De Conch Gwine Fawad 2019 Edition by Gullah/Geechee Nation

De Conch

2019 Gwine Fawad Edition

GAWD say “Gwine On!”

Peace! Disya bin a busy and bless up year ya! Tenki GAWD! Over the course of this year, I have traveled to numerous parts of the world on the “Healin de Land World Tour.” The greatest blessing has been coming back home for the numerous rallies, press conferences, and celebrations of victories protecting our coastal environment. These things make it clear that my living and work are not in vain and that the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition has been leading through GODLY vision for over two decades. We have always had the environment as a pillar of the work that we do and not just cultural heritage and continuation. There is no Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage continuation without our land! As the year begins to wind to a close it is still busy since I have been asked to represent the Gullah/Geechee Nation at the UN Conference of Parties 25 (COP 25) in Madrid Spain. We are raising funds via Go Fund Me for this endeavor in addition to our on-going effort to keep funds available in our Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund. I truly appreciate all of you who have joined the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition this year and made financial contributions not only via those fundraising mechanisms, but also by hosting fundraising events and coming out to our programs and purchasing items. Every dollar goes back into our efforts and helps us stay at the forefront of all of this work in spite of numerous new entities that have come along and distracted many people away from the true issues and those that devoted their lives to leading these efforts. As I look back over all these years of daily work dedicated to keeping Gullah/Geechee culture alive and I look to the future and how blessed those who stand together in unity in the Gullah/ Geechee Nation will be, I hear GOD saying, “Gwine on.” As I go on, I hear the ancestors singing, “Wok togedda chillun. Don’ cha git weary!” That song is necessary because the work can be tiring and taxing when there are those working against the unification that we have fought with blood, sweat, and tears to achieve in the midst of us seeing the sea levels rise that are over taking parts of the land. Aaah, ain no fear cuz hunnuh kno, GAWD gwine trubull de wata! So, we tenk GAWD fa anointin we and de land and keepin we standin! This edition highlights just a little bit of what we have to celebrate this year. The final edition of the year will showcase even more and give you some insight into what 2020 has in store. So, get ready to come to the Gullah/Geechee Nation’s shore with your shoutin’ shoes on! Praise GAWD! Peace,

Queen Quet

Founder, Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation

www.gofundme.com/gullahgeechee-land-legacy-fund

Elder Carlie Towne Honored as Woman of the Year Congratulations to the Gullah/Geechee Nation Minister of Information, Elder Carlie Towne! Elder Towne has worked tirelessly and contributed to the Charleston community that birthed her for decades. She is finally getting a return on her investment by being honored at home. Tenk GAWD fa de blessin! Elder Carlie Towne continues to direct the Gullah/Geechee Angel Network. Due to her vision, De Yenna Chiren House is now being renovated and restored for full operation. Gwine on Elda Towne!

Hep Mo Angel fa Fly! Support De Gullah/Geechee Angel Network! The mission of the official 501(c)3, non-profit of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, the Gullah/Geechee Angel Network is To preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of the Gullah/Geechee People who have lived in the southeastern portion of the United States of America from North Carolina to Jacksonville Florida 30 miles inland (known as the "Low Country") for over 300 years. To connect all people, not just in the 50 states, but internationally throughout the Diaspora, Europe, Caribbean and Africa. Goals and Objectives are achieved by the implementation of the following seven (7) point program: The Performing Arts: Musical plays, dramatizations, poetry, storytelling, enactments and workshops Arts and Crafts: Workshops in the production and displaying of traditional Gullah/Geechee cultural items. Demonstrative workshops that encourage the development of functional skills and forms of expression to potentially showcase and stimulate direct participation in the growing ethnic tourism industry, festivals and cultural events. Educational: The establishment of Cultural Learning Centers designed to foster motivation, achievement and cultural enrichment. Historical/Research excursions from the tip of North Carolina (Cape Fear) to the outlining areas of Jacksonville, Florida. Scholarships and Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award programs and events recognizing those persons who have given selflessly of themselves, and have done considerable work for the benefits of their particular community as it relates to cultural preservation. Awarding Scholarships to youth who exhibit talent, and are oriented toward developing skills which foster Gullah/Geechee Culture. The Internet and The Media: Networking with organizations, institutions and groups which focus on Gullah/ Geechee Culture. Consistently present positive role models and activities to the low country in particular, and to in the Diaspora in general. Production, Preservation and Documentation: Production and archiving of Gullah/Geechee video and audio recordings, books, symbols and banners. Radio, television and computer production programming. Health and Nutrition Awareness: Forums and symposiums which explore lifestyles, food staples, food cultivation and preparation of Gullah/Geechee cuisine, as well as developing holistic programs to promote well being. Yenna House widout a doubt! The Gullah/Geechee International Camp Meeting Center & Yenna House will host a number of activities and people from around the world and educate people on the living traditions of that exist throughout the Gullah/ Geechee Nation. The next major fundraiser for the project will be the Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festivalâ&#x201E;˘ www.gullahgeechee.info. For more details on fundraisers, tours, assisting with the project, or contributing, call (843) 572-6788 or go to www.gullahgeecheeangelnetwork.com .

