Disya Who WEBE!
- The Gullah/Geechees came together to declare themselves as a nation on July 2, 2000 with international observers and media present.
The Gullah/Geechee Nation exist from Jacksonville, NC to Jacksonville, FL. It encompasses all of the Sea Islands and thirty to thirty-five miles inland to the St. John’s River. On these islands, people from numerous African ethnic groups linked with indigenous Americans and created the unique Gullah language and traditions from which later came “Geechee.” The Gullah/Geechee people have been considered “a nation within a nation” from the time of chattel enslavement in the United States until they officially became an internationally recognized nation on July 2, 2000. At the time of their declaration as a nation, they confirmed the election of their first “head pun de boddee”-head of state and official spokesperson and queen mother. They elected Queen Quet, Chieftess and Head-of-State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation (www.QueenQuet.com).
Queen Quet is the first elected Chieftess and Head-of-State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
The Gullah/Geechee Nation can be reached at
Gullah/Geechee Nation Headquarters
Post Office Box 1109
St. Helena Island SC 29920
(843) 838-1171 or email GullGeeCo@aol.com
The Gullah/Geechee Nation Declaration states:
Mission
To preserve, protect, and promote our history, culture, language, and homeland and to institute and demand official recognition of the governance (minority) rights necessary to accomplish our mission to take care of our community through collective efforts which will provide a healthy environment, care for the well beings of each person, and economic empowerment.
Goals
As we are the authentic original Gullah/Geechee Nation with direct linkage to our ancestral legacy, we stand as custodians of Gullah/Geechee culture and protectors of our human rights. Henceforth, being the ONLY and TRUE keepers of the Gullah/ Geechee cultural legacy, upon us falls the responsibility to promote in an accurate and positive manner all aspects of Gullah/ Geechee culture by emanating knowledge and healing souls. This process is guided through the release of the full story of the foreparents of Gullah and Geechee ancestral souls and the wisdom of our elders.
WE intend to protect the development and construction of Gullah/Geechee culture through the establishment of appropriate institutions and law by the exercise of our human rights. Presently this is being achieved through and during conferences, workshops, festivals, and other celebrations of culture and the continuation of oral traditions, living history, crafts, skills, and reconnection to the soil. The establishment of this Constitution will guarantee the continuation by the exercise of our minority right to self-determination.
WE will link with organizations, other nations, and institutions that are contributing positively to the cultivation of our nation.insuring that those connections are carried out with dignity and honor.
In the tradition of our foreparents we will record in written form OURSTORY as a living testament to our Gullah/Geechee legacy. We will also broaden our continuum through the use of electronic and video and audio means of documentation. Through the exercise of our human rights, we will be the keepers of this material as we accept the responsibilities of defining ourselves and our ancestors.
WE will preserve, maintain, and reclaim ALL elements of our homeland which will FOREVER be our base of existence as we carry out these goals. With these goals in mind, Gullah/Geechee people take formal recognition of their nation and their human right to self-determination within the context of their minority governance rights, and thereby, the Gullah/Geechee Nation Wisdom Circle Council of Elders, by its hands, spirit and soul undertakes the task of creating and ratifying the first Constitution of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
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The Gullah/Geechee Nation Constitution is 21 pages long. It is the document of governing principles by which the Wisdom Circle Council of Elders and the Assembly of Representatives operated as the right and left hands of the Head-of-State.
Official flag of the Gullah/Geechee Nation
Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation educates about the meaning of the national flag of the Gullah/Geechee Nation:
In order to keep up with the latest information regarding the Gullah/Geechee Nation, please subscribe to our Gullah/Geechee Nation blog or click on the link below to access it, subscribe to our monthly international ezine “De Conch” by emailing the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at GullGeeCo@aol.com, watch Gullah/Geechee TV Nayshun Nyews and subscribe for FREE on YouTube, and tune in to Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio and subscribe for FREE on iTunes. All a disya gwine le hunnuh kno who webe fa tru an fa sho! Ef hunnuh wan buy Gullah/Geechee tings, den gwine ta de Gullah/Geechee Nation’s online store: www.gullahgeechee.ecwid.com or at www.gullahgeechee.biz fa support we!
