Aunt Pearlie Sue and The Gullah Kinfolk, in partnership with the Community Circle of Hope Coalition, are sponsoring a Gullah Caribbean Celebration to raise money for youth programs in Beaufort’s inner city and the Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc.
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at the Jasmine Room of the Quality Inn, 2001 Boundary Street, Beaufort.
Organizer Anita Singleton-Prather, who performs as storyteller Aunt Pearlie Sue, said there will be a steel drum band, Gullah Caribbean buffet, live stage entertainment and dancing, dancing and mo’ dancing!
“If you like reggae and rhythm and blues, please wear your dancing shoes. If you like good food put on your fat pants and join us. We are going to have a great time and help a worthy cause. We must provide opportunities for our young people or they will be lost,” Singleton-Prather said.
Funds raised will be used for youth activities planned by the coalition at the Charles “Lind” Brown Recreation Center, Green Street, Beaufort and the newly incorporated non-profit Gullah Traveling Theater.
Coalition programs began last year after Beaufort County Council approved the group’s proposal to offer activities at the center. The coalition, led by Singleton-Prather and her friends and neighbors in the northwest quadrant, is working on its federal non-profit status. Volunteers offer such activities as basketball, art, tutoring, karate lessons, double-dutch jump rope, and chess with track and field, Gullah cooking classes, performing arts, GED/ Literacy program, job training, entrepreneurial, community garden and equestrian lessons soon to come.
Tickets are now on sale at $50 for regular seating and $65 for VIP seating. Reservations for the celebration can be made by calling 843-263-5229, the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at 843-986-1102 or the Beaufort Regional Chamber 843-986-5400.