De Queen Quet Gullah/Geechee Legacy Library Opens at the Destiny Community CafĂŠ Ef hunnuh gwine ta North Charleston, SC gwine een and nyam pun sumting fa de bodee and read sumting fa feed de mind. Yeddi mo bout disya place pun Gullah/Geechee TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItcBdXP2DbQ&t=8s

Links to Gullah/Geechee Living Culture

Gullah/Geechee Nation Headquarters www.officialgullahgeechee.info or www.gullahgeecheenation.com

Gullah/Geechee Nation on Instagram http://instagram.com/gullahgeechee

Gullah/Geechee Angel Network www.gullahgeecheeangelnetwork.com

Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition www.gullahgeechee.net

Gullah/Geechee TV™ (GGTV) www.youtube.om/AMPTurnItUp

Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee

Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association www.gullahgeecheefishingassociation.com

Gullah/Geechee Nation Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/GullahGeecheeWeBe/

Gullah/Geechee Folks on Twitter www.twitter.com/gullahgeechee

10. Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee www.QueenQuet.com 11. Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival™ www.gullahgeechee.info 12. Gullah/Geechee Doula Association http://www.gullahgeecheedoula.com/ 13. Gullah/Geechee Nation on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/gullahgeechee/ 14. Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Committee of NE FL www.facebook.com/neflaggcommittee

De Gullah/Geechee Famlee Standin fa Heirs Property in DC! Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation took a journey to Capitol Hill to speak at the USDA on behalf of heirs property owners in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Yeddi wha e say pun Gullah/Geechee TV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSyGdggortI

GULLAH/GEECHEE GOLD SOULS CAMPAIGN

The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition is the premiere organization on the protection and continuation of the Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, and culture. The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition: •

advocates for the protection of the human and land rights of Gullah/Geechee

•

promotes and participates in the continuation of Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, culture, and language.

• •

works toward Sea Island land re-acquisition and maintenance. celebrates Gullah/Geechee culture through artistic and educational means electronically and via "grassroots scholarship."

The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition has successfully carried out this mission since 1996. During which time, they developed the ONLY archive in the world which is TOTALLY dedicated to Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, and culture. The Gullah/Geechee Alekbulan Archive is being upgraded in order to continue to provide access to artifacts, images, documents, books, films, and recordings to future generations of Gullah/Geechees and global researchers. The Coalition host hundreds of students and professional writers each year and it also supports native Gullah/Geechee speakers and presenters traveling to other parts of the world to make sure that accurate presentations on our culture are done in a varied array of venues. We are calling on all supporters of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition to become dues paying members and to contribute to the “Gullah/Geechee Gold Souls Campaign.” The funds will assist with the completion of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Center. Please use the form at the end of this ezine or go to http://fnd.us/c/07Wl6 in order to financially contribute to the fundraising efforts that are currently under way in order to finalize the second phase of archival digitization and artifact preservation. The “wish list:” • New Apple Mac Pro desktop computer • 12 Mac compatible 3T and higher external drives • Acid free & corrugated plastic archival boxes and poster covers of all sizes • CD/DVD Duplicator For details on how you can host a fundraising event, contribute in any or in all of these ways, please email GullGeeCo@aol.com. Disya bout geeing frum de soul fa mek sho de richness stay een wi black gold!

