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!
Peace Chieftess,
My grandparents surnames are Evans, Beauchanan, and Atkinson. They eventually settled in Pennsylvania after leaving Chickasaw County in Mississipi. But if 90% percent of african slaves came through the sea islands, I’m wondering if that name rings a bell to you. Thank you so much for this information on our people!
We’ve heard of these surnames, but not usually here in the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Do de names sound familiar : John Wallace Mack, John Virgil Mack, Maria Mack?.. My great great grandfather used to own 100acre ov lan don in greelyville SC
The surname “Mack” is common here. Those specific people’s names we do not know.
hello, my name is marvin bartley.I live 100 miles from you in a small town called new ellenton, sc.my great grand parents on both sides come from charleston, jesse corley macktel bartley, the reason i ask is because we could be really related in some way because one of friends was looking at one of your youtube shows an said you have a twin sister! i looked at it, believe me we could be brother and sister no questions, and eerily we have the same love for remembering our history and science the arts, dancing!! i was wondering when your next event was so i could meet you if possible in charleston? possibly yourcuz,,?? marvin bartley, shalom
Shalom Marvin!
Our next event will be in 2019. Stay tuned here and you will see them when they are posted for sure.
Peace!
Peace to the bodee my name is Jarrel Alexander I was born and raised in Grand Rapids,MI… growing up people referred to me and my cousins and “Geechee Boys” at that point in time I didn’t know what it meant so I took offense to it… after growth and development I embraced it…My great great grandmother Carrie Harden was direct dependent of the Gullah/Geechee Nation… I’ve reached out to several of my relatives whom only been able to tell me bits and pieces of it’s history of about where we come from… furthermore more my ultimate goal is to trace back from my grandmother’s namesake and rekindle with my family within the Geechee Nation…please help me in this matter or tell me where to start… I now leave in peace with blessings to fall pon de palms of our people…I will continue to study and enrich my spirit with our truth
I am from the Simmons family and Edwards family from John’s Island. They were originally living in Red Top.
I am related to the Simmons of Adams Run, also the Deas and Middletons of Charleston.
My maiden name is Deas and my Geechee grandfather and his family were from Charleston, SC. I’m guessing we’re very likely related!
Peace family. So after speaking to more of my elder family members I’ve learned that Capers is apparently the surname for the Charleston family. Is this a name that has ties to the nation?
Capers is actually a plantation on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, SC. So, there are some Gullah/Geechees along the SC coast with that surname as well.
My grandfather is Simmons. However, we’re in Liberty County.
Greetings, my mother was born and raised in Greenville, SC and the surname was Miles and Arnold. My father was born and raised in Bibbs; Macon, Ga and the surname is Isabell (Isabelle) and West. Both of my parents settle in New York at very young age and lived there their whole life. Both my parents have made their transition. Is there any way getting or finding more information if they belong to this great nation.
Peace Ms. Isabell!
Greenville and Macon are not in the Gullah/Geechee Nation and there are different cultures and languages there.
Greetings, my mother was born and raised in Greenville, SC and the surname was Miles and Arnold. My father was born and raised in Bibbs; Macon, Ga and the surname is Isabell (Isabelle) and West. Both of my parents settle in New York at very young age and lived there their whole life. Both my parents have made their transition. Is there any way getting or finding more information if they belong to this great nation.
Peace!
Greenville nor Macon are in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. They are both well outside of our boundaries.
I am new to the knowledge of my Gullah/Geechee heritage, but would love to learn more. My Grandmother recently passed away and was from Orangeburg, SC with the last name Dykes. Also, my Grandfather was from Orangeburg, SC as well and had the surname of Chisholm.
If you have any information that you can share with me about my family I will be deeply appreciative. Longing to know more.
thank you.
Peace Ms. Hornsby!
Orangeburg is outside the boundaries of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Some Gullah/Geechees migrated there for college, but that is not part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and the culture and languages are different there. So, you may want to research your great and great great grandparents.
