Born in 1918, Mother Ethel Rivers is recognized as the oldest living Gullah, and has the distinction of being the only living former resident of Hilton Head Island’s historic Mitchelville. She is the keeper of the native islanders’ history, and she is revered by all who know her.
Hilton Head’s Gullah community dates back over 150 years, yet island-wide, there are only a few visible remnants from the past that remain today. As the Gullah community continues to strive for the preservation of their land and culture, the effort to keep the pride and memories of their ancestors alive with reverence, while maintaining their historic island cemeteries is a daily challenge.
As a result, close to 80% of American Blacks who are descendants of slaves can trace their lineage back to the Gullah Geechee Corridor with the majority of them coming from South Carolina. At one point, the majority of South Carolina’s population consisted mostly of African slaves, with the highest concentrations in the plantation areas of the Lowcountry. By the 1860 census, the population was 703,620, with roughly 57% or 402,000 classified as slaves.
By Luana M. Graves Sellars My father at 6 years old So, Who Are You
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Artwork by Sonja Griffin Evans You might have already heard
Gullah Stories of Strength, Character, Perseverance, Community and Determination By Luana M. Graves Sellars Hilton
The new movie, about Harriett Tubman, has been stirred up a lot of conversations about its factual or fictional aspects. In Harriett: The Movie Review – Part 1, I alluded to facts, which I think are relevant to Harriett Tubman’s historical significance as an American heroine that should have been included in the film.
Actress Cynthia Envio brings life and a depth of character that Harriett herself would be proud; with a story to back it, that highlights Harriott’s motivation and development into a natural leader. Envio’s acting is seamless enough to make you believe that you have a birds-eye view into Tubman’s life. Scene by scene, you can clearly follow her growth and utter determination to follow Tubman’s God-given destiny.
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Praise House By Sonja Griffin Evans So many religious traditions
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Culturally, having a skill and the ability to read was
