To commemorate the 165th anniversary of the Clotilda landing in what would become the Africatown community in Mobile, Alabama, the Clotilda Descendants Association is combining their two most significant annual events into one signature, multi-day celebration in July.

The Landing Event and Ancestors Festival (LEAF) will take place from July 3 – 6, 2025, with a vibrant, engaging calendar to honor the descendants and stories of the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States. The festival combines the Spirit of Our Ancestors Festival and Landing Events held in previous years.

Here’s what you need to know to experience these cultural tributes, community connections and ancestral remembrances.

Thursday, July 3 | Let’s gather
LEAF Kick-Off Meet and Greet | 1 – 4 p.m. | Africatown Heritage House
A warm welcome to all as we reconnect and build community ahead of the weekend. This event is open to the public, and I encourage you to RSVPs.
LEAF Cocktail Party | 6 – 9 p.m. | Kazoola
Descendants, let’s celebrate together! The first 110 registered descendants will be placed on the wristband list to enjoy food and drinks.
Note: Be ready to share your ancestor’s name at check-in. Africatown residents, please bring ID for verification of residency.

Friday, July 4 | Let’s reflect
LEAF Ancestor Festival | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Mobile County Training School and Hope Center (weather permitting)
Bring the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of food, vendors, music and celebration of heritage. This event is open to the public, and RSVPs are encouraged.  
Some food and drinks will be available on-site, along with information about nearby dining options.
LEAF “Protect Truth Summit: History and Journalism in American Democracy” | 6 p.m. | The Admiral Hotel
This powerful evening features keynote speaker Jamelle Bouie, discussing the critical role of journalism and historical truth in preserving our democracy. Capacity is limited to 250 guests.
Descendants – Free
Africatown Residents – $10 (use coupon code "Resident")
General Public – $50

Saturday, July 5 | Let’s commemorate
The Landing Ceremony | 8 a.m.| Under the Africatown Bridge
Gather with us at the historic site to honor the arrival of our ancestors 165 years ago. Descendants are asked to wear white as a symbol of unity and remembrance. This event is open to the public, and RSVPs are encouraged.
A free charter bus will transport guests from Union Missionary Baptist Church beginning at 7:30 a.m. Find more information here.
LEAF Brunch Cruise on the Perdido Queen | 11 a.m. | Mobile Convention Center
Enjoy a scenic, catered cruise with music, connection and conversation. Boarding begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. Capacity is limited to 100 guests and registration is required.
Descendants – Free 
Africatown Residents – $25 (Bring ID and use coupon code "Africatown")
General Public – $30

Sunday, July 6 | Let’s worship
Closing Worship Service with the Descendants | 10:45 a.m. | Union Missionary Baptist Church
All are invited to join Clotilda descendants and the Africatown community for a special church service to close out the 2025 LEAF weekend. Come for fellowship, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Seating is limited – first come, first seated.

The Clotilda Descendants Association fulfills its mission and preserves the legacy of their ancestors with support from the public and the community. Learn more here.