My mothers name is matilda marie Washington and she is gullah from sweet water. She was kicked off of her land with her brother and sisters after her mother passed. There was a story that she tells of drunk uncle signing over family land while in jail. Which is not possible. We are currently in Louisville ky
Aaron-I’m in Louisville too trying to learn my Gullah/geechee heritage.
Hello there I’m from Colorado but my dad side of my family is from Charleston Sc and I was wanting to know more about the heritage can you tell me if Burnell is a common name is it Geechee Gullah?
My dad is from Edisto Island to be exact
Peace!
Your surname is not common here, but Edisto is definitely within the boundaries of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Go to http://www.GullahGeechee.tv and do a search for Queen Quet and Edisto to learn more.
How about Washington my mom is from James Island
Peace!
The Washingtons on James Island should be Gullah/Geechee people. James Island is within our boundaries.
Hi My surnames in my family is: Samuels, Ansley, Williams, Byrd and Ansley. Jacksonville, Georgia and south Carolina are my decendents home. Are they names in the Gullah Community. thank you
Peace!
Which Jacksonville? Williams is a common name here and in many places. The other surnames are not common here.
Hi I forgot to mention another family surname of Simmons is this a Gullah surname also.
Peace!
Simmons is a common Gullah/Geechee surname.
My great grandmothers last name was Simmons and she was born in Florida. She was a Black Seminole. My grandmother on my fathers side last name was Ansley. Are those Gullah names. I do have 2 cousins whom I have not met that are on my family tree thru ancestery dna that goes by SC Geechee which means I think South Carolina Geechee. My family is also from Alabama. Ancestors are from South Carolina. I am part African and American Indian ancestery. Are Black Seminole Gullah people.
Peace!
Yes, Black Seminoles are Gullah/Geechee. Please go to http://www.GullahGeechee.tv and type on “Gullah/Geechee Seminole” and watch the videos of the reunions.
I am studying my family history and I’m new to the Gullah/Geechee Nation. My family surnames are Dunham from Yemassee Beaufort South Carolina and Boles from Savannah Georgia. I’ve always heard my family use the language and it was just normal to say “oh they just geechee. Are the surnames geechee? I would like to learn everything possible and will be subscribing to the newsletters and YouTube stations..thank you
Peace!
Boles are also on St. Helena Island. Yemassee, Beaufort, and Savannah are all part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Tenki Tenki fa hunnuh support!
Do y’all have any Dunham from Fayetteville North Carolina ?
Peace!
We do not usually connect with folks in that part of NC. We primarily hear from folks on the coast.
Jacksonville Florida is where my Williams family lived and lives. Are they the beautiful Gullah people?This refers to my other post. You wanted to know which Jacksonville. Thanks and peace.
Greetings! I come from the Zant and Williams families in Brunswick, GA. Are these Gullah/Geechee names?
Peace!
There are a number of Williams throughout the Gullah/Geechee Nation. However, we are not familiar with Zant. Brunswick, GA is within the Gullah/Geechee Nation for sure.
My paternal line of Harris’ come from Sumter Co., South Carolina, or that is what I have been told. They may have relocated from another area. In their speech, appearance, and their traditions, I would say they were Gullah.
HI,
Do y’all recognize the surname Cole as being GULLAH.
My maternal line is Gullah from what my grandmother told my mom..so i did some digging and found my greatx4 grandmother Jane (JEANNE ) COLE born in 1832 from Ontario Canada…settling in Louisiana in the 1800’s…I also learned that they have GEECHEE/GULLAH festivals in Canada where she is supposedly from..I dont know if her family was apart of the underground railroad or not but seems to be…
Peace!
Cole is not a common name here, but we have found it in some areas.
Queen Quet did the first event to relink those in Canada with their Gullah/Geechee roots in Carolina back in the 1990s. What festivals are you referring to?
My maiden last name is Altman and I was born in Georgetown but have family in pawleys island. I remember my dad referring to himself as a geechee but never understood what is was. I am in Alabama now.
