FRFT Recognizes Tut (Tutnese) in the Freedmen Cultural Record
The Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust (FRFT) has released its Declaration of Recognition and Preservation of Tut (Tutnese), dated September 26, 2026. The Declaration identifies Tut as a historic speech and spelling practice relevant to the heritage of American Freedmen, Soulaan, Verified Freedmen, and their Successors.
Cultural history lives in family voices as well as written records. In a 1994 account, Gloria McIlwain described learning Tut from her mother, who had learned it from her own mother. She also recorded her family’s account of Tut being used to disguise reading and spelling during slavery. That testimony documents transmission across generations. The full origins and range of Tut’s historical use remain subjects for careful research.
The Declaration gives FRFT a framework for preserving that history. It provides for attributed educational materials, voluntary lessons, oral histories, family accounts, and a documented archive. Contributors should receive credit, and personal stories or recordings should be shared with consent. Tut remains voluntary; knowing or using it is not a condition of Freedmen verification, membership, or access to Trust programs.
Support Our Preservation Work
Documenting Freedmen history takes research, records, education, and sustained institutional support. Your contribution helps FRFT continue its work to preserve cultural and historical records for future generations.
Contributions are voluntary and are not tax deductible.
Sponsor a Freedmen Historical Marker
Language is one part of our historical record. The people and places connected to Freedmen history also deserve lasting documentation. FRFT’s Historical Marker Program offers opportunities to support research, public education, and recognition of families, leaders, churches, cemeteries, and historic community sites.
Individuals, families, churches, and businesses can explore Digital, Physical, and Anchor marker sponsorships. Learn how to sponsor a Freedmen Historical Marker.
Preserve history. Protect legacy. Build the future.
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