De Conch #GullahGeechee 2020 Recap Edition

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Peace and Tenki Tenki!

Mi gladdee hunnuh jayn de Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition! Hunnuh bin a blessin ta we wid all wha bin gwine on fa 2020. Tenki Tenki fa disya!

We started off the year with an entire calendar of face-to-face events to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and my 20 years as Queen. GOD had another plan for the entire world though. So, we had to alter those plans and launched a number of online events including “Taking a Stand for Gullah/Geechee Land” and “De Gullah/Geechee Freedom Celebration” which both brought in tremendous support for De Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund. You can view both telethons online at www.GullahGeechee.tv.

I also encourage you to subscribe to our channel for FREE. Each week we not only launch a number of videos about the Gullah/Geechee Nation. We also have a new program called “Zooming in on Sustainability” which has taken on topics from justice and equity to heirs property and environmental justice.

As we continued our mission, the world came to stand with us against the exploitation of the Gullah/Geechee Nation by numerous Anglo owned companies that had used our name on everything from food to beer to tours. All of them are now rebranding. Just under 1000 folks signed the petition to prevent this, but within one week 3000 signed to stop a sand mine on historic Daufuskie Island and more than 30,000 signed to help stop the destructionment at Bay Point near historic St. Helena Island, SC. We are now battling both the sand mine and Bay Point proposal in court.

We will not give up our work on behalf of the Gullah/Geechee Nation’s environment. Therefore, I have been working with folks in Washington, DC on the Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act and various other initiatives that align with the Gullah/Geechee Nation’s UN SDG goals.

We are pleased that we have started new partnerships that help us focus on ending poverty and also to sustaining agricultural traditions. The pandemic brought many of our people back to working the land. We successfully supported a number of our farmers with PPE, seeds, and tools via our new “Victoriously Gullah/Geechee” program. Sales of the T-shirts bearing that title will go back into the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund along with sales from the Save Bay Point T-shirts the are available at www.GullahGeechee.biz. Donations to the fund can also be made via CashApp to $GullahGeecheeNation or GoFundMe. With your continued support, we pray to reach our $100,000 benchmark or the entire goal during 2021.

De mo we tek cyare de land de mo e tek cyare we. I have enjoyed my 20th anniversary continuing the mission to hold onto our land and Gullah/Geechee cultural legacy. Tenki Tenki fa supportin we. GAWD bless hunnuh and hunnuh famlee wid health and safety.

Peace,

Queen Que Founder, Gu ah/Geechee Sea Island Coali o

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Wha Gwine On

Every Monday at 7 pm EST Tune in to “Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio!” Disya da we sho! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee

FEBRUARY-Black History Month Virtual events via www.Facebook.com/GullahGeecheeWEBE

MARCH-Gullah/Geechee Volunteer Month and Women’s Herstory Month Sign up your group to come and be a part of transformational learning and community service in the Gullah/Geechee Nation during this annual month that brings in hundreds of volunteers from across the country. Email GullGeeCo@aol.com Weeping Time Commemoration in Savannah, GA March 5-7 Coastal Cultures Conference March 13 11 am to 4 pm Email GullGeeCo@aol.com for registration details

June-Black Music Month July/August Gullah/Geechee Nation Anniversary July 2 Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week July 31-August 7

OCTOBER-Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Awareness Month DECEMBER December 21 Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Anniversary

Tune in to Gullah/Geechee TV weekly at www.GullahGeechee.tv.

Fa mo updates and ting bout wha gwine on falla www.gullahgeecheenation.com or @GullahGeechee.

Keep up with events on a weekly basis by following @GullahGeechee and

www.GullahGeecheeNation.com.

www.gofundme.com/gullahgeechee-land-legacy-fund

De Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund was able to help Gullah/Geechee farmers with PPE and new seeds during the pandemic.

We also helped save 30 Gullah/Geechee properties from being auctioned and assisted with De Yenna Chiren House restoration project. Additional donations were made to the Gullah/Geechee Family Foundation and the Gullah/Geechee Initiative Foundation to assist with youth arts education and also food distribution programs. Several Gullah/Geechee church food distribution programs were also supported. Tenki Tenki ta all hunnuh chillun wha dun gee! Continue to donate and also purchase a Victoriously Gullah/Geechee T.

Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association Holdin pun de Fishin Tradition!

The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association (www.gullahgeecheefishing.net) was founded in Beaufort County, SC on March 25, 2010 by Queen Quet, Ricky Wright, the late Herbert Simmons, Joseph Bradley, and Keith Ellis who are all natives of St. Helena Island, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

These founding members were quickly joined by Gullah/Geechee fishermen and women from other parts of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida in the mission to 1) To advocate for the rights of Gullah/Geechee and African American fishermen and fishery workers of the southeast 2) To share traditional fishing methods with the next generation 3) To restore access to the areas and factories needed to sustain the seafood industry in the Gullah/Geechee Nation and southeastern United States The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association members have actively worked with numerous national and international organizations during their five years in existence. Their work has been featured in profiles done by the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy, the Ocean Conservancy, USA Today and CNN International to name a few.