My Great Grandfather was William Waitus Altman, and I’m told that he had a second wife (in 1890, and he was a Mormon) who was Gullah. He had a farm on the mainland where my Grandfather was born, along with 4 brothers. He owned 2 fishing boats, so that may be a connection. I’m trying to find this lost line of Gullah Altmans. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
Peace!
We are not familiar with that surname. If you provide a state and county, we may be able to help you further.
Brittons Neck, Marion County, SC. He was a hog farmer, but he used to take his boat down the Little Pee Dee river to the coast to fish. Leads to Pawley’s Island. There are lots of Altmans there, but I just discovered that yesterday.
Peace family. My fathers entire family is from S. Carolina. The last name is Simpson. My brothers and I, who are presently in Texas, are trying to uncover our heritage and peice together our history. Does our surname ring a bell?
Peace!
That is not a name that we are familiar with here.
Is Sampson a common name?
No
Peace All Praying for you all. My Mothers family is Lomax Sloans and Roebuck . Not sure where they are from . The Chieftess favors my aunts soooo much . I have jist began searching for my ancestors . To be able to tell my children where we come from. came across this page link. I also got a reading done the lady told me to look in to the Gullah Geechee people ….I did t take it serious . Bit I saw there is a Whole Nation💛
With Love
Amanda
My grandpa was from the low country in South Carolina. He was educated in Charleston. They always talked about being Gullah/Geechee but had a hard life and moved away to head out west. Now him and his siblings have all passed on and the stories with them. Our surname is Miller. Are there and Millers still living in the Gullah/Geechee Nation?
Peace!
There are a great deal of people here that are Millers. Many of them are on St. Helena Island, SC, but there are also some in Charleston County, SC.
Hello all! I’m starting my journey on learning about my ancestors and want to know if some of them were of the nation… My eldest ancestor’s names were Monday and Rebecca Lafayette ( they were from Christ Church) and later married into the Pudigon Family. thank you!
Peace!
These names are somewhat familiar. Do you have the state and county that your family members originated in?
According to what I have, both Monday and Rabecca Lafayette were from Mt. Pleasant, Charleston county, SC.
The Lafayette Family is also a name that continues to live on James Island and Sol Legare in Charleston County, SC. So, we are SURE you can simply visit and find them.
oh wow! that’s exciting! I look forward to connecting and learning! thank you!
I,m looking for relatives of Samuel Barnett and Susannah Johnson married around 1880,s born around the parish islands
Greetings! My name is Anjelica, and I’m from St. Simon’s Island, GA. My family names are Sullivan and Rooks. Do those sound familiar in the Gullah/Geechee community? My grandmother somewhat talked about the geechee culture but never went in depth. I’m trying to learn all I can do I can teach my daughter. Please help.
Peace!
We can tell you that St. Simon’s Island is part of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, but most of the people there were taught not to own their culture and not to use those terms. So, it is very likely if you visit the Harrington Schoohouse on St. Simon’s, they will be able to link you to family members.
Peace and blessings my family is from South Carolina and Beyond I’m trying to find out if the Rouse name is a part of the Gullah Geechee Nation family my mother’s maiden name is Lighty my grandmother maiden name is Roger if you could help me with this question it would be greatly appreciated thank you and be blessed in all things
Hello, my family and I have lived in Brunswick, Ga and Sapelo Island, Ga all our lives. My great grandparents and grandparents both spoke much about the Gullah way of life. Armstrong, Stuart, Du Bignon, Stephens, Green, Johnson and Florence are all family names. Can you confirm any of these?
Peace and blessings
Peace!
Several of those last names including Green and Johnson are common throughout the Gullah/Geechee Nation. However. you stated that you lived in Brunswick, but not that you are native to Brunswick. How many generations back would your family roots go in Brunswick would be the issue more than surnames.
You can go to the Harrington School House and confirm more about those last names.
My family is native to Brunswick, Jekyll, sapelo and st Simons islands. Great grandparents say that they’re great grandparents were slaves who were freed on Jekyll island who moved inland a little to Brunswick in the early 1900s. Thank you!