I’m pretty pleased to uncover this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new information in your website.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “One who’s our friend is fond of us one who’s fond of us isn’t necessarily our friend.” by Geoffrey F. Albert.
Good blog! Thank you for your information shared.
Hi I just found your wonderful Website. I really liked reading your post. Thanks for your help!
I just found your website which is in itself sad. I was born and raised in New York City but spent most of my summers in South Carolina. My mother was born in Bamberg, S.C. and my father in Kingstree, S.C. My wife is from James island. In one of the black cemetaries on rte. 52 in S.C. I have seen tombstones of my ancestors dating back to the 1880s. I have purchased land in the area and plan to retire there.
Do you have any contacts for the purchase of land?
Peace!
We do not encourage Gullah/Geechees to sell their land at all! If you are Gullah/Geechee and are seeking to obtain land in the area, please email GullGeeCo@aol.com for guidance. There are too many real estate brokers on the coast already which is part of the displacement issue that we continue to face.
Peace,
Thank you so much for your response…………………..
This is quite an experience, in the Gullah/Geechee Corridor; as many of our People seem to be more interested in playing the lottery and engaging in a foreign culture everyday…These challenges can be overcome though……….
RE: GullGeeCo@aol.com
Would anyone have a cell number for this REAL ESTATE BROKER?
THANKS
RE: “There are too many real estate brokers on the coast already which is part of the displacement issue that we continue to face.”
This is an understatement………….real estate brokers are having a field day in the Gullah/Geechee Corridor.
Peace, Today I secured 2 acres……………Thanks
IGBO LANDING IN SAINT SIMON ISLAND IS A VERY SPIRITUAL PLACE……………AFTER LEAVING THE LANDING,
MY FIRST CONTACT AT THE GAS STATION WAS IBO’S ……………..
TO THE AFRICAN PIONEER RETURNING SOUTH:
USE THIS WEB SITE TO HELP YOU MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ON LAND PURCHASE:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/13253.html
ONLY THE AFRICAN WARRIORS CAN MAKE IT IN THE RURAL SOUTH!
BE PREPARED TO SURVIVE ALONE, UNTIL YOU MEET AN AFRICAN WOMAN (FUTURE WIFE),
THAT IS WILLING TO LIVE IN RURAL CONDITIONS!
CLEAR YOUR LAND, BUILD YOUR FENCE, PLANT YOUR SEEDS, BUY CHICKENS AND GOATS, AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!
IF ANYONE ON THIS JOURNEY NEEDS ANY ASSISTANCE, FEEL FREE TO CONNECT.
FORWARD
The mission burn Fiya. jah guide and protect.
Checking in from Rochester, NY and my birthplace of Andrews (Georgetown), SC. Peace and God Bless.
Born in Charleston. Would like to learn more about the island culture and plan a visit.
Peace!
You are in the right place to learn more about the culture! Also, go to http://www.gullahgeechee.biz for info about tours then email GullGeeCo@aol.com when you are ready to have one!
Alafia, Hotep; I come in Peace
Sending prayers to our Candace of St. Helena Island on American Island.
Sister Baset –
Cynthia Graham – Scotch Plains, NJ
Geechee in North, by way of Georgetown, SC
The choir was excellent. Sitting in my kitchen in NJ, feeling a little down today, scrolling through the net, and I guess I needed to a piece of home. When I began watching the MaIntosh Choir of GA, it too me back to the not summers in Georgetown, SC with my grandmother….oh family, I tell ya; it feel real good u kno. I feel wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwoooondeeerful no. Thank you for sharing….Geechee/Gullah in the north.
Hey there just stumbled upon your blog from Google after I typed in, ” Gullah/Geechee Nation” or something similar
(can’t quite remember exactly). Anyways, I’m delighted I found it because your subject material is exactly what I’m looking for (writing a university paper) and I hope you don’t mind if I gather some material from here and I
will of course credit you as the reference. Many
thanks.
Peace!
We are pleased that you are able to find information to assist you with learning more about our culture. Also, you should send direct questions to the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at GullGeeCo@aol.com. You can obtain books at http://www.gullahgeechee.biz.