During even numbered years, the Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association members host, the "Gullah/Geechee Seafood Festival" on Hunting Island. Throughout each year, they have community celebrations to engage more Gullah/Geechee fishing families in their efforts. They will resume hosting the Gullah/Geechee Seafood Festival in 2022. For more information, call (843) 838-1171 or email GullGeeCo@aol.com or casting@gullahgeecheefishing.net.

De Gullah/Geechee say,

"De wata bring we and de wata gwine tek we bak!�

www.gullahgeecheefishing.net

The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association is challenging a destructioneer’s latest efforts to build a luxury resort on Bay Point Island, a culturally and biologically rich barrier island at the mouth of Port Royal Sound.

The Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association (www.GullahGeecheeFishing.net) filed a motion to intervene in Bay Point Island, LLC’s (BPI) appeal of the Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals decision that blocked destructionment plans to build a luxury resort on Bay Point Island.

The GGFA seeks intervention in the appeal because the livelihoods of its members will be directly and adversely impacted if BPI is allowed to move forward with its proposed development, according to the motion to intervene filed on Tuesday in Beaufort County Circuit Court.

For generations, members of the Association have relied on the marshes, beaches and pristine waters surrounding Bay Point to harvest fish and shellfish which supports their businesses and their families. Members also provide educational demonstrations concerning Gullah/Geechee fishing traditions. BPI’s proposed development would destroy this valuable cultural resource and wildlife habitat by constructing 50 cottages, a spa, wellness center, fitness center, restaurants and bars, along with 10 septic systems on the highly dynamic barrier island which is accessible only by water.

According to Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and an officer of the Association: “Gullah/Geechee culture is inextricably tied to the land and waterways of the Sea Islands. The cumulative effects of the negative environmental impacts that this resort that is being greenwashed as ecotourism would bring will not only disturb and irreversibly impact an environmentally sensitive area near historic St. Helena Island, it will have numerous destructive negative impacts to the quality of life and continuation of Gullah/Geechee culture. The Gullah/Geechee Nation is recognized internationally and federally and this project is not aligned with insuring the continuation of this culture which is vital to Beaufort County and South Carolina as is shown by the over 31,000 signatures of those who continue to oppose the Bay Point project. Disya da destructionment!”

We are calling on the world to stand up with the citizens of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and our St. Helena Island family AGAINST the Bay Point proposal!

Help us prevent destructionment from expanding in Beaufort County and reaching beloved St. Helena Island!

Please sign the petition at http://chng.it/PctCRMN57L Tune into the GGTV coverage of the permit request being denied: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbh0P_VJiWg&ab_channel=GullahGeecheeNation

Tenki Tenki fa standin wid de Gullah/Geechee Nation!

Help Stop Bay Point Destructionment

GULLAH/GEECHEE GOLD SOULS CAMPAIGN

The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition is the premiere organization on the protection and continuation of the Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, and culture. The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition: •

advocates for the protection of the human and land rights of Gullah/Geechee

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promotes and participates in the continuation of Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, culture, and language. works toward Sea Island land re-acquisition and maintenance.

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celebrates Gullah/Geechee culture through artistic and educational means electronically and via "grassroots scholarship."

The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition has successfully carried out this mission since 1996. During which time, they developed the ONLY archive in the world which is TOTALLY dedicated to Gullah/Geechee history, heritage, and culture.

The Gullah/Geechee Alekbulan Archive is being upgraded in order to continue to provide access to artifacts, images, documents, books, lms, and recordings to future generations of Gullah/Geechees and global researchers. The Coalition host hundreds of students and professional writers each year and it also supports native Gullah/Geechee speakers and presenters traveling to other parts of the world to make sure that accurate presentations on our culture are done in a varied array of venues and virtually.

We are calling on all supporters of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition to become dues paying members and to contribute to the “Gullah/Geechee Gold Souls Campaign.”

The funds will assist with the completion of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition Center and the educational center on wheels. Please use the form at the end of this ezine or CashApp via $GullahGeecheeNation to nancially contribute.

The “wish list:” • New Gullah/Geechee Educational Van • Acid free archival boxes and poster covers of all sizes For details on how you can host a fundraising event, contribute in any or in all of these ways, please email GullGeeCo@aol.com.

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Disya bout geeing frum de soul fa mek sho de richness stay een wi black gold!

In celebration of Queen Quet’s 20 years of service, Fordham Magazine and numerous news outlets did feature stories about her and the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

WSAV even did a cartoon of her which can be found at www.GullahGeechee.tv.

Queen Quet received the Black Excellence Award, the non-traditional Environmental Educators Award, and the American Society of Adaptation Professionals Regional Adaptation Leadership Award for her outstanding work on behalf of her people and the environment of the Gullah/Geechee Nation

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Make sure to download the outstanding Patient Safety Magazine article with Queen Quet discussion health care: https://patientsafetyj.com/.../view/queen-quet-interview/275

As leaders of the Gullah/Geechee Nation gathered to screen Queen Quet’s new documentaries, they had no idea what was ahead for the year. However, in and by faith, they have been able to continue to stick and stay together and seek out resources to help the citizens of the Gullah/Geechee Nation stay safe and healthy throughout the trying months of the pandemic. Tenk GAWD fa de leadas ya!