Their*
I guess just for reference my late grandfather was born in 1926 in Brunswick, Ga.
Great! Then you can simply go home and reconnect with family!
Peace and Blessings! My maternal grandmother was from Charleston, South Carolina specifically Wardmalaw Island…her maiden name was Fraser. I believe that we still have family there or in Charleston.
I’m actually from rural South Carolina born and raised in rural Florence County. I often wonder how the Gullah/Geechee lineage relates the evolution of McFadden and Burgess family in the throughout the rural PeeDee area of SC.
Hello Looking for surname McQueen. This is my dads side and most of his siblings born in Duvall county Florida (Jacksonville). I have heard that they migrated from SC (not sure where) They had (all are deceased) a lot of what i would consider Gullah ways and even the dialect.
Shalom family, my family on my father’s side have the surname of Jones and Martin, are these common names? The slave master my family was under was Alexander Martin from Alabama. My family spread out to Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. I was just trying to get some insight from you, much appreciated in advance.
Peace!
We do know that some of our folks were walked from the coast to the deep south, but we do not keep plantation owners names as records for the most part. Queen Quet references this journey in “Frum We Soul ta de Soil: Cotton, Rice, and Indigo” which can be obtained from http://www.GullahGeechee.biz.
Hello I live in GA.
my grandmother is from Darien, GA. Our last names are CUTHBERTS, SULLIVANS, BROWNS, LOTSON (I don’t know the actual pronunciation), and BYRANTS. I have family In SC, and Sapelo island, and along the Caribbean. I’m looking for other family members or someone to respond to me. I’m still young and trying to connect the family tree. I’m the only one who has done research so far. Please and thank you!
Greetings Queen, I am researching my history after taking AncestryDNA test and have found the surname Willis out of St. Helena Island, Beaufort, South Carolina. Jerry Willis, Thomas Willis, Abraham Willis, and Jessie Willis. I do believe these are Gullah Geeche ancestors?
Peace and Blessings
I just did my ancestry dna results and I am 98% African. Both sides of my family come from SC. Dad’s mom from Beaufort, mom’s family from there too, as well as Hampton and Yamessee. Looking forward to seeing my people later this year.
Porters, Henderson’s, Oranges and more last names I can’t think of right now. God bless the Gullah Geechie Nation.
Hello, my name is Essie.My Father was from Alabama
and he often told us about his Mother’s people who were Geechees.His Dad was from
Kingston, Jamaica . I plan to visit the Carolinas this summer for the first time.Could you help me to lay out an itinerary of some ” must see historical and cultural sites”?
Peace!
The Gullah/Geechee Nation is too large for us to provide a site list. What we suggest is that you use these links to guide when you are planning to visit so that you can actually engage with the people at events that depict our culture accurately and not just visit the tourists traps:
https://gullahgeecheenation.com/2019/02/01/gullah-geechee-living-black-history/
https://gullahgeecheenation.com/2017/05/10/beyond-tourism-week-in-the-gullahgeechee-nation/
https://gullahgeecheenation.com/2012/06/28/cum-nyam-wid-de-gullahgeechee-gullahgeechee-eateries-and-restaurants/
Enjoy the journey!
Hello. I’m researching my family history. Our last name is Venning. Can you tell me if this name rings a bell or if you know any resources that could point me in the right direction. Thank you!
Peace!
This is not a name that we have heard in our region.
Thank you. Any Gadsons out there??
My name is Brandon Nghtingale and I have traced my family history back to Cumberland Island. I recently took a ferry to the island with my father and I know my family is from there because all of my family is named after the white plantation owners. A Nightingale married into into the Cumberland family and the slaves took his last name essentially. When i toured the island, the tour guides knew nothing about the slaves property and didn’t know where they were buried.
I have a read a lot of books on Cumberland Island and I understand that my ancestors spoke gullah on that island. I would love to talk with someone about the gullah/geechee culture.