Tenki tenki!
I love it and i love and honor being a geechee boy thanks again
Hunnuh welcum homeboy!
glad to find this blog as I just returned from Charleston, SC. was very aware of Gullah Geechee before now, but after visiting Charleston and Boone Hall plantation, I know much more. thank you for this great blog.
Tenki Tenki fa cumin!
We greatly appreciate you seeking out more information after your visit to our area! Thank you for subscribing and writing to us.
Hey Queen Quet I have a question. I’m from Florida but my family is from the Low country part of South Carolina. My grandmother is from Hampton Sc and I have have family in the Beaufort and Charleston area. But my question is Hampton county Sc apart of the Gullah Geechee area because I did my history and found out that it use to be apart of Beaufort County back in the 1800s.
Peace Rashad!
Yes, Hampton County is part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation!
I’. m a granddaughter of Sarah Coaxum, daughter of Charlie. I’ve been trying to find my way back to Lands End for a few years now. I went on line tonight and found the
August River festival . I have a daughter and 2 Grands I want to introduce to the culture. I’m looking forward to it.
Gladdee fa yeddi frum hunnuh Miss Helen!
The August festival is the “Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival™. http://www.gullahgeechee.info which will be here on St. Helena at the new library. The Woodlands Club River Festival is in Lands End Labor Day Weekend.
Have a safe trip home!
I would like to learn more about the language.
Peace!
What episodes of Gullah/Geechee TV with Queen Quet speaking and speaking about the language. http://www.gullahgeechee.tv Type in “Queen Quet National Press Club” in particular.
Also, read Lorenzo Dow Turner’s book, “Africanisms in the Gullah Dialect.” It was not clear yet that this was a language at the time that he wrote the book.
To Mary: The best work ever done on the Gullah language, by far, is, AFRICANISMS IN THE GULLAH DIALECT, by Dr. Lorenzo Dow Turner. Dr.Turner was an anthropologist/linquist working out of the university of Chicago in the 1940s. I’m sure his work has been uo dated but he is the authority of record.
Eternal thanks for sharing this invaluable historical informational connection.
I am a native of Savannah, Ga., and have lived in the Northeast since 1959. My family the Odums/Thomas, and McWhite’s originated from S.C. via Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Since age 3, my Grandmother Odum taught me songs which few understood but me due to my curiosity, which I have discovered were from the islands around the Savannah river, my first word was ‘gwine’ . I have embarked on an expanded educational journey to learn more about my relationship with the Gullah/Geechee Nation which has been in my families originally since the late-1800’s.. My mother is ’96’ and still lives in Savannah. I am involved with ethnic and cultural presentations and with much pride I include the colorful Gullah/Geechee in my musical presentation as I build my library of knowledge properly, le hunnuh kno!
I would like to know where to buy a Gullah/Geechee Nation Flag from.
They are currently out of stock, but are order through the Gullah/Geechee Angel Network http://www.gullahgeecheeangelnetwork.com.
Tenki tenki a de support!
I am so glad I found out about you because you are my people. I never understood what it meant to be called a geechee, but now I have a better idea. My dad was called geechee and I have been called geechee. Not sure why, but makes no difference to me. Delighted to see my people take on the mantle of nationhood. Congratulations. Peace, light and love to one and all.
Gawd bless hunnuh journee!
I am the happiest man today after reading about the Gullah Geechie Nation. I have been developing a stroy which I have stageg at British Council and Miata Conference Hall in Freetown, Sierra Loene. Title: The Cry of Mama Salone-(Udat 4 Blame?). this story has to do with the Rice and Mosquito Connection-Henry Lawrence and Richard Huswall. I am developing it now as a movie which I have the intension to produce. contact me on:+23276362631/+23288726063
Peace!
Gladdee fa yeddi frum hunnuh. We won’t be calling. However, you can email GullGeeCo@aol.com with more details about your project.
