De Conch
Spring 2017 Edition
Happy Anniversary to Queen Quet! Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation became the first Gullah/Geechee in world history to speak before the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland on April 1, 1999. She has since been presented with several Queen Quet Day proclamations for celebrations in April as well. Gwine on Queen Quet! GAWD bless hunnuh!
The first Gullah/Geechee Visitors Center opened at 1908 Boundary Street in Beaufort, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation on April 8, 2017. The center has been a long overdue resource for tourists seeking a place in which to obtain information on Gullah/Geechee made products and Gullah/Geechee tours provided by native Gullah/Geechees. Drop een and support de Gullah/Geechee Famlee!
Links to Gullah/Geechee Living Culture
1.
Gullah/Geechee Nation Headquarters www.officialgullahgeechee.info or www.gullahgeecheenation.com
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Gullah/Geechee Nation on Instagram http://instagram.com/gullahgeechee
3.
Gullah/Geechee Angel Network www.gullahgeecheeangelnetwork.com
4.
Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition www.gullahgeechee.net
5.
Gullah/Geechee TV™ (GGTV) www.youtube.om/AMPTurnItUp
6.
Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee
7.
Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association www.gullahgeecheefishingassociation.com
8.
Gullah/Geechee Nation Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/GullahGeecheeWeBe/
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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/
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Gittin Ready fa de Gullah/Geechee Famlee Reunion
Gittin Ready fa de Gullah/Geechee Famlee Reunion was funded by the SC Humanities Council, the Gullah/Geechee Angel Network, and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition and was supported by Gullah/Geechee Sustainability Partner-the University of Minnesota. This interactive digitization workshop was held at the St. Helena Branch Library. Gullah/Geechees from Georgia and South Carolina participated in this workshop to learn how to protect and their own family records. The workshop was extremely successful and attendees are looking forward to the next one that will be held. www.gullahgeechee.net
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
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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 or Laptop Computer • File Cabinets • 10 Mac Compatible 2T and higher External Drives • Acid free archival boxes and poster covers of all sizes • Library shelves with doors • Apple server • 1 poster holder 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!
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 Festival™ 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 .
Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Tour Heads to Minnesota! Queen Quet, Chieftess, Elder Carlie Towne, Minister of Information, and Representative Glenda Simmons-Jenkins of the Gullah/Geechee Nation will be heading to Minnesota as part of the “Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy World Tour” which will conclude in December of 2017. Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation (www.QueenQuet.com) does an annual world tour with her hist-musical presentation troupe, De Gullah Cunneckshun in order to raise awareness and funds.
Part of the spring leg of the tour will include
presentations for the National Adaptation Forum. In addition to presenting at the NAF, the trio of Gullah/Geechee leaders will also present at the University of Minnesota’s Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change. UMN is a partner and major
supporter of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition.
Therefore, they wanted to host a public forum for the Minnesota community to welcome Queen Quet to their state! .
www.gullahgeechee.net
GULLAH/GEECHEE Volunteer Month was successful once again!
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 ******* “Underground”
on WGN Wednesdays at 10 pm EST and Hulu on Demand The second season of this award winning drama on WGN America was filmed in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Live Tweet @GullahGeechee and @UndergroundWGN with Queen Quet who is the Gullah/Geechee Consultant and with the cast.
Queen Quet will also recap the show on
Facebook live. So, make sure to follow
www.facebook.com/GullahGeecheeWeBe
RISE UP wid we as #UndergroundWGN gwine ta de #GullahGeechee!
Gullah/Geechee TV & Movie Club May 20th Noon-4 pm & June 24 Noon to 4 pm at the landmark St. Helena Branch Library St. Helena Island, SC, Gullah/Geechee Nation The new “Gullah/Geechee TV & Movie Club” will launch on Saturday, May 20th at Noon with Part 1 of “Reconstruction: The Second Civil War.” At 2:30 pm, the filmmaker of “Black Beach/White Beach” will screen the new documentary in conjunction with “Gullah/Geechee Bike & Beauty” at the St. Helena Island Community Market. On Saturday, June 24th, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” which features Gullah/Geechee Hall of Famer, James Jamison of the “Funk Brothers” will show at Noon. Following this film, Part 2 of “Reconstruction: The Second Civil War” will be shown.
Bring de famlee and jays we fa “Gullah/Geechee TV ^ Movies!” For more information email GullGeeCo@aol.com.
