia came to Laurel Grove
and tried to confiscate our guns, weapons, and supplies and I was like we need those. Of course
you do. Yeah, so i started protesting and I got sentenced to a month of hard
labor just for talking. What, really? That is so unfair. Good thing that isn't the case anymore,
or is it? And then in 1812 when the Alchua Natives raided Laurel Grove,
I was trying to defend the plantation and i got shot. Dang! That must have hurt. It did.
So it's my understanding that your daughter and Zephaniah Kingsley have kids together.
Yep. And you you know how kids are made, right? Uh-huh.
How are you so calm about this? Well Zephaniah and i have a complicated relationship. He technically
owned me until i was 25, but when I was 18 he made me general manager of the plantation,
which meant I was mostly in charge when he is gone. Then I've got five grandchildren from him,
so I'm his father-in-law. When he moved to Haiti I did too, even though I was no longer
owned by his family. Fascinating! So, what's really impressive about your life is this whole
rags to riches thing. You started life enslaved and ended it as a prosperous Haitian businessman.
Tell us a little bit more about that. You know, I wish I could, but I'm an old man, it's hard for
me to remember these things and I don't have any records. It's always hard to extrapolate
from incomplete data and while there are mountains of journals detailing the daily lives of notable
white men, everyone else's stories kind of get pushed to the side. Well, that's why we
do this show. Thank you for joining us today Abraham. No problem, thank you for having me.
Man that's a crazy narrative about the kids and all, now let's take a look at our
sponsors. This program is brought to you in part by Groundwork Jacksonville Green Team youth Corps.
We are a group of teenagers dedicated to creating eco-friendly spaces in Jacksonville's urban core.
Some of our recent projects include the construction and installment of the Sugar Hill
Mosaic, the construction of the longest continuous bioswale in Jacksonville, and the creation of a
herb and spice garden, a pollinator garden, and a native cut flower bed. A lot of the projects
that we do are centered around the S-Line Rail Trail, part of the Emerald Trail that Groundwork
Jacksonville is building. For more information please go to www.groundworkjacksonville.org.
And now for our next guest, we're live from 1805 with our man Bonify and Mr Payton.
Thank you for that stirring introduction truth and must I say what a pleasure it is
to have you here with us Bonify. Thank you for having me Payton. I must say,
I've observed some of your handy work and I gotta tell you it makes sense why Kingsley
chose you for carpentry! Great craftsmanship there. Oh you're too kind. To start off,
I would like to know a little bit about yourself. Where did you live before Kingsley Plantation?
I used to live in East Africa in a small Tanzanian community, then I was forcibly transported up to
North Florida with my wife and kids. That's a long way from home, do you ever get homesick?
I used to, but when we did the other slaves and I would get together and do traditional
dances from our home countries. Always good for morale and tradition! Keeps the hope alive.
And life on the plantation, what was that like? Well because of my carpenter background
I basically worked alongside Carpenter Bill doing a bunch of jobs like designing and building,
you know, things of that nature. Did you know some of my original structures are still standing?
Impressive, clearly all the good things I've heard about your work weren't exaggerated.
I have a quick question for you Bonify, did you ever have any off time? And if so who did you
spend it with and how? I did have at least one day off and it was usually spent with Carpenter Bill,
we would head out to other plantations to try to find some hire jobs to make some quick coin.
Hopefully to be able to buy our freedom from Zephaniah Kingsley. Before we close out I do
have a rather personal question for you. How do you feel knowing that your daughter Esther,
although still very much enslaved, was at the very least safe and close to you? I felt relieved.
You know i got separated from most of my kids when i got sold to the Kingsleys,
I'm just glad Esther was able to stay with me for as long as she did. While I can't tell you that i
understand how you feel, I am in a way relieved to hear that the family wasn't fractured completely,
you can take away a man's rights and his possessions but the way I see it, take his family
and he's lost everything. Thank you Carpenter Bonify, back to you Truth. Oh man that's an
interesting story and now for our 'Did you know?' segment with Ms. Jabriea. Take it away, Jabriea!
