Have you ever heard of The Gullah/Geechee Nation? Well they're a real group of people whose ancestors were slaves that were brought over to the sea islands and the Southeast coast of the U.S.. They have managed to remain somewhat isolated for decades and preserve their heritage over the years. The group is known as Gullah in the Carolinas, and Geechee in Georgia and Florida. Their nation extends from Jacksonville, North Carolina in the north, to Jacksonville, Florida in the south, according to WebProNews on Oct. 2.
On Tuesday, a proclamation signed by Gov. Nathan Deal was read in several locations in Georgia. A week from Saturday is Gullah/Geechee Day at the South Carolina State Fair, which will feature performers, storytellers, quilters and others.
A number of other events will be held to draw attention to preserving the culture of the slave descendants along the Southeast coast and islands, according to WMBF News.
In 2000, the Gullah Geechee officially became an internationally-recognized nation. Now, they're extraordinary culture is being threatened due to a huge tax hike, caused by wealthy property buyers.
Cornelia Bailey claims her tax bill went from $800 to $3,000 even though her home on Sapela Island has no schools, no sanitation services, no law enforcement agency and only one paved road.
It's incredible to watch as coastal development continues to boom, at a time when we should be learning lessons from storms such as hurricane Sandy. Global warming and its consequences should be moving us away from building expensive homes and developments along our seacoasts.
The coastal development by the well-heeled developers is putting the people who have lived there for centuries, and their unique culture, in jeopardy.
The Gullah/Geechee are celebrating their Heritage Month this October. Their website begins by claiming their mission is to preserve, protect, and promote their history, culture, language, and homeland.
