Freddie speaks to the other family members at the ceremony.

Freddie speaks to the other family members at the ceremony. / GPB

Cummingsville cemetery sits on the banks of the Savannah River. That’s where the first members of the Scott-West family — who were brought to America as slaves — are buried.  On a recent windy day four generations of the family gathered to anoint the grave of an ancestor and create a new family tradition.

We interviewed the Scott-West family to hear about the history of the Libation Ceremony.

Four generations of Scott-West family watch as the ceremony begins.

Four generations of Scott-West family watch as the ceremony begins. / GPB

Elijah West, a family member in the Scott-West gravesite.

Elijah West, a family member in the Scott-West gravesite. / GPB

The family gathers around the headstone to honor their loved ones.

The family gathers around the headstone to honor their loved ones. / GPB

The Scott-West family

The Scott-West family / GPB

Freddie uses a ceremonial tea kettle to annoint the gravesite.

Freddie uses a ceremonial tea kettle to annoint the gravesite. / GPB

Janie Scott, one of the family members in the Scott-West gravesite.

Janie Scott, one of the family members in the Scott-West gravesite. / GPB