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!
Hello, I don’t know alot about my family roots. But my great, great grandfather was from South Carolina and they always called him a geeche. His full name was Sammy Mack . Is that last name common?
Peace!
There is a Mack Family on St. Helena Island. You should check and see if they are kin to you.
What you said brought tears to my eyes.. Just curious Nelson is also included in the Macks as well. How about Nelson is that last name common? And also Little.. I really want to trace my family history all the back to Africa but I know it’s pointless…
Peace Sister Mack!
There Nelson name is one on St. Helena through marriage. We are not familiar with the name Little on the coast. However, come to the symposium and see how you can connect to your people.
What about Wadmalaw island? Is that considered a geechie area?
Wadamalaw is DEFINITELY part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation!
Hi I Am from Jacksonville, Florida and I want to know are there any Byrd or Newman apart of Gullah/geechee
Peace!
These are not common names throughout the Gullah/Geechee Nation, but they could be surnames in the area. If you are seeking to know more about your roots, you should register and attend our “Researching Gullah/Geechee Roots Symposium” next month. Here is a link:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/researching-gullahgeechee-roots-heritage-days-celebration-symposium-tickets-18521012848
Good morning,
My family doesnt talk about our roots much but I know my maternal grandparents are from Low Country. Are the names Alexander or Anderson common in the area?
Peace!
Those last names are not common here. You need to find out exactly what state and counties they are from.
My paternal grandmother always told us tales about herself growing up as Gullah/geechee in South Carolina (Sea Island). Does the last name “Lewis” sound familiar in that area?
Peace!
Lewis we hear in NC and not so much in SC along the coast.
Greetings, my mother’s people are from South Carolina and were referred to as Upland Geechee. One Uncle, whose last name was Sligh,was born in Charlestonia,as he called it, and often talked about the customs and Geechee / Gullah ways. Can you kindly tell me if the name Sligh is a common one amongst the Gullah/Geechee folk?
Peace!
That means that he was from “Upcountry, SC” and is not Gullah/Geechee. However, people were likely using the term “Geechee” in a derogatory way.
Also, that surname is not common in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Do some research on the family at the SC Department of Archives and History in Columbia. You will probably easily find records since that is not a common name.
is hayes a common name there
No, it is not.
Peace family,
I’ve been attempting to reconnect my severed lineage to African, but my family doesn’t (wasn’t afforded) speak on ties dating back to the early 20th century.
My family names are Whitehurst and Crichlow, do either of those names have any historicity
with-in the Gullah Nation?
Thanks and Blessings fam
Peace family,
The surname Whitehurst or Crichlow have any historicity with-in your nation?
Thanks and blessings
Peace!
These are not familiar surnames here. However, if you are going to be in SC this week and can attend, we do recommend that you come to our “Researching Gullah/Geechee Roots Symposium:” http://www.eventbrite.com/e/researching-gullahgeechee-roots-heritage-days-celebration-symposium-tickets-18521012848?aff=erellivsim
We pray that you do reconnect with your lineage.
Do you know any Commodores? Please reply any thing you might know about them.
I too was told by my mother who is now 85 years old that my grandfather was a Geeche. The original spelling on the family name was Blunt. My mom told me that my great grandparents left their older adult children in South Carolina and brought my grand father and a few siblings to florida. I would like to know if the name Blunt is one in the land today or if it was there in the past.
I am trying to find my whole self.
Thank you for your time.
Peace!
Have you simply researched South Carolina areas named “Blunt”? Check with the SC Department of Archives and History in Columbia, SC.
This is my second time contacting you.
I am searching the SC archives, but in the mean time I would like to know if
Buffit County SC is in Gullahgeechee land.
I found this on my moms birth certificate as the place where my grandfather was born.
Thank you.
That is likely an incorrect spelling of “Beaufort County, SC.” This happened a great deal on written documentation.
Yes, you are correct. So is this county part of the Gullahgeechee land.
I do plan on attending some of your events if it is.
May still come even if it’s not.
With the correct spelling, would this county be in Gullahgeechee land?
