Journey to the Sea Islands

For a very long time, Gullah people dwelling on the Sea Islands of Charleston, South Carolina went unknown and unnoticed. The little which was known did not paint them in a positive light. It resulted in questions and comments that were often disparaging rather than those that could enlighten. This caused many Gullah people to change or deny who they were and to abandon some of their cultural traditions and language after enduring years of enslavement and inequity. This book shows how the Gullah people maintained African history through their memory, knowledge and practice of customs and traditions from Africa. These traditions were passed down from one generation to the next, both intentionally and unintentionally. Through the research and work of several individuals and organizations, many people are now coming to understand and appreciate the history that they held onto for decades. This book is about my personal journey growing up Gullah and how I saw the world through my experience.