IIGOOD DEEDSII
Giving Back to the
COMMUNITY
LOWCOUNTRY GULLAH FOUNDATION HELPS PROMOTE GULLAH CULTURE BY DEAN ROWLAND
The Gullah community on Hilton Head Island has endured
“Before the bridge, the lifestyle was living off the land and
decades of obstacles to achieve its rightful place as landowners,
sea depending on your skill set. The Gullah culture is really the
stewards of a West African culture, advocates
epitome of southern hospitality. It’s a different
of an improved quality of life on the island and
kind of warmth and kindness. It’s a tradition of
voices of its people and for the people.
the culture — to give of oneself.”
There have been commissions, task forces,
To help preserve and promote the Gullah
organizations, a staff position and a lengthy
culture, Sellars decided to found the Lowcountry
independent repor t over the past years
Gullah Foundation in 2019.
assigned the task of assisting and promoting
Its goal is to promote, document, preserve
the Gullah life to keep it vibrant and preserved
and sustain the culture, and preserve the land,
as a historical treasure.
Sellars said. That means saving each of the 700
“Right now, the culture is at a critical state
remaining acres through education and by offering
for a lot of reasons,” said Luana Graves Sellars, author, speaker and founder of the Lowcountr y Gullah Foundation. “The sustainability of the Gullah culture has taken
solutions. Luana Graves Sellars Sellars
the hit for people not understanding the richness of what it really was. “(Prior to the bridge being built in 1956) It was a very simple life and based on community.
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The Lowcountry Gullah Foundation believes there is a need to educate. Sellars’ newsletter and website help keep the spotlight on the Gullah community. The resources spread vital news that affects the community and has a large loyal following. The website (lowcountrygullah.com) offers articles, images and collaborates with the Historic Mitchelville
