The Gullah are descendants of West Africans brought in bondage to the coastal islands of South Carolina and Georgia. They are known for preserving more of their African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other African-American community in the United States.
Gullah is “more than simply the language and name of a people. It encompasses the essence of struggle, spirituality, perseverance and tradition,” according to gullahcelebration.com.
Leap into this living history beginning Feb. 1-28 when the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association, Inc. (NIBCAA) hosts the 14th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration. Here is a schedule of events.
Feb. 1
Reception/opening
The scoop: This month-long art exhibit, “De Arts Ob We People,” kicks off the Gullah Celebration with a grand opening reception featuring Gullah artist Jonathan Green. There will be a live auction, and original paintings, woodcarvings, burnt woodcraft, sweetgrass baskets and sculpture by contemporary and emerging Lowcountry artists.
When/where: 5-7 p.m., Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane; $10 donation
Feb. 6
National Freedom Day/Gullah Breakfast
The scoop: Remembrance of Feb. 1, 1865 (President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, outlawing slavery). Two events planned: Gullah breakfast; fitness/walk run with free health screening
When/where: Both events at St. James Baptist Church, 208 Dillon Road; 8-10 a.m., De Island Fitness-5K Walk/Run (registration $20) and free health screening; 9-11 a.m., Gullah breakfast, $10
Feb. 10
Gullah Genealogy
The scoop: John Griffin, researcher/lecturer; overview and discussion of ongoing African-American research at the Heritage Library. Free, but donations accepted; reservations required. 686-6560
When/where: 1 p.m., Heritage Library Foundation History and Research Center, 852 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 2A
Feb. 12
Traditional Gospel Praise and Shout
The scoop: This event celebrates and honors the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullahs of today through traditional popular and historical homegrown gospel music, as well as traditional songs and chants.
When/where: 7:30 p.m., Central Oak Grove Baptist Church, 161 Mathews Drive
Feb. 13-14
Arts, Crafts & Food Expo
When/where: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 13; noon-5 p.m. Feb. 14; Coastal Discovery Museum (rain venue is Hilton Head Island International Baccalaureate Elementary School)
The scoop: Offers cultural demonstrations, including sweetgrass basket weaving, indigo dyeing and fishnet weaving; Gullah foods and musical entertainment; activities for children. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 children ages 5-12; free for children 4 and under
Feb. 15
Gullah Film Series
When/where: 6:30 p.m., Coligny Theater, Coligny Plaza
The scoop: Documentary about the life of Robert Smalls, whose journey from enslavement to election helped shape American democracy. $5 donation
Feb. 20
Taste of Gullah
The scoop: Gullah dishes such as gumbo and conch stews, as well as classic barbecue ribs, fried fish and chicken and more will be available.
When/where: Noon-4 p.m., Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane
Feb. 21
De Gullah Youth Musical
The scoop: “Mitchelville,” a play depicting the lifestyle of the Gullah people around the turn of the 20th century, will be performed.
When/where: 7 p.m.; Visual & Performing Arts Center, Hilton Head Island High School; $10 for adults, children free
Feb. 22
Gullah Film Series
The scoop: “Bin Yah: There’s No Place Like Home” is a documentary that explores the potential loss of important historic African-American communities due to growth and development.
When/where: 6:30 p.m., Coligny Theater, Coligny Plaza; $5 donation
Feb. 26
Gospel Extravaganza
When/where: 7 p.m. Visual & Performing Arts Center, Hilton Head Island High School; admission $25 in advance (call 689-9314); $30 at door
The scoop: Lee Williams & the Spiritual QCs in an encore engagement presenting an evening of popular and traditional gospel music.
Feb. 27
Animals of the Lowcountry
The scoop: Exhibition of animals indigenous to the area during the era of the Gullahs
When/where: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Feb. 28
Marsh Tacky Run
When/where: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mitchelville Park/Beach, 120 Mitchelville Road; $5 donation
The scoop: This event showcases the marsh tacky horses, which played an integral part in the survival of the Gullah people on Hilton Head Island.
