Gullah/Geechee Ancestral Tears
I awoke to the sound of tapping on the rooftop
And I quickly realized it was the rhythm of the raindrop.
I laid there and listened with ears and soul
And as I did, it got warmer and warmer on a day predicted to be cold.
I realized the source of the rain when I realized what day had arrived.
These were the ancestors tears falling on the land on which they’d strived.
I meditated and prayed that GOD would heal the land
And also provide for the families on Sea Island sand.
I prayed that folks would remember that this was the day
That they had to pay the taxes on the land if they plan to stay.
I prayed that what was falling would be a libation and would cleanse things.
I then arose to look out over the Gullah/Geechee anointed land and give thanks for the blessings.
January 15th is annually a time that should be marked in the hearts and minds of all Gullah/Geechees not only due to it being the date of birth for the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked diligently on numerous campaigns on the Sea Islands including the “Poor People’s Campaign,” but also due to the fact that it is the day that land taxes are due. We not only owe taxes, but a debt to our ancestors to insure that we hold onto the sacred ground in which their blood, sweat, and tears are embedded. The losing of any more of our land will only result in ancestral tears and the anguish and tears of the family members that are displaced. So, to that end, I pray that the rhythm of the rain awakens the entire Gullah/Geechee family that may not have already gone to the treasurers’ offices and that they will have what they need to pay for the rich asset that they have inherited.
written by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation (www.QueenQuet.com) ©2016 All Rights Reserved.
Tune in to the Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio broadcast entitled “Retaining Gullah/Geechee Land Ownership:” http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee/2013/10/07/retaining-gullahgeechee-land-ownership
- Posted in: Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation ♦ Gullah/Geechee Land Ownership & Rights ♦ Gullah/Geechee Ourstory ♦ Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio Education Links ♦ Queen Quet ♦ Uncategorized
- Tagged: Black land ownership, Dr. Martin Luther King, Geechee, Gullah, Gullah/Geechee Nation, heirs property, land ownership, land retention, land taxes, Queen Quet, Sea Islands
very nice work. DH
I heard this call in my dreams. I’ve been listening closely. The ancestors have put a fire in me to know my Gullah people, to know my Gullah culture, and to know our Gullah lands. Thank you for making the call.