Powder Springs to Host ‘Before Slavery Experience’ Exhibit Highlighting Sierra Leone–Georgia Connection

Powder Springs, GA – The City of Powder Springs will host a powerful and timely exploration of African and African American history with the presentation of the Before Slavery Experience: Bunce Island, a free public event designed to deepen understanding of Black history before the transatlantic slave trade.

The event will take place on Sunday, February 1, at 2 p.m. at Powder Springs City Hall, 4483 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs, GA 30127. Free parking and admission are available to the public.

Presented by the City of Powder Springs, the program centers on Bunce Island, a historic site off the coast of Sierra Leone that played a significant role in the early connections between West Africa and colonial Georgia. The exhibit and presentation aim to shift the historical narrative by highlighting African societies, culture, and global ties that existed before enslavement.

The featured presenter, Dr. Seneca Vaught, will guide attendees through the historical significance of Bunce Island and its enduring connection to Georgia. His presentation is expected to provide cultural, historical, and educational context that links African heritage directly to the experiences of descendants in the American South.

The event also marks the grand opening of a Black history exhibit at Powder Springs City Hall, hosted by Mayor Al Thurman. The exhibit underscores the deep historical ties between Sierra Leone and Georgia, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with history in a space dedicated to civic learning and reflection.

Organizers say the program is designed for residents, students, educators, and families seeking a fuller, more accurate understanding of Black history beyond the confines of slavery. By focusing on origin, resilience, and connection, the Before Slavery Experience invites the community to explore history through a broader and more empowering lens.

Additional information about the exhibit and the broader initiative can be found at BeforeSlavery.com.