Gullah Art
March 31, 2021
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Artwork by Gullah Sonja Griffin Evans Gullah art is unique in that it not only represents the culture, but the story of a people. The
Gullah History
Freedom Day | Exploring the Families of Historic Mitchelville
January 22, 2021
Freedom Day: Exploring the Families of Historic Mitchelville an epic documentary that will explore the journey to freedom through the stories and conversations of the descendants of the way makers in Mitchelville. On this journey, you will meet the Aiken, Brown, Burke, Jones, and Lawyer families that have called Hilton Head Island for nearly 200 years. In addition to those families, you will find out how Harriet Tubman and the American Red Cross’s Clara Barton contributed to the success of Historic Mitchelville.
So, What is Freedom Day?
January 16, 2021
By Luana M. Graves Sellars If you’re reading this on February 1st, Happy Freedom Day! So, What’s Freedom Day? Well, it’s one of the most important days in American history
The Cherry Hill School
January 11, 2021
Cherry Hill
Representing the vital importance of education to the Gullah, the Cherry Hill School still stands as yet another cherished location along the Beach City Corridor. Built in 1937, and financially maintained by Gullah community, the one room schoolhouse taught 30 elementary students between 1st and 5th grade.
Mother Rivers | An Island Treasure
May 9, 2020
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.
Preserving Historic Gullah Cemeteries
April 8, 2020
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.
Slavery in the Lowcountry | By the Numbers
February 21, 2020
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.
Who Are You Really? A Guide to Researching Your Roots
January 21, 2020
By Luana M. Graves Sellars My father at 6 years old So, Who Are You Really? Be able to answer all of those nagging questions about who we really are,
Sailing from Slavery into History
November 21, 2019
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Artwork by Sonja Griffin Evans You might have already heard about Robert Small’s daring escape-to-freedom story. In fact, being in the Lowcountry, you might also
First Families of Hilton Head
November 21, 2019
Gullah Stories of Strength, Character, Perseverance, Community and Determination By Luana M. Graves Sellars Hilton Head Island has the unique distinction of being the home of Mitchelville, the first black
