CLAIRE EDKINS
Mitchellville Historic Site is the former location of the first self-governed town of freed slaves in America founded in 1862 after the civil war and emancipation of slaves.

GULLAH

Descendants of West African slaves The Gullah or Geechee have survived for over 100 years and have played a major yet unknown role in shaping American culture. This amazingly vibrant culture stretches from South Carolina to north Florida coast. The popularity of this land along the coast for commercial development has resulted in many Gullah people being robbed of their land that has been a part of their families for over 100 years in order to build condos and golf courses. This series focuses on the preservation or lack-there-of of Gullah land along the GA/SC islands.

Mitchellville Historic Site is the former location of the first self-governed town of freed slaves in America founded in 1862 after the civil war and emancipation of slaves.

Mitchellville Historic Site is the former location of the first self-governed town of freed slaves in America founded in 1862 after the civil war and emancipation of slaves.

 

Hog Hammock is a community of more than 60 Gullah/ Geechee descendants Stanley Walker and Iregene Grovner Sr. hand out fresh boiled clams to the days round of tour buses.

Hog Hammock is a community of more than 60 Gullah/ Geechee descendants Stanley Walker and Iregene Grovner Sr. hand out fresh boiled clams to the days round of tour buses.

 

Bill Green has been serving authentic Gullah cuisine at his restaurant, Gullah Grub, for 15 years. Gullah Grub is one of 3 remaining Gullah Restaurants and plays a large role in the local community.

Bill Green has been serving authentic Gullah cuisine at his restaurant, Gullah Grub, for 15 years. Gullah Grub is one of 3 remaining Gullah Restaurants and plays a large role in the local community.

 

Site of the Former Varn and Sons Oyster Canning Factory, The Pinpoint Heritage museum is now a place to learn about Gullah/Geechee history and also provides jobs for long time residents.

Site of the Former Varn and Sons Oyster Canning Factory, The Pinpoint Heritage museum is now a place to learn about Gullah/Geechee history and also provides jobs for long time residents.

 

Bill Green has been serving authentic Gullah cuisine at his restaurant, Gullah Grub, for 15 years. Gullah Grub is one of 3 remaining Gullah Restaurants and plays a large role in the local community.

Bill Green has been serving authentic Gullah cuisine at his restaurant, Gullah Grub, for 15 years. Gullah Grub is one of 3 remaining Gullah Restaurants and plays a large role in the local community.

 

Sapelo Sights tour bus lead by Mrs. Yvonne Grovner, a Sapelo Island native and hog Hammock resident.

Sapelo Sights tour bus lead by Mrs. Yvonne Grovner, a Sapelo Island native and hog Hammock resident.

 

The Gullah/Geechee Hog Hammock community is home to more than 60 residents and has strict building regulations to keep property tax low so more locals can afford to keep their family land.

The Gullah/Geechee Hog Hammock community is home to more than 60 residents and has strict building regulations to keep property tax low so more locals can afford to keep their family land.

 

Hog Hammock is a community of more than 60 Gullah/ Geechee descendants. Stanley Walker hands out fresh boiled clams to the days round of tour buses.

Hog Hammock is a community of more than 60 Gullah/ Geechee descendants. Stanley Walker hands out fresh boiled clams to the days round of tour buses.

 

The Coffin Point Community Praise House were built on plantations as small places of worship during slavery, still serve an important spiritual role in the Gullah community as a place for gathering.

The Coffin Point Community Praise House were built on plantations as small places of worship during slavery, still serve an important spiritual role in the Gullah community as a place for gathering.

Braddock's Point Cemetery is located in a private golf community and is still an active cemetery for Gullah families but they must pay a visitors fee to pay their respects to their lost loved ones.

Braddock's Point Cemetery is located in a private golf community and is still an active cemetery for Gullah families but they must pay a visitors fee to pay their respects to their lost loved ones.

 

7th generation basket sewers Michael Smalls & Dino Badger sell their sweetgrass baskets at a local market. Materials for the baskets are getting harder to find due to fields becoming private property.

7th generation basket sewers Michael Smalls & Dino Badger sell their sweetgrass baskets at a local market. Materials for the baskets are getting harder to find due to fields becoming private property.

 

Fresh shrimp is sold at The Bluffton Oyster Factory which employs lifelong oyster fishers and shuckers many over the age 65 and descendants of Gullah/ Geechee.

Fresh shrimp is sold at The Bluffton Oyster Factory which employs lifelong oyster fishers and shuckers many over the age 65 and descendants of Gullah/ Geechee.

The Gullah/Geechee Hog Hammock community is home to more than 60 residents and has strict building regulations to keep property tax low so more locals can afford to keep their family land.

The Gullah/Geechee Hog Hammock community is home to more than 60 residents and has strict building regulations to keep property tax low so more locals can afford to keep their family land.

The Hog Hammock community is home to only one store/ bar owned operated for and by residents.

The Hog Hammock community is home to only one store/ bar owned operated for and by residents.

 

Sapelo Sights tour bus lead by Mrs. Yvonne Grovner, a Sapelo Island native and hog Hammock resident.

Sapelo Sights tour bus lead by Mrs. Yvonne Grovner, a Sapelo Island native and hog Hammock resident.

 

Fresh shrimp is unloaded at The Bluffton Oyster Factory which employs lifelong oyster fishers and shuckers many over the age 65 and descendants of Gullah/ Geechee.

Fresh shrimp is unloaded at The Bluffton Oyster Factory which employs lifelong oyster fishers and shuckers many over the age 65 and descendants of Gullah/ Geechee.

 

Gullah/ Geechee market stand at the Bluffton Farmers Market Gullah food staples are offered and served by local Gullah decendants.

Gullah/ Geechee market stand at the Bluffton Farmers Market Gullah food staples are offered and served by local Gullah decendants.