I plan on visiting with my family, but need to know this information first.
Please forgive me for so many questions. I just need to know because if it is I will have completed my grandfathers side of the family tree.
Thank up so much.
Yes, Beaufort County is part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Hello doin further research… I found a slave being bout by the city Savannah. then seemingly sold to a Liptrot family in Burke County. does that show up in your records at all?
it seems he was bout from a M. Slaighter straight from the ship. possibly The Wanderer.
We do not know of a “Burke” county, but there is “Berkeley County, SC.” You need to check records at Savannah Library and historical society regarding Liptrot to see if you find anything further.
Hello,
I am so humbled and inspired by your work. Thank you!!
I have just learned that my Great Great Grandmother Cornelia Hamilton was born in 1860 on St. Helena Island. Hamilton was her married name, we believe her maiden name was Wright (but we are not totally sure of that). We know that she was married to Reverand Abram Hamilton and that she passed in 1930.
Do you have any record of our Great Great Grandma?
Blessings and appreciation.
Peace!
We recommend you check with the SC Department of Archives and History in Columbia, SC for records that may contain her name if you have lost contact with relatives on St. Helena Island. The relatives are the best resource.
My family carries some gullah traditions in regard to root work. However we are traced back to the slaves of St. Catherine’s island which is off of Georgia. Ive always understood us to be Gullah, but based on this site I need to do more research.
Peace!
St. Catherine’s is in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. The people of African descent in that area are predominately Gullah/Geechee.
IS THE BATTLE FAMILY ORIGINALY FROM, NC NOW MOSTLY IN RICHMOND VA. WE SEEM VERY SIMILR TO THE GEECHEE PEOPLE. IS THERE ANY CONNECTION
Peace!
That surname is not common in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. There may simply be similar African traits. Not all people of African descent in the Carolinas are Gullah/Geechee.
Peace!
My maternal family’s oral history says my great great grandmother was owned by and enslaved on a Sanders plantation. Through research, I found out that it was common that slave owners from that area would migrate to the town that I’m from (York, SC) during the summer months. I would assume that they would’ve brought some of their slaves with them. I can’t find any reference of a Sanders plantation in this local area… Is there a Sanders plantation in the local Charleston area?
Sanders Plantation is not one in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Keep in mind that York, SC is also not in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Plantation owners on the coast were not generally the same ones that were as far inland as York. So, it would be best for you to search in the midlands and upcountry for the area that you are seeking. Your family is most likely not Gullah/Geechee being from York. Check with the SC Department of Archives and History for records of the York Plantation as well as the birth and death records of people in your family.
My family is from Goose Creek and North Charleston, SC most have moved away my grandmother moved to NYC when my father was a baby. I believe that is the Low Country. I had an uncle who passed and he sounded like he was from the Caribbean and was very hard to understand. I was very young then and didn’t pay any attention to it. Recently I have been very interested in the history of my family and the area. Is Goose Creek and North Charleston a place Gullah Geechee people are from ?
Peace!
It sounds like your uncle spoke Gullah or Geechee or both. Yes, Goose Creek and North Charleston are both part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Gwine ta http://www.gullahgeecheenation.com fa see de map.
What is the difference between Gullah and Geechee languages?
My great grandfather name was Albert Knight from South Carolina but I don’t what part is Knight a surname in Gullah. I’m also from the Temne tribe
Peace!
We haven’t met too many folks with the last name “Knight” in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. If you can locate some birth and death records of the oldest folks of your family, check for the counties where they were born.
Melvin Turner, Gullah is the language and Geechee is a dialect of the Gullah language or the pidgin of the language. Make sure to go to http://www.gullahgeechee.tv on YouTube and see the series of videos on our language.
Thanks for the response! My Ancestors from South Carolina spoke Geechee! I have always admired the way they spoke!
Hello. My mother always told me that my great grandfather was Geechee. Much of my family history was slightly unknown til most recently 1 family members applied for and ancestry report. My great grandfather was boring in Savannah Georgia during the 1860s. He bared the last name of Mitchell which was also the same as his mother and father. Is Mitchell a common name?
