One of the perks that growing up on an island that was designed with golfing as its focus is, that eventually you’ll pick up the game. That’s what happened to a group of the island’s Gullah children; growing up being surrounded by golf courses, they were inspired to get into the game. And play they do. But that’s getting ahead of the story.
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.
A need on the island and the native islanders needing a voice, coupled with the initiatives that the Rotary had for children, she knew that it was the right place for her to be. “Kids just grab your heart. They should know that they are loved and appreciated. They should never be cold or without.” With that as her motivation, she became an active member of the Rotary, and for the last four years, she has been involved in their Safety Town Program and the committee chair for the Annual Happy Feet. As the chair of Happy Feet, and with the support of Belk’s, she coordinates over 50 volunteers and the donation of shoes, socks and jackets to island children in need. This year, she was able to serve over 270 children.
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,
One Hilton Head first family, made boxing into the family business; which included the Cohen brothers, all of whom were trained as professional boxers. Recognized as the Southeast Heavy Weight Champion, his career brought him friendships with some of the top boxers in his day.
By Luana M. Graves Sellars The Marsh Tacky is “more than a horse. It represents a connection to the land and culture for South Carolinians and a way of living,
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Hilton Head Island’s Deep Religious Roots The historic Black churches of Hilton Head Island date back more than 150 years. The history begins in 1863
By Luana M. Graves Sellars Photo Credit: Mike Ritterbeck In a world where we need to be reminded often through puff pieces at the end of the news that service
Bennett envisions a historic trail that links the following sites and historic assets: “Santa Elena, telling the story of European Exploration and Settlement, Penn Center, telling the Gullah Geechee and Reconstruction stories, Beaufort and Port Royal telling the story of Reconstruction, and Hilton Head telling the stories of the Civil War and Mitchelville.”
By Luana M. Graves Sellars The Lowcountry is incredibly rich in heritage and culture and has a unique role in American history. From Charleston to Savannah, there is no doubt
