From staff reports
On Saturday, July 29, at noon, Gullah/Geechee natives from around the world will gather together to launch Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week 2023. Gullah/Geechee Famlee Day 2023 will be hosted by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation (www.QueenQuet.com) and Gullah/Geechee Nation leaders at the Penn Center Landmark Historic District and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park on St. Helena Island.
Those that are interested in learning accurate Gullah/Geechee history while “Celebrating Gullah/Geechee Resiliency” should bring their family and friends to this event. The day will feature Gullah/Geechee craft artists and business owners, tours of the York W Bailey Museum and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park that will include the exhibition “Justice for All.”
The day of the Gullah/Geechee global reunion will be filled with food and dancing. This year, DJ Kwame Sha of All Mobile Productions returns to turntables and St. Helena Songstress Gwen Yvette and award winning recording artist Marcus Allen will be on the microphone.
Attendees are encouraged to not only bring their own chairs, drums, and tambourines, but to also wear dancing shoes. The event is open to all and is intergenerational. Donations are encouraged for the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund and the Penn Center History & Culture Program.
Donations can be made at the EventBrite “Gullah/Geechee Famlee Day” link at https://bit.ly/44w2gEi or brought to the event.
Make sure to arrive by noon for the ancestral tribute ceremony and procession to the water. Without the ancestors, there would be no Gullah/Geechee. The ancestors of this rich people were the embodiment of resiliency, so we must continue to honor them and their legacy.