Hello! I am from Ohio, but for some reason, South Carolina just feels like home to me. So, I enjoy reading (when I have time! I’m a full time nursing student!) books where the stories are set in the area. Through the writing of Mary Alice Munroe, I learned of the existence of the Gullah/Geechee people. I would like to learn more about the Gullah/Geechee culture vs. developers/the real estate market. I am writing a paper for my Composition class and we can either do an argumentative essay or an educational essay. I am choosing an educational essay because I can’t justify arguing both sides of the issue of Gullah/Geechee Nation vs. Development! I am strongly ANTI-development!!! We do not need more hotels, condos or whatever else these developers envision at the loss of natural resources and communities like yours! I feel that the loss of any rich culture such as your culture MUST be prevented! There is so little culture in this country, if you take me for example…French, Scottish, German? I don’t even know! What kind of culture is there in that? I can tell you, it is rather sad to feel rootless. Can you recommend any resources where I can learn more about this issue? Any suggestions on how I can write a paper that respectfully represents the Gullah/Geechee Nation? What you think people should know? Thank you!
Hello! I am from Ohio, but for some reason, South Carolina just feels like home to me. So, I enjoy reading (when I have time! I’m a full time nursing student!) books where the stories are set in the area. Through the writing of Mary Alice Munroe, I learned of the existence of the Gullah/Geechee people. I would like to learn more about the Gullah/Geechee culture vs. developers/the real estate market. I am writing a paper for my Composition class and we can either do an argumentative essay or an educational essay. I am choosing an educational essay because I can’t justify arguing both sides of the issue of Gullah/Geechee Nation vs. Development! I am strongly ANTI-development!!! We do not need more hotels, condos or whatever else these developers envision at the loss of natural resources and communities like yours! I feel that the loss of any rich culture such as your culture MUST be prevented! There is so little culture in this country, if you take me for example…French, Scottish, German? I don’t even know! What kind of culture is there in that? I can tell you, it is rather sad to feel rootless. Can you recommend any resources where I can learn more about this issue? Any suggestions on how I can write a paper that respectfully represents the Gullah/Geechee Nation? What you think people should know? Thank you!
Peace!
You should put together a series of questions and email them to the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition (www.gullahgeechee.net) which is the premiere organization for Gullah/Geechee culture and it has been advocating against destructionment since it began. That is going to be your best source for getting detailed info on what has happened thus far to actual slow this destructionment process and keep our culture alive.
Tenki tenki fa writin!
Thank you so much for the prompt response! I shall work on the questions and send them shortly! I appreciate your help!
I actually had the honor of visiting Daufuskie Island in 1999. I learned about the Gullah/Geechee Nation at that time, truly inspiring. I bought the documentary “Family Across the Sea” a movie and books, that I share with my friends, relatives and other people who respect your Nation. I’m so happy that you were able to declare yourselves a nation in 2000. I often talk about my experiences while visiting the Sea Islands; they have made a spiritual impact on my life!
Tenki tenki fa de continued support!
Please make sure that you watch more recent footage of what is taking place here and share this with family and friends as well. Subscribe to http://www.gullahgeechee.tv or go to Gullah/Geechee TV on YouTube. At our AMPTurnItUp Channel on YouTube, you will find the film, “The Will to Survive: The Story of the Gullah/Geechee Nation” and other documentaries and clips from them as well.
Peace and blessings!
I did some research a while back on your nation. I was teaching a large church about how you came about, and how your society works together. It was amazing to see everyone’s eyes light up when I was talking, because 95% of them had no idea such a place existed. I did, and had always loved the low country. It reminded me of the eastern shore of Maryland, my home state. I especially loved the food and the social nature of food in your nation. Thanks for being a very special group to me. Can’t wait to visit the next time I am down south. Much love to all!
Tenki tenki fa de love an fa de sharin!
Hello,
My I am originally from New Jersey, but have lived in California for 23 years, & relocated to the Atlanta area in 2008. For much of my life I have heard my mother & aunt mention that we were “geechee.” I didn’t know what this meant. The only reference I ever heard of this was in the movie Uptown Saturday Night, where they were looking for “Geechee Dan” played by Harry Belafonte. Well, my mother is from Dillon, South Carolina & we also have family in Jacksonville, North Carolina & other parts of both states. I really would like to embrace this culture, if it is my true culture which I believe it to be. I have watched the videos on Youtube & would very much like to pass this down this heritage to my children as well. My mom was born in the 1930 & has since passed in 2000, & my aunt as well. We have few living relatives that were born & raised in the corridor. What do you suggest? Thank you for your time. I would love to visit the island as well.
