The founding families of Liberty Hill are working to revitalize their community.
The North Charleston neighborhood spans 112 acres between North Charleston City Hall and Mixson Avenue.
“When I saw the community in its heyday, after I came back, it broke my heart,” said Craig Mitchell, who grew up in Liberty Hill. “I know what it used to be and my goal is to get it back to that glory.”
It’s a glory founded in 1871 by freed slaves. In May of 1871, Ismael Grant, Aaron Middleton and William and Plenty Lecque purchased Liberty Hill for $900.
Now, Mitchell says dilapidated homes and empty lots are far too common. Because of that, he’s taking matters into his own hands to improve the neighborhood.
“I mow lawns, I had to rescreen a porch, paint a house, anything I could do to breathe more life into the community again,” Mitchell said.
“My grandmother and grandfather owned a small business on Nisbett Avenue,” said Valerie Harper. Her family has lived in Liberty Hill since 1915.
She says far more expensive homes throughout Park Circle, which is adjacent to Liberty Hill, are a clear sign of gentrification. She fears that is spilling into Liberty Hill and pushing out long-term residents.
“You see investors coming and taking advantage of the situation and you know a lot of people feel hopeless,” Harper said. “Advancement is good. I think gentrification is when you take advantage of a group of people that’s disenfranchised and they’re at that poverty level.”
Harper says 400 Black families once called Liberty Hill home. She believes that has fallen to around 150.
One of the remaining Black residents is Benjamin Grant. His grandfather, Ishmael Grant, was one of Liberty Hill’s original founders.
I’ve always had a lot of pride about Liberty Hill,” Grant said. “Property in my family and extended family members, we still own from the original property.
"We need to try to preserve Liberty Hill," he added.
It’s a fight for revitalization ahead of the neighborhood’s 150th anniversary on September 15.
Until then, Mitchel will work to ensure Liberty Hill’s legacy ahead is as rich as its history.
“I believe in my soul once given an opportunity, Liberty Hill can thrive yet again,” he said.
A full list of events celebrating Liberty Hill's 150th anniversary can be found below.
Friday, September 17
- 5 p.m. - Founders Monument Dedication - Felix Pinckney Community Center Garden
- 5:30 p.m. - Dedication of Liberty Hill Exhibit at North Charleston Transit Center
- 7:00 p.m. - Praise and Worship Program - Felix Pinckney Community Center Park
Saturday, September 18
- 10 a.m. - Liberty Hill Sesquicentennial Community Parade- Liberty Hill, Montague Avenue
- 12 p.m. - Salute to Our Military Members - Felix Pinckney Community Center Garden
- 12:30 p.m. - Book signing by Liberty Hill Authors - Felix Pinckney Community Center
- Franklin Fetter will be providing COVID Vaccinations from 12-3 p.m.
- Habitat for Humanity will be providing information on the Liberty Hill housing rehab program 12-2 p.m.
- 1 p.m. - Boxed Lunches at Felix Pinckney Community Center Park
Sunday, September 19
- 10 a.m. - Residents and Participants will observe the 150th Anniversary at their family churches
- 1 p.m. - Placing of floral mementos at St. Peter's and Grant Cemeteries
- 8 p.m. - Fireworks celebration at Felix Pinckney Community Center Park