ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Augustine is a city rich in history, but for many who do not know, it is also home to the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in the United States.
This Black History Month, people are honoring the history of Fort Mose through community and music.
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The Discover Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series begins Feb. 18.
It features live performances from the 18-time Grammy Award-winning Count Basie Orchestra, singer-songwriter Amythyst Kia, two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Gregory Porter, New Orleans’ deep-groove R&B and jazz group Tank and the Bangas, and the legendary Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
Besides seeing live performances, attendees can also help get results for the historical site.
Proceeds from the festival will support the construction of an on-site fort representation and the development of additional interpretive resources.
According to organizers, as early as the late 1600s, freedom seekers escaped enslavement in English colonies to the north and made their way to St. Augustine, then part of Spanish Florida.
Under a Spanish royal decree, they were given freedom in exchange for adopting Catholicism, and males serving in the militia.
In 1738, the Spanish governor ordered Fort Mose to be constructed to house around 100 people who were predominately African and sought sanctuary and liberation.
In 1994, Fort Mose site was designated as a Historic National Landmark. After extensive archaeology and historical research, the site was authenticated and today a small museum sits near the location in Fort Mose State Park.
The Discover Fort Mose Jazz and Blues series runs February 18-26. Here is the schedule of live performances:
February 18: Count Basie Orchestra
February 19: Amythyst Kiah
February 24: Gregory Porter
February 25: Tank and the Bangas
February 26: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
People who cannot make it to the festival, but wish to donate, can donate directly here.