Peace!
Mitchell is not a common name per se. However, you should see if you family has a link to Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island, SC here in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Check with the Heritage Library on Hilton Head for genealogical resources in this regard.
My Grand Father’s name was George Williams he lived in Lafette
Louisiana he was a GeeChee. He was my mother’s father my Mother roots start in Camden Ark…
My Grandfather’s name was George Williams he was GullahGeechee does that name have any relatives…
Peace!
There are numerous Williams’ Families here along the SC coast.
my name is Diana Johnson. My father left South Carolina years ago. He is a Geechie. matter of fact that is his nickname. his real name was William Johnson. Lots of them whew!am its hard to find him. His parents name were Sara Jorden and Benjamin Johnson. I guess Jorden was her maiden name. He left in early 1940s, He claims he was the only child but he never went back and told me various lies with some of the truth. Please help me connect to them I feel I have been cheated out of my heritage and I am completly innocent. im older and more sick these days but i need to do this for i have been at it all my life.. hit me up on facebook, dianajhnsnchoc@aol.com. please explain i dont open lots of email. thanks
Peace!
Do you know what part of South Carolina he left? If so, we recommend that you contact the Department of Archives and History in Columbia, SC and seek out the birth and death records for family members with that same surname. However, with such a common surname, it is going to be difficult without specific names of other family members. We pray the lies are not in the names.
My name is Danielle A. Smalls .I am the granddaughter of Alan Moultrie Smalls and Josephine Smalls of Charleston, SC. I grew up knowing I was of geechee culture by my grandmother. Please email me and let me know how I can support the nation as well as reunions and festivals.
Peace Sistah Smalls!
Tenki tenki fa de support! Continue to follow this blog for postings of the numerous events including our international festival when the Gullah/Geechee Reunion takes place (www.gullahgeechee.info). In addition, read De Conch each month. Here is the link to the latest edition: http://issuu.com/gullahgeecheenation/docs/de_conch_january_2016_edition which will provide you additional info on coming events. Also, please join the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition (www.gullahgeechee.net). See hunnuh soon ya!
Are there any Medlock ‘s from Georgia among you?
The prayer of the African Spirit is almost identical to the opening chapter in the Koran.
Peace!
De African Spirit is practices Islam.
We are not aware of any Medlocks throughout the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Is Ware a common surname?
Peace!
No Ware is not a common surname in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. We have seen this name in the deep south though.
I live in Beaufort, SC and am hoping to find someone in the local Gullah community who is experienced with folk remedies (specifically I am looking to cure a wart on my daughter’s foot). Do you have any idea how I might could locate someone in the area? It’s not like I can look up a folk healer in the yellow pages! Thank you!
Peace Melissa!
Aren’t you associated with elders from the island? If so, speak with them. We cannot post such folks info to you online for the same reasons they are not in the yellow pages and more.
Is Short a common surname in Gullah? My grandfather’s name was Harry Short and he referred to himself as Geechee.
Peace Terry!
That is not a common Gullah/Geechee surname, but it is known in inland areas of GA we have found.
Hello. I know you get these comments all the time but I am in the process of doing my family tree. I don’t know much; however, my mother and great-uncle have mentioned that either on my great grandmother or great grandfather were Geechee. Is Booker a surname of the Geechee?
Peace!
Booker is not a common surname in the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Peace are the names clark,wilford ,gines within the gullah geechee
Peace!
Those are not common surnames here.
Peace.
My last name is Ohree. My great grandfather changed the spelling once he left South Carolina, but our last name was originally spelled Horry.
My family has done research and we know that Ben Horry is one of our ancestors – Ben and his father worked on the rice plantation.
I’m wondering if we’re a part of the Gullah family. Are there any Horry/Ohree/Oree that are apart of the Gullah nation? Any information you can offer is helpful. Thank you.
My
Peace!
That last name is not heard usually here. However, Horry County, SC is a part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. If your family roots are linked there, it would make sense.