Hello beautiful people, it's Ms Jabriea and with today's "Did You Know?' I will be introducing you
to some inventors that you probably didn't know about. The first one we have is Garrett Augustus
Morgan, Sr. Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was an African American inventor, businessman,
and community leader. His most notable invention was a three position traffic signal. Mr. Morgan
was born on March 4, 1877, and died on July 27, 1963. Did you know that? The next inventor we
have is George T. Sampson. On July 7, 1892, the clothes dryer was invented by an African-American
named George C Sampson. He was bought on July 29, 1872 and passed in the 19th century.
Did you know that? The last inventor we have is Lyda Newman. Lyda Newman was a
patented African-American inventor and involved activist for women's suffrage. She is known for
the invention of the durable hairbrush. Did you know that? This is the end of the ‘More You Know’
segment. I hope everyone enjoyed it and maybe you learned something new. Don't forget to follow our
Facebook and Instagram page at @Groundworkjax and I'll see y'all next time, peace out!
Hey we're back and we're carefree in 1823. We got Esther telling us her story, interviewed by yours
truly. I was born around 1823 at the White Oak Plantation, but I can't quite remember when. I'm
the daughter of Carpenter Bonify and Mary, who are also owned by Zephaniah Kingsley. My family
was appraised at $4,620. I can't imagine someone telling me how much I'm worth,
how can you put a value on human life? I know it's difficult to imagine but that was my whole family
and most of my life. Then we were sold to John Samis’ San Jose Plantation in 1848. Before I left
White Oak Plantation, I married a man named Squash Lottery, aka, Quash. I then bore four children,
all girls. Their names were Anna, Ruth, Sallie, and Antoinette. In 1860 I was purchased at a
slave auction by John Pratt who is the owner of the Bellevue Plantation and the panhandle.
This is where i spent majority of the Civil War. I heard you had a large impact on a certain
person's life during this war. Yes I did... Mrs Pratt and I became very close during this time.
Mrs Pratt needed to flee so she asked me to hide her valuables and protect her children.
I hid the children and the items very well. After she acquired the items I came up with
a clever plan to return the children. The plan was to march them up to the army's path making it
seem like they were excited to view the victorious army and no other purpose. It was successful and
as a reward they allowed for my return back to Jacksonville. What did you do when you returned
to Jacksonville? I purchased property from the Sammis Family in the Arlington area. Arlington in
Jacksonville? That's a good place to live. After Quash died I remarried in 1882 to George Bartley.
We lived as a family until 1917 when George died leaving me a widow. By 1925 I had a lot
of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. That's commendable for you to have gone through all that
and still have a positive attitude. I think that is a wonderful attribute and you are very strong.
How do you think others would describe you? Some would describe me as a quaint old-time figure
known for wearing a calico dress, apron, and a spotless white bandanna, leaning on a stout
walking staff for balance. They know me for my keen quick intellect and exceptional memory
and I am considered one of Jacksonville's oldest citizens.
Looks like we have a few calls on the line for you Ms Esther. Go ahead caller seven.
Hi Ms Esther, this is Mira. I like how your story is so relatable. What is one thing you think we
should take away from your story? Hey Mira, one thing I think you should take away is worth.
I was an enslaved person, appraised, you know, someone put a set value on my life,
but that did not define me, I left a legacy. I made connections, I was also a mother and a key,
recognizable figure within my community. So that is one takeaway or universal concept of my story.
Thank you so much, I will always keep this in mind. Of course, anytime sweetie. That was great
caller thirteen, we are ready. DJ truth, I love your show and this segment gave me life,
but Ms Esther, you're one of the oldest Jacksonville citizens. How old are you? Currently
i am about 108. Thank you again, I wish you well. You as well, sweetheart
Be sure to tune in to our evening program with my main guy Mr Nai
for some more and talk history this your boy DJ Truth and y'all will be hearing from me again
tomorrow