Freedom, Georgia
CountryUnited States
StateGeorgia

32°44′39.9″N 83°01′25.3″W / 32.744417°N 83.023694°W / 32.744417; -83.023694

Freedom is a settlement in the U.S. state of Georgia established in September 2020, in the wake of a breakdown of race relations after the killing of several African Americans, including the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia.[1] It was created by 19 African-American families who together purchased 96.71 acres (39.14 hectares) of land in Wilkinson County, near Macon, with the goal of incorporating a city that is a "safe haven for people of color".[2][3][4]

History

Freedom was inspired by a June 2020 viral false news story that the nearby town of Toomsboro, Georgia, was for sale. Although Toomsboro was not for sale as the town's mayor explained, a large amount of rural land near the town was available for purchase. This inspired Renee Walters and Ashley Scott, a realtor from Stonecrest, to create the Freedom Georgia Initiative and propose purchasing the 96.71 acres (39.14 hectares) of land. They brought together 19 African-American families who raised the money to purchase the land. [2] The settlement is located about 130 miles (210 kilometres) south of Atlanta.[5] As of July 2023, the settlement consists of a dilapidated campground, and its founders are working on establishing roads and utility services before beginning building residences.[1] Currently, the settlement consists of more than 500 acres (200 hectares) throughout two parcels.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Schwartz-Lavares, Ashley; Osunsami, Steve (September 30, 2020). "Black Americans are leaving their homes to start their own all-Black communities". ABC News. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Cranley, Ellen (September 11, 2020). "19 Black families purchased 96.71 acres of rural Georgia land for a 'fresh start' with a Black-centric community". Insider. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  3. ↑ Kirkland, Pamela (September 12, 2020). "19 families buy nearly 97 acres of land in Georgia to create a city safe for Black people". CNN. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  4. ↑ Castronuovo, Celine (September 12, 2020). "More than a dozen Georgia families buy land to create safe city for people of color". The Hill. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  5. ↑ Rose, Jordan (September 12, 2020). "19 Black Families Buy 90-Plus Acres for Georgia Safe Haven". Complex. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  6. ↑ Biron, Casey (May 25, 2021). "Black American families strive to build a town free from racism". Thomson Reuters Foundation. Retrieved June 22, 2021.


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