“Designated by Congress in 2006, the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor extends fromWilmington, N.C. in the north to Jacksonville, FL in the south. It is home to one of America’s most unique cultures, a tradition first shaped by captive Africans brought to the southern United States from West Africa and continued in later generations by their descendants.”
After the 2013 Proclamation by Governor Nathan Deal, southern states—Georgia, North andSouth Carolina and Florida acknowledge the culture, lives and histories of the Gullah GeecheeHeritage Cultural Corridor, and Nation.
Located along the Lowcountry region, amongst the coast of North and South Carolina, Georgia and up until the coastal peak of Florida—The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and Nation is a community preserved by its geographic location, literary and oral history.
Barrels of indigo, pigeon peas, or weaving Sweetwater grass baskets; this community’s cultural survival is seen in every day images and elements.The Gullah Geechee culture is a community uniquely comprised of West and CentralAfrican descendants ,and some Georgia Native American tribes.
Upon arriving to what is now considered the southern states, these individuals also fashioned their own“Gullah” language, an English-based creole, in an approach to preserve their African languages. Not only did this community preserve their historical legacy; yet, fellowshipped and established schools, churches, and entrepreneurial businesses within the Gullah Geechee community. Residents are knowingly referred to as “Geechee.” Terms like Freshwater and Saltwater Geechee distinguish residents born on the mainland or the Sea Islands.
In celebration and observance of Geechee Gullah Heritage and Cultural Month, browse my Instagram or FavoriteLibrarian.com for more Geechee Gullah resources and literature.