Hello,
I just saw the documentary on Facebook. My dad is from South Carolina . . . Gregory Goodine. Born in Sumter, raised in Manning. His maternal grandfather was Nathaniel Pearson. The last time we visited South Carolina, I was 17 years old (now 33), we drove to Charleston to check out what became of the old slave quarters: outdoor flea markets. In one of the flea market sections, I saw a “Book of Names” chained to an old wooden podium. In the Book of Names, I saw the following: “Goodine . . . . . 14.”
Are there any Goodines or Pearsons within the Gullah Geechee lineage?
Peace!
There are several people with Goodine in census records. Some of incorrect spellings of other last names and some are people with that name officially. Manning is a Gullah/Geechee town.
Peace Queen!
I am Char Singleton. The grand daughter of Alice and John Singleton, whose mother was Mabel Singleton of Wadamalaw Island. Thank you for helping to preserve the culture. Is there a Gullah folk school where descendants can come learn and experience the culture that we’ve been disconnected from?
Peace Char!
The “Gullah folk school” is the traditional Gullah/Geechee community! You have to live the traditions! Folks on your home island still do! Gwine bak ya!
Peace,
Queen Quet
Hi,
I have been curious about my families roots for years now. I was told by my granfather that his father was Geeche and his mother was a Choctaw. Most of the family from his side still remain and reside in South Carolina, mostly Greenville. My great great grandfathers name was Joseph Van Norton. Is this a common name.
Peace Ms. Jackson!
Choctaw are Native or indigenous Americans. They are not the same as Gullah/Geechees. The surname is not one that we find amongst Gullah/Geechees either. You may want to check into this further at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History in Columbia to find out more details about the family. Greenville is not part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and it makes sense that there would be Choctaw there. They were probably using “Geechee” in the way that many did that has nothing to actually do with the ethnicity.
Peace and Blessings
I’ve been researching the Gullah/Geechee history, for a couple of years off &
on. Before I pose repetitive questions, I see and I’m glad there is a Gullah school.
I plan to attend this year festival and I’m excited.
My father’s family are from Monks Corner, Goose Creek, Alvin, North&South Charleston.
The last names are McClennon, Cole, Jones and Prioleau’. Are these name familiar within the Nation?
What about Rouse?
WE haven’t come across that name within the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Hello the good people of Gullah’s communities as an African Americans i want to if there is any relationship your tribe share with Fulani’s that is fulbe
Peace!
Please obtain the book, “The Legacy of Ibo Landing: Gullah Roots of African American Culture” in order to get a listing of the ethnic groups of Africa that make up ours. Gwine ta http://www.gullahgeechee.biz ya.
Can you answer my question?
Pauletta McClenan
Thx
Hi:
I am trying to trace my mother’s roots. My mom recently passed at the age of 87. I never really got to know any family from the south. I only know from my mom that she was born in Wampee, SC. We had gone there back in the 1980s to obtain a birth certificate, but could not find one. Places my mother had limited info about was Hilton Head, SC, Columbia, SC and that my grandmother moved to North Carolina. I have a few family members left in Whiteville, NC. My grandmother’s name was Lena Ford and my grandfather was James Hemmingway. I also recall the Lennon name being used later, but don’t know where this name originated either. Does any of these names exist in your group?
Peace!
It appears that your family was from inland and not from the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Check for the surname at the Department of Archives and History in Columbia, SC and also check for the existence of a historical society in the county where Whiteville, NC is located. They may have records on Hemmingway.
Just a follow up on the names Ford and Lennon since you did not comment on them.
Ford and Bowman are not common here either. There are a limited amount of Fords. There is a SC town named Bowman and that may be a lead for you as well.
So glad there is u. Go on QUEEN. Keep our nation together. Yeah the young ones. Recruit some birth right outsiders the importance of this nation. Go webe pursuit LI dem da injun.
Thank you. Is Pinckney, major, Darby, or Jefferson am island name.
I think you’re doing a wonderful job. I will come down in July to visit one of your seminars. Good luck and GOD bless your JOURNEY.