Peace Ms. Bostick!
Do some genealogy on the family and see where they were prior to the Civil War. If they were on this coast and of African descent, then most likely, you are Gullah/Geechee. Start with the birth places of your mother’s parents and go back as far as you can using birth and death records for family members.
There are numerous islands in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. The corridor runs through the Gullah/Geechee Nation. If you stay tuned to the events posted here by subscribing to this blog, that will give you some ideas of where to visit. However, you need to begin with going to the places that you have already mentioned and try to reconnect with your family that is likely to still be there.
Peace and blessings on your journey!
Thank you.
We recognize the Gullah/Geechee Nation from Pawleys Island South Carolina to Savannah Georgia.
Tenki Tenki Brudren!
Hunnuh kno sey wedda de oda res wan recognize or not, we Gullah/Geechee Nation gwine from Jacksonville ta Jacksonville!
Hunnuh welcum!
beautiful site.I live in NEW YORK.although growing up I was, told my grandfather Isaac Major was born in Sumpter,SC and was a geechee and cherokee.Unfortunately he died in 1977. I was only 3 at that time.most of the family he left behind in the south lost touch with my mother,aunts,and uncles.I am trrying to trace my roots.and finding the Gullah Geechee would be a good start.Idont know if Gullah keeps records of all family in it.I would really appreciate any help Gullah can give me and my family.thank you, peace,love and blessings to all GULLAH people
Tenki Tenki fa cumin by!
Although Sumter is outside of the boundaries of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and is inland SC, there are many Gullah/Geechees that migrated there. Begin with the birth and death certificates of your grandfather and located the birth places of his parents. The counties that they are born in will begin to be critical elements in tracing your family lineage. Trace backward to through the family for birth locations and see if any of them bring you to the coastal area.
If you end up needing professional help in this process, check with Family Tyes of Georgetown, SC. We pray that you fully reconnect to your family and their story.
My late husband’s father was Geechee from Sumpter. His father’s parents’ names were Eretta and Walter Young. Other family names that we know of were Alford and Ausmus (or Ainsworth). If you have any related names, we can compare notes. I also have a photo of Eretta and Walter that I would be happy to share. I’m also trying to find out more about that side of the family.
Peace!
Sumter is actually outside of the boundaries of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Did your family migrate to that area from another location? Many references to “Geechee” are not meant in the context of the actual ethnic group.
I am requesting, on behalf of the African American History Ministry of New Birth Baptist Church in Miami, information concerning Gullah/Geechee festivals and celebrations in 2014. We want to come and visit and participate. Thank you in advance.
Peace!
We look forward to hosting your ministry. Please email GullGeeCo@aol.com in order to be added to our database of events and to let the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition know when you would like to come. They host “De Gullah Root Experience Tour” and workshops for groups.
We have events all year every year and you can learn about them all by subscribing for free here and becoming a Gullah/Geechee Nation Facebook fan or following @GullahGeechee on Twitter as well.
Peace and blessings!
Ms. Chukwurah, please make sure to check the link for our events. We have posted some of the initial ones for this year so you can begin organizing your group. http://www.gullahgeechee.info has the info for our international festival for this year. We also have our Coastal Cultures Conference in March prior to that festival. Email GullGeeCo@aol.com for assistance with group planning for tours and discounts. See hunnuh ya soon!
I was so delighted to find this site. My family is North Carolinian back to the 1700s. We range from Black, White, and mixed to every degree imaginable. ;). I’m very proud of my family’s heritage. We have traced our lineage to Nigeria, Norway,The former Belgian Congo,Belgium and South Africa. I will continue to follow this site with great anticipation and hope that God and the people of this Nation will grant the Gullah/Geechee their God given right of sovereignty.
Tenki tenki fa de support, Mr. Mullis!
Happy Heritage Day to The Gullah/Geechee Nation!!!
Chief Nii Arde Anum 1
Tenki Tenki Chief Nii Arde Anum 1!
