The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West Africans who settled along the southeastern coast of the United States, have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land. Their unique language, traditions, and way of life have survived for centuries, despite numerous challenges. However, today, Gullah Geechee communities like the one on Sapelo Island, Georgia, face a grave threat: encroaching development and the erosion of their cultural identity.
Sapelo Island is home to Hogg Hummock, the last intact Gullah Geechee community in the Sea Islands of Georgia. This historic community is now fighting a battle against a new development code that could lead to the displacement of its residents. The code, passed without meaningful input from the islanders, allows for larger and more intensive development, which could drive up property values and taxes, forcing longtime residents out.
This struggle is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Gullah Geechee communities. As developers eye the pristine coastal lands, the pressure to sell ancestral property mounts. The Gullah Geechee people have already been displaced from much of their historical territory, and the remaining communities are fiercely fighting to hold onto what they have.
The fight on Sapelo Island is not just about zoning regulations; it’s about preserving a unique culture and way of life. The Gullah Geechee people have a deep connection to the land and the sea, and their traditions are intertwined with the natural environment. Development threatens not only their homes but also their cultural heritage.
The Southern Poverty Law Center and other advocates – Christopher Bailey, Barbara Bailey and Stanley Walker, intervenors in the Sapelo zoning case – are working to support the Gullah Geechee people in their fight for self-determination and cultural preservation. This includes legal challenges to discriminatory zoning laws and efforts to raise awareness of the Gullah Geechee culture and its significance.
The future of Sapelo Island and other Gullah Geechee communities hangs in the balance. It is imperative that we recognize the historical and cultural importance of these communities and support their efforts to preserve their way of life. The Gullah Geechee people have a rich heritage that is worth protecting, and their struggle is a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the right to self-determination.