Linda
Peace!
All of the surnames that you mentioned are surnames in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. We have only heard of Darby in Charleston, SC area though. The others are more widespread.
Tenki tenki fa hunnuh support.
Hi I was wondering if there is the sir name Charles on the land r in the history
Peace!
The Charles surname is not common in the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Hi, I’m originally from Hampton County, SC and have traced my family’s ancestry to Beaufort and to Ridgeville, SC which is outside of Charleston. I’m wondering if the following surnames are common on the islands? Priester, Holmon, Doctor, Lyons, or Brant. I have a feeling that they are not, but I wanted to check before ruling out this option. Thanks,
Peace!
Priester and Doctor are names in Beaufort County, SC. The latter is found on St. Helena Island, SC. So, you are in the right area for sure.
my grandfather was Henry Head and I’ve heard he once lived in South Carolina.
My grandmother is Chana Cricket Benson and I heard she once lived in South Carolina. Do you have any information on either of these names
Peace!
We do not keep records on individual names. You also did not mention the county and it may not be in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. The Benson name is not one we are familiar with here.
I am very interested in the Gullah/Geechee culture. My grandmother’s last name was “Simuel.” It seems to be a popular name in SC. Is this surname a part of the Nation? Thank you!
Peace!
That is not a popular name on the coast of SC. What part of SC do you see it in? It is likely to be inland and outside of the Gullah/Geechee Nation’s boarders.
From savannah, gullah/geeche? Sandfly and white bluff
Yes!
Where can I find the list of Gullah/Gechee family names for Savannah specifically Sandfly/White Bluff/Pin Point? Do you have a link for these areas/People?
Gullah/Geechee, Sandfly and white bluff in Savannah!
We don’t keep list of families.
Peace,
Is Nixon a common last name in the Gullah/Geechee Nation?
Peace!
Unfortunately, that is not a common surname here.
Hi! I’m told my grandmother is geechee, shes from Florida. Not much is known on her side, but my grandfather did mention his real last name being singleton [it was changed to green] and that his family came from St Helena island. I’ve been researching for years but I’m not sure. Is singleton a common last name there? I’m interested in my family roots.
Peace!
YES Singleton is a common name here especially on St. Helena Island! There is a nice size family of Singleton’s here! There are many Greens as well!
Hello Queen peace and blessings be upon you all. My mother is from Kinstree, SC, my father is from Charleston,SC last names Scott, Fulton, Campbell,McFadden I don’t have any information about my father county of birth but my mother was born in Williamsburg County. Please let me know if any of these last names are part of the Gullah Geechee Nation..
Peace!
Definitely Scott, Campbell, and McFadden are names here. The latter is not as largely heard as the former two. Fulton is not one that is often heard here. Check with the SC Department of Archives and History in Columbia, SC for more documents that can provide you with additional details regarding your family.
Peace Belinda,
My Mother’s maiden name is Fulton and she was born in Kingstree, Williamsburg County as well. I wonder if we are related?
Peace
Are their any video documentaries or books written that articulate the truth about the Gullah Wars? Growing up my neighbor was spoke Geechee and was from SC. I’m just starting to learn of your role in ending slavery.
Derrick Berry
Peace Mr. Berry!
Please purchase “The Legacy of Ibo Landing: Gullah Roots of African American Culture” from http://www.gullahgeechee.biz. This has an entire section on the Gullah Wars.
Hello Queen I’m from Mississippi and I just learned about my great grandmother was called a Geechee. She was a Tatum could you tell me if it is a common name if so I am definitely going to research my roots. Thank you and God bless
Peace!
Tatum is not a common name in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. However, there were many Gullah/Geechee marched from our coast just before the Civil War that ended up in MS. I wrote about this in “Frum We Soul ta de Soil: Cotton, Rice, and Indigo. You can obtain it from http://www.gullahgeechee.biz. Also, Kwame Sha and I discuss MS and Gullah/Geechee traditions on one of my most viewed videos on Gullah/Geechee TV on YouTube.
Peace,
Queen Quet