MARKET DAYS (10am-3pm, rain or shine)
THEME/CENTER STAGE ACTIVITIES* (activities may change)
March 4th Spring Seed Swap March 18th Small Farmer’s Resources April 1st Spring Seedling Swap / Tunis Campbell Day April 15th Easter Egg Hunt May 6th Military Appreciation Month May 20th Gullah/Geechee Bike & Beauty June 3rd African American Music Appreciation Month June 17th Juneteenth Celebration July SUMMER BREAK (no market days) August 5th Back-to-School Supply Drive August 19th Africa Fashion Week Lowcountry September 2nd Watermelon Contest September 16th Gullah/Geechee Rice Festival October 7th Youth Talent Show October 21st Seafood Festival November 4th Gumbo Cook-off November 18th Small Business Saturday December 2nd Holiday Craft Fair December 16th Holiday Craft Fair December 30th Kwanzaa Celebration *For market details, vendor information and schedule changes/updates visit: www.StHelenaIslandCommunityMarket.com
MAY May 5 at 8 pm GwenYvette at “Knock Out Bar & Grill” 4807 Old National Highway in Atlanta, GA May 6 & 20 from 10 am to 3 pm-St. Helena Community Market at the Dr. Martin Luther King
Memorial Park on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation (See Pages 9 & 10 for details.) May 26 at 5 pm Lowcountry Dinner and Harriet Tubman Memorial Fundraiser at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaufort, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation May 26 6-9 pm Mahoganee Experience at “Art Institute of Charleston” 24 North Market Street Charleston, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation www.mahoganee.com May 26 at 9 pm GwenYvette at “Jade Island Cuisine” in Beaufort, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation Gullah Festival at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort, SC, Gullah/Geechee Nation www.theoriginalgullahfestival.org
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GwenYvette on “Love, Dreams, and Visions” Tour St. Helena Island, SC’s Gullah/Geechee songstress, GwenYvette is on tour promoting the upcoming release of her new CD, “Love, Dreams, and Visions.” The CD will drop on June 9th. However, before that date, she can be seen: in Atlanta, GA at “Knock Outs Bar & Grill” on Friday, May 5th. Doors open at 8 pm. in Beaufort, SC at “Jade Island Cuisine” on Friday, May 26th at 9 pm. at the “Gullah Festival” on Saturday evening, May 27th. at the “Sea Island Sounds Celebration” at the St. Helena Island Community Market” on June 2nd at Noon
The long awaited CD can be pre-ordered at www.GwenYvette.net.
JUNE-Black Music Month June 1 from 5 pm-A Taste of Soul Savannah at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center June 10 Juneteeth at the Jepson in Savannah, GA, Gullah/Geechee Nation June 3 & 17 from 10 am to 3 pm-St. Helena Community Market at the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Park on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation (See Pages 9 & 10 for details.) JULY Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week July 29-August 6 Gullah/Geechee Famlee Day at Mosquito Beach July 29 Noon to 6 pm Email GullGeeCo@aol.com AUGUST August 4-6 Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation www.gullahgeechee.info August 5 & 19 from 10 am to 3 pm-St. Helena Community Market at the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Park on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation (See Pages 9 & 10) SEPTEMBER September 1 & 2 Lands End Woodlands River Festival on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation September 2 & 16 from 10 am to 3 pm-St. Helena Community Market at the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Park on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation (See Pages 9 & 10) September 4-Wadamalaw Island Labor Day Parade and Penn Center Labor Day Celebration on St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation (843) 838-2432 Moja Arts Celebration www.mojafestival.com OCTOBER October 21 & 22 Gullah/Geechee Unity in the Community in Savannah, GA www.unityinthecommunity.org
JULY
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GULLAH/GEECHEE FAMLEE DAY AT MOSQUITO BEACH
Island Breeze Multipurpose Center 2225 Mosquito Beach Road Charleston, SC
Saturday, July 29, 2017 Noon-6 pm Cum fa jayn de Gullah/Geechee Famlee at Island Breeze pun Mosquito Beach fa disya FREE day ob famlee fun! Cum fa lurn bout who webe een disya land ob de Gullah/Geechee! Music, food, presentations, crafts, fun! (843) 452-0190 • GULLGEECO@AOL.COM • (843) 838-1171
WWW.GULLAHGEECHEENATION.COM
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, and CNN International to name a few. During even numbered years, the Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association members host, the "Gullah/Geechee Seafood Festival" on St. Helena or 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. For more i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l ( 8 4 3 ) 8 3 8 - 11 7 1 o r e m a i l G u l l G e e C o @ a o l . c o m o r casting@gullahgeecheefishing.net. De Gullah/Geechee say,
"De wata bring we and de wata gwine tek we bak!� www.gullahgeecheefishing.net
Join the GULLAH/GEECHEE SEA ISLAND COALITION www.gullahgeechee.net I am enclosing my check for _____ $45 for the year of membership _____ $300-999 supporter (Pledge amount can be sent in monthly installments)
Mail this to 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
© May 2017 Gullah/Geechee Nation © May 2017 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.