Hilton Head Island councilor highlights Mitchellville Freedom Park, urges cultural tourism after Juneteenth event

Alex Brown, who represents Ward 1 on the Hilton Head Island Town Council, told BCTV during Juneteenth coverage at Historic Mitchellville Freedom Park that the site is a vital part of the island’s African American history and should be shared through cultural tourism.

"Mitchellville was, you know, a generation right out of slavery," Brown said in an interview aired by the program. He called the site's history "so deep" and described it as part of "the American story of 1st town of freedom in America happening right here on this little island." Brown said his "great great grandfather was enslaved here on Hilton Head" and that visiting the grounds gives him "this feeling" about preserving and telling the site's story.

Brown also stated that the property is owned by the town and that town leaders are making capital investments there to support preservation and cultural visitation. He encouraged visitors to come to Historic Mitchellville Freedom Park to learn the site's full history and said that talking with Mitchellville docents and community members reveals the "absolute true story" of what happened on Hilton Head.

The broadcast did not record any formal motions, votes, or official policy decisions during this segment; Brown’s remarks were presented as part of Juneteenth event coverage and his perspective as an elected council representative.

The program directed viewers to the full Juneteenth coverage on the station’s YouTube channel for extended footage of the interview and event.