As important as the 4th is, June 19th, otherwise known as Juneteenth, is Black Independence Day; the day that the last enslaved people of Texas finally received word that they were free.
Recognized as the longest continuous holiday in the US, join in an exciting journey though the origins of Juneteenth and the Birth of Freedom from 1865 to where we are today.
People are starving for historic information, as well as a genealogical connection to their heritage on a local and global level. For the Black community, especially, having a tangible connection to the Gullah culture provides a priceless sense of identity. In a time where ancestry research and identifying one’s “self” is a significant part of our society, it is the perfect time to promote the Gullah culture and its relevance to our society to a broader audience.
When you drive down Spanish Wells Road, on Hilton Head, you are sure to go over the bridge that was named after Charlie Simmons, Sr., also known as “Mr. Transportation.” The story of how he used his boat to connect the native islanders to the mainland is a well-known one. He established a ferry business that enabled native islanders to bring their crops to the markets in Savannah. Not only did his transportation business impact the lives of the individual islanders, it was also instrumental in increasing the economic strength and overall development of the island. This makes his life and work an important part of Hilton Head’s history.
“Enslaved people came with the knowledge of how to produce ceramic. Finding the ceramics was unexpected. We had thought that we would find other types of daily life like; nails, glass bones or other types of cooking ware and scattered pieces. So far, the Mitchelville dig has showed a serious intention or effort when one object, in particular, was found. As the dig was progressing, they realized that that area “was not only special, but also religious.” The types of ceramics that have been found where used in religious ceremonies and could have been bought or traded in the 1800s.
It’s stories like these that have really brought Caesar’s experiences to life. He is no longer just a name that was passed down through my family. In addition to his life as a soldier, I have learned a lot of other fascinating information about my background, including confirmation that I AM GULLAH. My ongoing Gullah “education” has given me new perspectives while living on Hilton Head Island, as well as experiences that I would have never expected, on things like the language and culture.
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
During that time, in the lowcountry, even if you lived near the water, Blacks were limited as to where they could go to the beach. A simple beach vacation or a day at the beach usually called for the Green Book, a guide that offered safe travel options for Blacks in the 1950’s and 60’s; although it provided only a limited number of good options from Savannah to Charleston.
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.
By Luana M. Graves Sellars A Gullah Christmas Click here to read about how the Gullah Geechee prepared to celebrate A Gullah Christmas. Decoration Day Known as the first organized
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