My family is from Arcadia in Georgetown,SC but our family history goes back farther than the namesake. My family has lived & died on that land. My grandparents & their parents are buried there. It’s so much history there & I’m proud of where my bloodline began. Peace to you & everyone who has made this site possible.
Peace Brudda Nelson!
Gladdee fa yeddi frum hunnuh! Always good ta hear frum mo a de Gullah/Geechee famlee!
We gwine Georgetown wid we fess een 2014. Hunnuh need fa cum be paat de “Gullah/Geechee Famlee Day!” Gwine ta http://www.gullahgeechee.info
I am fascinated by Gullah/Geechee nation. I will be visiting next year.
We hope you are going to support some of the events Mary Ann. Look fawad ta seein hunnuh ya!
My Great-grandmother was Geechee and I have always been interested in knowing more about that part of my heritage. Before she died, someone asked my grandmother to ask my great-grandmother if she was Highland or Lowland Geechee and she responded “Highland” with a smile. My grandmother was surprised because she hadn’t heard of highland or lowland Geechee before. I hope my entire family can come out to the island and learn more one day. Thank you for this website. 🙂
Hunnuh welcum!
Gullah/Geechees are in the “Lowcountry” and that is probably what Grandma was letting this person know! 🙂
Correction. My Great-grandma said “lowland”…so I assume that means “lowcountry”. In any case, I’m sure neither of those terms originate in Geechee language, though. What would someone directly immersed in Geechee culture call his/her locale?
Hi, my name is Sheila. My father’s people were from Ridgeland, South Carolina, so I know I’m of geechee heritage. I remember taking a boat from Charleston over to one of the islands with my grandmother to visit relatives. I don’t remember which one, I know their last names would be Hicks or Habersham. Do you have any information on people with these last names? Looking to reunite with family members and find out more about my ancestors.
Peace Sister Sheila!
The islands of Charleston have been connected by bridges to the downtown peninsula for many years now. In addition, Habershams are in Phillips Community in the Town of Mt. Pleasant which is in Charleston County. Is it possible that you all simply took a boat ride from downtown to Mt. Pleasant in whatever year it was? We pray that this helps.
More than anything, check with the main library in downtown Charleston on Calhoun Street for records in the South Carolina room and you may be able to find more about your family and family history in that county.
Peace on your journey of reconnection!
Hello, my name is Sheryl and I am new to this site. I am so glad I found it. I know I am gullah/geechee. My father’s family is from Society Hill SC. I am dark skin, with a straight nose and thin lips. Many times I have been stopped by Senegalese people speaking french to me because they think I was born there. Whenever, my mom was mad at my dad, she would call him a geechee and she said his people talked funny. I would like to reconnect with my gullah roots by learning the language and customs. Where should I start?
Peace Sheryl!
Start by coming home! We gladdee fa yeddi frum hunnuh!
Next. begin checking out Gullah/Geechee TV at http://www.gullahgeechee.tv and Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee or subscribing to the Podcast on iTunes for FREE. The links to both of these are at the top of our site here. We also suggest attending the Gullah/Geechee Reunion Day at our international festival that moves from location to location each year. Go to http://www.gullahgeechee.info for details.
We are also on Facebook at “Gullah/Geechee Nation” and Twitter @GullahGeechee daily posting educational information about our culture and events where you can reconnect with your people. We gwine look fa see hunnuh at sumting een 2014 ya!
Gawd bless hunnuh an de famlee!
PS Sengal is one of the countries that our ancestors are from. Purchase the book, “The Legacy of Ibo Landing: Gullah Roots of African American Culture” to learn more about the overall ancestry and our traditions. Go to http://www.gullahgeechee.biz.
Wow tenki tenki for the wealth of info. I plan to attend the Gullah/Geechee in 2014. I cannot wait to reconnect with my people. Jah Bless
Good Evening Sister Sheryl,
I would be glad to share with you my many
experiences, since moving to the deep south.
Let me know how you wish to communicate?
I prefer to talk; ie we can share emails and proceed
from there.
Peace,
Al
Hello Al, thank you for responding to me. We can communicate by email or phone. My email is sheryl_sellers@live.com and phone is 301.270.2970. I look forward to hearing from you.