Peace!
It would be best for you to attend one of our annual events that we post and speak to Queen Quet there. She fought for that island and the chimneys to insure that ourstory was not lost there.
Is that the only way to get in contact Queen Quet? I see the next event is in Ohio. Will there be anything in Florida in the near future? I would love to know more about the work she did and the chimneys.
Hi my name is Iris Andrena Hartwell my family is from Wadmalaw Island,S.C. to name a few ……the Capers’,Grays,Petersons, and Fords…..I believe we are a natural part of the Gullah Geechee Nation and I’m so very proud of it…..I live in Jacksonville ,Fl. but would like to become an active member……..ONE LOVE,DRENA
Peace Ms. Hartwell!
We are CiTIZENS of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
You can become an dues paying active MEMBER of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition which is an organization. Gwine ta http://www.GullahGeechee.net fa mo bout um. Dues can be paid at http://www.GullahGeechee.biz.
You should keep up with the events posted here since you are following our blog and support the efforts and activities that are under way.
Tenki Tenki fa hunnuh support!
Please can you tell me anything about my family names from Johns Island ,S.C.?They are the Campbell,Geather,simmon,Ravenel
,and Freeman……thank you
We can tell you that they are still living there. You should plan to go to Sea Island Cultural Day the Saturday after Labor Day and introduce yourself. No doubt some of your family members will be out there.
I notice that there are a lot of people asking about surnames. Is it possible to create a list of surnames that we can search from? My father’s family is from Elloree which is in Orangeburg County. I know that you said Orangeburg is outside of Gullah territory but my grandmother had such a distinct accent which many of her children and grandchildren picked up which seems so reminiscent of Gullah. On that side my family descends from the Dash, Bookhart, Oliver, and Jenkins lines. I wonder if there were groups of Gullahs who did end up in Orangeburg.
Peace Andrea!
We have an archive in which historic materials are deposited including any family histories that people decide to deposit. Our archive directs people to sister research centers for family research. We would NOT make a list of surnames and place them online. The cost of that is massive economically and spiritually to us. There is a LOT of confusion about our culture as it is and a list of names will not confirm that someone is Gullah/Geechee, but some people would exploit such a list to say just that.
As with any other city that someone can possibly name in the US, there is likely an enclave of Gullah/Geechees there. Orangeburg is primarily an HBCU town. So, there are a number of native Gullah/Geechees that have gone and flow in and out of there due to their connections to the HBCUs that are the primary employers and social gathering locations for a number of our people from the coast. However, Orangeburg County has its own culture and the Gullah language is not native there.
Where is the archive located. I would like to it on my next trip to SC.
The archive is only accessible to those approved for research. WE do not do genealogical research at the archive. As stated, we send you to sister centers including the St. Helena Branch Library and you can go to the Heritage Library on Hilton Head to look at records and may locate what you are seeking.
I’m searching for the family surnames of Robinson and Middleton, Trying to connect with any possible family in the area. Are you familiar with any of these surnames in the area. In my family history search I as able to trace back to my 2nd grandfather Adam Robinson and his parents and my 3rd great grandparents Neptune and Molly Robinson who looks like they were from Beaufort, SC. I told there may be some Robinson in St Helena or Port Royal area. I was told my Middleton side of the family were from this area, but I’m unsure. Any insight would greatly be appreciated.
Peace Ebony!
There are several sets of Robinson in Beaufort County, SC. Some are on St. Helena Island, but the others are in Grays Hill area.
There are Middletons in Beaufort and Charleston Counties and they tend to be large families. Middleton Plantation in Charleston may be a lead for you to find documentation also.
Hello! My family is from Greeleyville, SC and Salters, SC. We are Murray’s, Williams, and Coards. Dr. Charles E. Murray has the high school in Greeleyville named for him and he is my grandmother’s first cousin. I’m sure my family history is strongly tied to geech, as I grew up listening to my grandma and her sisters speak the language and sing the language. I’d love to connect with my heritage family.
