Just south of the Florida-Georgia border, rests a plot of waterfront property where hope and history come together.

"We can't truly appreciate the efforts of people in our past, to improve the lives for all of us, in spite of all of the horror that we had to go through,” says Ajamu Mutima.

The American-born musician and historian is standing steps away from the former kitchen at a north Florida plantation.

Ajamu performs to honor the legacy of African Americans at the Kingsley Plantation, home to slaves before The Civil War. 

"Kingsley Plantation is different than any other plantation,” Ajamu cautions.

Indeed, it was here where the plantation owner married an African woman. Ajamu believes the stigmatism associated with the plantation should be put aside in the name of education.

"It's about learning. It's also about evolving, because we have evolved a long way since the days of the plantation. Even since the 60s,” he believes.

Ajamu says the property, now operated by the National Park Service, has a history that is in the past. The purpose for visiting now is to inspire love, not hate, among the human race.

"I think it's important for people to see these places and to recognize the truth, and not to be afraid of them,” he said. “It's not about being guilty of anything.  It's facing what it takes.” Ajamu went on to explain when people come together in the name of love, a spirit of understanding prevails. Lorree Wilsher is one who stands with Ajamu.

The retiree lives near the Kingsley Plantation. She was the first to arrive for Ajamu's performance and last to leave.

"It's just part of getting involved with humanity, and seeing the trials and troubles,” Lorree said of the coastline rooted in history and still alive with culture.

"It just shows me no matter what things are going on now, things have happened before, and they get better,” Lorree said with a nod to recent headlines.

"Hopefully, love can come along,” Ajamu said.

NOTE: The Kingsley Plantation again holds Black History Month events on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The National Park will be full of historical reenactors on Saturday and hold a barbecue at a church adjacent to the plantation.

For more details, head to The Kingsley Plantation page found here.

Directions:
GPS or set your mapping app to this address:
11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226 

Understand there are two park entrances. You need to use this address above. The second park entrance is 30 minutes away, across the river.

Be ready: You will drive down a rural, sand road for a while before reaching the parking lot. No, your not lost. Enjoy the native pinewood forest!