I’m 23 now and was Born and raised in Minnesota and since I was about 10 I’ve had a fascination with the Gullah/geechee culture. I admire the culture for your connection to your roots. Being from mn we have a lack of knowledge pertaining to our roots and I just wanted to tell someone how much I’ve enjoyed this site and learning more about your culture
Tenki Tenki fa disya! Gladdee hunnuh ya! Please make sure to subscribe by clicking “Follow.”
Keep this going please, great job!
So glad to have found this site. I watched a movie call “Locka Wanna Blues” where they described a young man as a “yellow Geechee man” I asked so many people Black and White what a Geechee man was but nobody knew. I even tried to Google it but had the spelling wrong. Always glad to learn about American history.
We will have to rewatch that to see that scene and here that line. We do not recall them referring to us and our culture in that movie, but we do own it and will check into it.
Glad that you finally found the answer from the source. Tenki Tenki fa seekin de trut ya!
Very interesting page. Each one teach one! i have a friend in SC and this moring on her way to work she spoke about this subject matter so now i am researching more. I was born in Birminham AL and my mom talks about my great grandmother and her Geechee roots.
#NewYorkCityhappytobelivinghistory
Wonderful discovery am loving it. It’s very educating and rich in substance.
I am 39 years old. My family is very small on my mothers side. My family migrated to the north generations ago. My mother always said we were geechee negros from the south. Our last name was changed because of a situation in the south that led us here. I was always proud to say i was a geechee because i know my past and where i came from. A great strong culture that i am proud to say “i am a descendant of geechees” power to my people!
Hi. I was born and raised in Macon, Ga. There was a neighborhood there called Tybee. My people on my mother’s side of the family hailed from Wilkinson County, which is just outside of Macon. I remember my grandmother saying that her great-grandmother was geechee and had a distinctive way of speaking. Does that mean I can rightfully claim gullah/geechee as my heritage ? I can BARELY speak the dialect, but I always feel ‘at home’ when
I’m in Savannah or over in Georgetown, S.C.
Peace Alan!
Speaking or not speaking the language fluently is not the determinant for whether or not you are Gullah/Geechee. However, geographic origin or your ancestors is a step in the right direction.
We are confused by the statement about Tybee. Were the people in a section of Macon from Tybee Island and renamed the area to match that or did the area have that name for another reason? If you can find the history of that area, you may get lead back to the Georgia coast.
Tenki tenki fa writin wi pun ya!
hotep and peace, queen quet! checking to see if moncks corner would have been a gullah/geechee site? found out my great grandparents were from there…. also, have been attempting to connect with you by email to arrange a visit. hope you get this correspondence. blessed peace…… belit
Peace!
Yes, Moncks Corner is in the Gullah/Geechee Nation fa sho!
Contact Queen Quet’s office at GullGeeCo@aol.com.
hello…i was born in Charleston and now live in the Virgin Islands we have a variety of mixed heritage black white scottish jamaican and I will be in Charleston again with my daughter and would like to go back to visit the wondeful Gullah people from when I was young and in sea island and daufuskie.. What events or activities do you have and where that we can attend April 11thru 14 2014 thank you for your help. This is a wonderful site and I am glad to have found you all.
Ma pipol how una(hunnuh) dey? This means “How are you my people”
I am from Nigeria in West Africa and I am a native speaker of Nigerian creole; which sounds a lot like Gullah. I am amazed at the similarity!
“Fo where una(hunnuh) decend?” Meaning “Where do you (actually) come from?
You can see from the meaning of the translations that Gullah and Nigerian Pidgin/Krio are very similar.
I am so happy that I found this site
“I dey tink am say una(hunnuh) bi ma brudren” Meaning “I feel you are my brethrens”
“Tenki, I dey wait una repli” Meaning “Thanks, I await your reply” cheers.
I just noticed another similarity between, the two languages; in Gullah I reckon “Disya who webe” means “This is who we are?” In Nigerian creole we would say “Dis na wu(who) webe” meanig the same thing!
I have a lot of respect for Gullah people it seems you were taken from Africa, but you didn’t let go of your African roots! Respect.
Peace!