Peace Ms. Martin!
Don’t miss our annual events to reunite the Gullah/Geechee Famlee! We will host Gullah/Geechee Famlee Day at Mosquito Beach again this year: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gullahgeechee-famlee-day-at-mosquito-beach-2019-tickets-55576705422 Sign up de famlee and jayn we!
Hello. I’ve been researching lately and I found out that my great great grandfather “Abraham Grant” was a farmer from Beaufort South Carolina does “Grant” or “Howard” sound familiar?? I would like to know because I would really like to connect to my heritage.
Yes. There is a large GRANT family in Oaks on St. Helena Island, SC which is in Beaufort County.
We know of Howards from Edisto Island that live in Beaufort County, SC also.
Peace! Is the surname Blake familiar within the Gullah Geeche nation?
The Blake last name is in the Gullah/Geechee Nation, but it is limited. You do not hear of it often and some people with that name moved here and married people here.
Hello, I am interested in coming to ur festival this year. Will U please sent to me that information and ‘Thank You’.
Our international festival will be held in Barbados this year and will return to Charleston, SC the first weekend in August next year. The site is http://www.GullahGeechee.info for all details annually.
Hello, I recently got my ancestry results back and in the additional communities section it told me my family was part of a group of people called Maroons which also lead me to you guys. My family last name is Smalls is this a common last name within the Gullah Geechee community ?
Smalls is an EXTREMELY common last name here!
Hi,
I’ve just learned a couple days ago that my grandfather whom I’m named after (Voy) was considered Gullah Geechie from South Carolina, not sure of the area and my grandmother was Black Seminole from Florida. My grandfather’s last name was Wiggins. I am curious to learn more. Does the name sound familiar? I do now that I have 46% West African DNA. I just would like to know more about this culture if in fact that is a part of me.
Thanks
The Wiggins Family is on St. Helena Island, SC. You may want to look them up.
I am interested in having a tour, or coming to visit the area on Sat 04/20 or another Saturday in the upcoming Sat. I need a place to stay and good food to eat. Any recommendations? Or best time to visit-on a Friday or Saturday?
We recommend that you attend the NPS event at Penn Center on St. Helena Island in SC. The Quality Inn Hotel is less than one mile away and MJ’s Soul Food is open less than 5 miles away. If you go to GA, go to Geechee Kunda in Riceboro, GA and stay in Savannah, GA at a hotel and support one of the local restaurants there if you do not get enough to eat at The Gathering.
Hello, I was wondering if Smalls is a common name in this area? My family is from South Carolina and their accents sound exactly like you guys
The Smalls name is EXTREMELY common! You will be looking for a needle in a haystack in order to figure out which group of them you are actually related to in South Carolina.
Peace Queen,
Is the Isaac surname among the great Geechee Nation?
Thanks,
Mike Davis
Although we have heard that surname, it is not common here.
Hello Queen, blessings to you! My last name is Mouzon and my father was from Kingstree SC. He has since passed. Anything notable about the name and I am very interested and excited about gaining insight and knowledge about Geechie and Gullah traditions.
Peace!
We know the Mouzon family! They are just outside of Charleston in your father’s area and Moncks Corner.
BTW, “Geechee” without the “i” is how we spell it. Keep following this page, Gullah/Geechee TV, and follow our FB fan page for more insights.
Hello Queen,
My dad is from upstate SC, however my mom’s mom’s side is from Lowcountry SC and they migrated down to FL in the 1960s. My grandmother’s maiden name was Green and she was from St. George, SC. She always said her mom was a Geechee. Doing further research, my 2nd great grandmother’s maiden name was Simmons and she was from Charleston, SC. With the help of Ancestry.com and records, I traced my maternal lineage back to Edisto Island, SC. Are Green and Simmons common surnames in the Gullah/Geechee nation? Also, what about the surname Joint? That popped up in my family tree as well.
Thanks
Those surnames are EXTREMELY common here. However, we have no idea what you mean by the “joint.”