Celebrations of Creativity on Historic St. Helena Island in the Gullah/Geechee Nation

Gullah/Geechee Nation ♦ March 9, 2026 ♦ Leave a comment

March is unfolding as a season of celebration, culture, and community throughout the Gullah/Geechee Nation as Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, continues her historic 30th Anniversary “Save the Sea Islands Tour.” The tour celebrates three decades of leadership, cultural preservation, and environmental advocacy on behalf of the Gullah/Geechee people.

The Chieftess recently returned home to the Sea Islands following a powerful appearance at the North Carolina Rice Festival, where she presented to a full house and received a standing ovation for her dynamic presentation highlighting Gullah/Geechee history, culture, and the enduring legacy of rice cultivation in the coastal Southeast.

Now, the celebration continues “riycha” with a series of culturally rich gatherings across the Gullah/Geechee Nation that invite community members, visitors, and supporters to experience the living traditions of the Sea Islands.

The 30th Anniversary “Save the Sea Islands Tour,” themed “Hunnuh Mus Tek Cyare de Root fa Heal de Tree—Celebrating Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy,” mobilizes communities to support land preservation, cultural continuity, and education through events featuring book signings, readings, presentations, and community dialogue. (Gullah/Geechee Nation)

Among the featured March celebrations are:

Poetically Historic Spoken Word Circle in the Gullah/Geechee Nation
A powerful evening centering on the poetry of Penn Center founder, Ellen Murray will be led by Eboni Holmes and will feature poetry by Queen Quet. Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and Elder Carlie Towne.  Gullah/Geechee female poets are being called to come and share in the circle in honor of Women’s Herstory Month.  This will take place at the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park’s Darrah Hall at Penn Center on St. Helena Island on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6 pm.  Please reserve your space for FREE on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981545850982?aff=oddtdtcreator

Gullah/Geechee CREATE Artwork Showcase
Participants will not only view but will also vote on the artwork that has been created by Gullah/Geechee artists that have upcycled marine debris into unique and outstanding pieces of art.  This event will take place at the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park’s Darrah Hall at Penn Center on St. Helena Island on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from Noon until 3 pm.  Please reserve your space for FREE and bring the family: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981544028531?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the Celebration

Residents and visitors are invited to participate in these events throughout March to celebrate Gullah/Geechee heritage and support the ongoing work of protecting the Sea Islands.

Event details and registration are available through the official Eventbrite collection:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/celebrate-march-in-the-gullahgeechee-nation-4810712

About the Save the Sea Islands Tour
The 30th Anniversary Save the Sea Islands Tour supports the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund and advances initiatives to preserve ancestral lands, protect sacred spaces, and expand cultural education rooted in authentic Gullah/Geechee heritage.