Hunnuh na hafa translate fa wi. Wi unstan win hunnuh da crak hunnuh teet. Disya da famlee! Plenee a wi ancesta cum frum Nigeria!
Gladdee hunnuh dey ya wid wi!
The more I read on this blog, the more I get happy, excited and want to cry. It’s so awesome when we connect because history has caused us to be so disjointed. I get tickled when I see the Gullah/Geechee language and I can read it and understand it. I just got the shivers. 🙂
So happy to find this site. Next week I will be visiting St. Helena and I just wanted to know if I have to be with a tour guide to visit with the gullah people. I just want to visit some sites talk to some people and eat some traditional Gullah food. Is there a specific area that I need to go to our is there a tour guide you can recommend.?
Peace!
If you are traveling solo, we recommend Rev’s Tours. Also, go to Gullah Grub for some food. It is best to have a guide when on the island, but Gullah/Geechees are everywhere! Disya da we islandt!
Have a safe trip!
Hi, Queen Quet. I had wrote you a letter in 1996 about a article about you. I still have it. I had show it to my mon. who said, I know this. My family on my mother side comes from the islands around Savannah area. My grandfather work in the Savannah shipyard 1930s. He would cross the bridge or Vidox that what my mom call it to visit relatives on the Islands. He spoke Geechee. It was by the grace of Jah that I came across that article. My grandfather move his family to Cochran, Georgia which I have family there. He took a job in the Longbeach Naval shipyard in Longbeach, California just before WWII. My Great,Great,Grandfather was a sharecroper after the civil war. My Uncle told me about Geechee talk. My family name on my Mom side is Veal. I have been trying to find that bridge. My mom was a little girl when she would go over to the island with grandfather to see relatives. We lost my uncle and aunt who was her older brother and sister not to long ago. I have had these feeling since I was little about my family and where did we come from. I very strong feelings everytime I watch your shows and when I see the people islands and cultures. I know the spritual songs because I have been hearing these songs from my mom since I was little and now I am 54. So I have to find out. Any help I will be truly greatful. I would like to come to the event in August to met yal. Thank you for your gift to us for all the work you have done. I hope you did get my letter back than. Because I really wanted to talk to you.
Thank You, Love.Peace, and Respect.
Roger & Dahlia Higginbotham
Gawd Bless Hunnuh!
Mek sho hunnuh dey ta de reunion een August fa sho! Bring the article with you or send it to GullGeeCo@aol.com.
Gladdee hunnuh enjoyin de sho an info fa tru!
Peace!
Peace!
Please make sure to get your tickets for the Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival™ in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gullahgeechee-nation-international-music-movement-festivaltm-2013-tickets-6998363293 Additional info for Friday is at http://www.gullahgeechee.info for tickets to the baseball game. De Gullah Root Experience Tour of St. Helena Island is happening on July 30th. If you want to register for that too, send email to GullGeeCo@aol.com. Queen Quet gwine dey dey fa all a disya!
HELLO ALL! BORN AND RAISED ON WADMALAW ISLAND. I AM SOOO PLEASED TO SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE EMBRACING THE GULLAH LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE. I REMEMBER GROWING UP AND OTHERS VIEWED THE WAY WE SPEAK AS BEING “UNEDUCATED & IGNORANT”. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF MY CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND I DON’T WANT TO EVER BE TOO “AMERICANIZED” AND GET AWAY FROM THE TEACHINGS AND CULTURE OF MY PEOPLE. SINCE THE PASSINGS OF MY GRANDPARENTS, I DON’T GET TO HEAR MUCH OF THE LANGUAGE. I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO ALL OF THE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS TO STAY IN CONNECTION WITH MY PEOPLE.
Gladdee hunnuh dey ya wid we fam!
I’m from Swainsboro, GA and have been told we are Geechee, but isn’t the town too far inland to qualify? I do know that I code switch when I’m not comfortable speaking my natural way.
Peace!
Yes, the town is too far inland to be a part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. However, you need to research ancestry and insure where your great grandparents, etc. may have been from. They could have migrated. Also, Gullah is a specific language. Some people just consider folks with an accent to be “Geechee” and that is not the same thing.