The CofC Sustain Fest was a great success! The Gullah/Geechee Family came out to support Queen Quet and the Sustain Fest at the College of Charleston. E bin a bless up time standin fa de land! Tune in for the coverage on Gullah/Geechee TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw-18xNqmbg

Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association members participated in the Youth Day for the 37th Annual Heritage Days Celebration at Penn Center, Inc. Ed Atkins led the Gullah/Geechee Fishing educational demonstrations. Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation is the secretary of the GGFA who curated the Gullah/Geechee fishing exhibition which was displayed in the bateau boat made by the late Samuel Moultrie Sr. of Polowana Island.

Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association Holdin pun de Fishin Tradition!

The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association (www.gullahgeecheefishing.net) was founded in Beaufort County, SC on March 25, 2010 by Queen Quet, Ricky Wright, the late Herbert Simmons, Joseph Bradley, and Keith Ellis who are all natives of St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. These founding members were quickly joined by Gullah/Geechee fishermen and women from other parts of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida in the mission to 1) To advocate for the rights of Gullah/Geechee and African American fishermen and fishery workers of the southeast 2) To share traditional fishing methods with the next generation 3) To restore access to the areas and factories needed to sustain the seafood industry in the Gullah/Geechee Nation and southeastern United States The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association members have actively worked with numerous national and international organizations during their five years in existence. Their work has been featured in profiles done by the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy, the Ocean Conservancy, USA Today and CNN International to name a few. During even numbered years, the Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association members host, the "Gullah/Geechee Seafood Festival" on Hunting Island. Throughout each year, they have community celebrations to engage more Gullah/Geechee fishing families in their efforts. They will co-host a series of "Gullah/Geechee Famlee Days throughout the year and the Gullah/Geechee Seafood Festival. For more information, call (843) 838-1171 or email GullGeeCo@aol.com or casting@gullahgeecheefishing.net. De Gullah/Geechee say,

"De wata bring we and de wata gwine tek we bak!â&#x20AC;? www.gullahgeecheefishing.net

De Historical Effects of Migration on De Gullah/Geechee Nation Disya bin presented by Queen Quet, Elder Carlie Towne, Dr. Najmah Thomas, and Dr. Jessica Berry fa de ASALH Conference een Chastun, SC. Yeddi mo pun Gullah/Geechee TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0-dsF_lTw&t=9s

Wha Gwine On Every Monday at 7 pm EST Tune in to “Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio!” Disya da we sho! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee

NOVEMBER

November 7-9 Heritage Days Celebration on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation November 8-9 Rice Festival in Riceboro, GA in the Gullah/Geechee Nation November 14 at 6 pm Gullah/Gecehee Cultural Heritage Celebration at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA November 30 Sugar Cane Harvest at Geechee Kunda in Riceboro, GA in the Gullah/Geechee Nation

DECEMBER

Gullah Night Pun de Town at the St. Helena Branch Library December 21 Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Anniversary Celebration “Gulllah/Geechee Holy Days Celebration” at Barnes and Noble in West Ashley, Charleston, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation

Tune in to Gullah/Geechee TV weekly at www.GullahGeechee.tv. Fa mo updates and ting bout wha gwine on falla www.gullahgeecheenation.com or @GullahGeechee. Keep up with events on a weekly basis by following @GullahGeechee and www.GullahGeecheeNation.com.

Join the GULLAH/GEECHEE SEA ISLAND COALITION www.gullahgeechee.net I am enclosing my check for

Mail this to

_____ $45 for the year of membership _____ $300-999 supporter (Pledge amount can be sent in monthly installments)

Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Post Office Box 1207 St. Helena Island SC 29920 Name: _________________________

_____ $1200 for lifetime membership

What island are you closely connected to? ________________________________ How?(Circle one) Family

Business

E-mail address: ________________________________

Address: _____ $___________ toward the Gullah/ Geechee Gold Souls Campaign My check is written to the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. I know that I will receive a newsletter, event announcements, and will be a subscriber to the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Roots Listserve and will also receive discounts on Gullah/Geechee products.

______________________________

Where did you receive this? ________________________________

______________________________

What would you like to see done by this organization?

Telephone:

___________________ (Day)

_______________________________ (Eve or Cell)

GULLAH/GEECHEE SEA ISLAND COALITION Post Office Box 1207 St. Helena Island SC 29920

© November 2019 Gullah/Geechee Nation © November 2019 Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition ALL rights for photographs and articles are reserved. Republishing should not be done without consent from the Gullah/Geechee Nation.