Staff reports
The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (BCBCC) has announced that it has been awarded an $875,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place Program. This funding will support the Gullah Reclamation and Cultural Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative, a comprehensive three-year project aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah/Geechee people in Beaufort County.
The GRACE Initiative will regrant funds to local coalitions focused on recovering and preserving land and properties purchased by the original Freedmen and women of Beaufort and surrounding counties. The initiative includes educational workshops on preservation and conservation, annual gatherings, and preservation planning, all designed to increase public awareness, provide legal and financial assistance, and promote sustainable land use among the Gullah community.
“This generous support from the Mellon Foundation is a transformative opportunity for our community. It allows us to not only protect and celebrate the Gullah heritage but also empower property owners with the tools they need to secure their land and legacy,” BCBCC Executive Director Marilyn Harris said in a news release. “We are deeply grateful and look forward to making a lasting impact.”
The GRACE Initiative includes several key components:
- A regranting program to provide financial assistance to local preservation projects.
- Educational workshops on estate planning, sustainable land use, and financial literacy.
- Annual gatherings to raise awareness, provide resources, and promote policy advocacy.
- Preservation planning to ensure the longevity of Gullah/Geechee cultural sites.
The project will provide direct legal and financial assistance, educational resources, and advocacy to ensure that the Gullah/Geechee community can preserve their cultural heritage and maintain ownership of their ancestral lands.
Beaufort County Councilor York Glover reflected on the impact this will have on the local community.
“This project is a lifeline for many Gullah families,” Glover said. “It offers not only legal and financial support but also the education necessary to ensure that future generations can continue to thrive on their ancestral lands. The BCBCC’s work in this area is both visionary and essential.”
