We thank you for your interest in Gullah and Geechee cultures. We have now formed an organization to preserve these cultures of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and we hope that you will support our endeavors.
Ef oona dey frum de lowcountree an de islandt, lookya, e da time fa go bak. Disyah da wey fa cum togedda wid wi people fa hold on ta de tings wa wi peepol lef wi.
If you are someone that is concerned about the preservation of the branch of Africa's tree that has grown in America, this is a way for you to assist in nurturing and protecting that branch.
Find out more about:
The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition's Focus
Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Projects
Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Membership
Gullah/Geechee Nation International African Music & Movement Festival™
Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Supporters
De Gullah Cunneckshun, CDs, Tapes, and Books
Gullah/Geechee Alerts and Event Updates
Gullah/Geechee Nation Business, Services, and Artists
If you would like to study the history, heritage, and culture of the Gullah/Geechee Nation as well as take other college courses and certificated workshops, go to the
International University of the Gullah/Geechee Nation
A direct link to the continent of Africa exist in the Sea Islands of the United States. In the islands that are a part of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Florida, Gullah and Geechee culture began during the enslavement of African people in America. It is directly related to the African traditional cultures of the people of Windward or Rice Coast of West Africa. Due to isolation on islands off the coast, the African people there did not have too much contact with people of other races except Native Americans. Thus, they were able to maintain their culture, language, and traditions unlike African people that were living on the "mainland." Gullah and Geechee Sea Islanders transformed these traditions into a new and distinct African American culture.
Due to the peaked interest in the Sea Islands and the Gullah and Geechee cultures from which her family's roots in America stem, Marquetta L. Goodwine originated the annual Gullah Excursion to Beaufort, South Carolina, home of the Gullah and Geechee people and cultures. Ms. Goodwine has been taking small groups to Beaufort (from which her roots stem) since 1986. In order to take a customized tour of the St. Helena Island area, you can not take "De Gullah Root Experience Tour." You need to get in touch with the Coalition at least three weeks in advance for this tour or check and see if "De Conch" has one listed for the time that you will be coming in to the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Goodwine is now "Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation." As the head-of-state and official liasion and spokesperson for the Gullah/Geechee Nation, she has continued to expand her mission on making sure that the history of Gullahs and Geechees is preserved and told accurately. She has put together conferences that have gone as far as Nova Scotia, Canada that focus on the development of Sea Island heritage.
She is also now the Chancellor of the International University of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and the founder and director of the native Gullah/Geechee histo-musical presentation troupe, De Gullah Cunneckshun.
As an outgrowth of the Ourstory & Heritage Conference 1996 which focused on "Sea Island Survival," Queen Quet is now directing "Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition." The "Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition" was kicked off on Saturday, December 21, 1996 at Leroy Campbell's Spiritual Rhythms Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Campbell is a world renown artist that is originally from Charleston, South Carolina. The Afrikan Kultural Arts Network(AKAN) which was the initial sponsor of the Coalition hosted the kickoff in New York City. The Coalition is based at the Gullah/Geechee Nation's St. Helena Island headquarters.
The "Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition":
- promotes and participates in the preservation of Gullah and Geechee history, heritage, culture, and language.
- works toward Sea Island land re-acquisition and maintenance.
- celebrates Gullah and Geechee cultures through artistic and educational means electronically and via "grassroots scholarship."
- "Save the Sea Islands"
The Coalition is currently spearheading a petition drive to save St. Helena Island from encroachment. Please click on "petition" to add your electronic signature.This is the beginning of a larger project for a historic trail.
- "Ancestral Tribute"
This project will focus on the maintence of burial sites and the obtaining and maintaining of historic markers. There will also be special workshops that bridge the gap between elders and youths.
- Alkebulan Archive
This is the only archive in the world totally dedicated to Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, and culture.. The Coalition seeks donations of news clippings, books, tapes, papers, artifacts, etc. that relate to the Gullah and Geechee cultures, the Sea Islands, and other African Diasporic island cultures on an on-going basis. You can find out how to make a donation by sending e-mail to GullGeeCo@aol.com
These archives are the primary research center for students of the International University of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
- De Conch
This newsletter of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition is sent out monthly electronically to all Coalition members and supporters that request it. To subscribe, write to GullGeeCo@aol.com. For snail address and other membership and contact information, please go to the membership section of this site.
- "We Chillun" Youth Connections
This project supports the education of youths around the world on the Gullah and Geechee cultures. Click here to see the progress of this project->http://dune.srhs.k12.nj.us/gullah/
- Gullah/Geechee Nation Preservation Funds
The Coalition is seeking fundraising venues as well as locations around the world in which to present information about the current preservation efforts. All donations and suggestions are welcome. The Gullah Connections series of activities as well as sales from Sea Island books and "De Gullah Cunneckshun" CDs that are sold are some of the current on-going fundraisers.
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- "We Fambly"-International outreach and events
The Gullah/Geechee Nation International African Music & Movement Festival™ is held in different parts of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and the African Diaspora each year. The funds from this event benefit projects and organizations that link the African Diaspora and promote economic and sustainability in the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Thursday, September 18, 1997, the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition hosted a reception and community forum with the First Lady of Sierra Leone. Mrs. Kabbah aka "Auntie Pat" provided information on the current crisis in Sierra Leone and how the community can assist. The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition now works with the "Sierra Leone Gullah Kinship Association" to bring international education to the world concering their culture on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
The International Human Rights Association for American Minorities (IHRAAM) is continually working with the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition to make connections with other communities throughout the world. They have already presented information to a subcommission of the United Nations on behalf of the Gullah community. You can see this document at http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/4450/gullah.htm
While we create a new "Sea Island Picture Book" which will be uploaded by our anniversary on December 21, 2003, please take a journey right from your seat. When you return, do not forget to leave us your signature. Your entry could be the one to make the difference in the saving of a culture.
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