Tune een ya fa see de trayla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF248ucVL-s&ab_channel=GullahGeecheeNation

https://youtu.be/UE_f vfrTIuo

Links to Gullah/Geechee Living Culture

1.

Gullah/Geechee Nation Headquarters www.gullahgeecheenation.com

2.

Gullah/Geechee Nation on Instagram http://instagram.com/gullahgeechee

3.

Gullah/Geechee Angel Network www.gullahgeecheeangelnetwork.com

4.

Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition www.gullahgeechee.net

5.

Gullah/Geechee TV™ (GGTV) www.youtube.om/AMPTurnItUp

6.

Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gullahgeechee

7.

Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association www.gullahgeechee shingassociation.com

8.

Gullah/Geechee Nation Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/GullahGeecheeWeBe/

9.

Gullah/Geechee Folks on Twitter www.twitter.com/gullahgeechee

10. Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee www.QueenQuet.co 11. Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival™ www.gullahgeechee.info 12. Gullah/Geechee Doula Association http://www.gullahgeecheedoula.com/ 13. Gullah/Geechee Nation on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/gullahgeechee/ 14. Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Committee of NE FL www.facebook.com/ne aggcommittee

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15. Gullah/Geechee Family Foundation www.GullahGeecheeFamilyFoundation.com

Saving Historic Daufuskie @GullahGeechee Motion to intervene filed to protect historic properties and culture of Daufuskie Island from harmful mining project.

A group of Daufuskie Island property owners and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition (www.GullahGeechee.net) filed a motion to intervene in a developer’s latest efforts to construct a sand mine near historically and culturally important Gullah/Geechee buildings and landmarks.

On November 6, 2020, the developers—Dolphin Daufuskie Group, LLC and Dolphin Shared MGMT Services, LLC— appealed the Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals’ (BZOA) denial of a special permit to construct the 3.9-acre sand mine.

During the September meeting, Board members voted 4-1 against the project on the grounds that it is inconsistent with the County’s comprehensive plan; it is incompatible with the character of the land within its vicinity; and it is not designed to minimize adverse impacts on the environment, traffic, congestion, infrastructure or governmental services.

In the motion to intervene filed on Tuesday in Beaufort County Circuit Court, the property owners and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition concurred with the BZOA’s reasons to reject the sand mine. Further, the proposed intervenors expressed concerns over the project’s harmful environmental impacts as well as impacts on quality of life and livelihoods. Significantly, Daufuskie Island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and, along with the property owners’ homes, the proposed site of the mine would also adjoin Oyster Union Society Hall and Mary Field Cemetery, the largest Gullah/Geechee cemetery on the island.

Queen Quet, the Chieftess and Head of State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation and the founder of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, submitted a petition with more than 3,000 signatories in opposition to the project at the BZOA’s September meeting.

“All a disya da sacred sand! According to the map that was presented to Beaufort County for this proposed sand mine, the Gullah/Geechee historic area is relegated to a small area and those requesting to dig are stating that they were told that no cultural resources would be disturbed or harmed,” said Queen Quet.

“However, as I stated at the BZOA meeting, all of Daufuskie Island is Gullah/Geechee. Therefore, the entire place is culturally and historically significant. Digging into the sands of Daufuskie means you are digging into the heart of the Gullah/Geechee. De land da we famlee!”

The motion to intervene was filed on behalf of the property owners including natives of Daufuskie and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition by the South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP), a nonprofit public interest law firm.

“We are proud to represent the numerous property owners and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition in protecting the rights of the residents of Daufuskie,” said SCELP Staff Attorney Leslie Lenhardt. “The island is a priceless part of our history and culture and this project would have a significantly negative impact on not only the residents, but also on the historic properties on the island.” ******* Tune in to Gullah/Geechee TV (GGTV) coverage of the night that the permits were denied for this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbh0P_VJiWg&ab_channel=GullahGeecheeNation

Fans are LOVING Queen Quet & Quadré Stuckey’s new youth books

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Git h un www nuh ch il .Gul lahG lun boo eche ks at e.biz !

Hep Mo Angel fa Fly! Support De Gullah/Geechee Angel Network!

The mission of the official 501(c)3, non-profit of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, the Gullah/Geechee Angel Network is To preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of the Gullah/Geechee People who have lived in the southeastern portion of the United States of America from North Carolina to Jacksonville Florida 30 miles inland (known as the "Low Country") for over 300 years. To connect all people, not just in the 50 states, but internationally throughout the Diaspora, Europe, Caribbean and Africa.

Goals and Objectives are achieved by the implementation of the following seven (7) point program: The Performing Arts: Musical plays, dramatizations, poetry, storytelling, enactments and workshops Arts and Crafts: Workshops in the production and displaying of traditional Gullah/Geechee cultural items.

Demonstrative workshops that encourage the development of functional skills and forms of expression to potentially showcase and stimulate direct participation in the growing ethnic tourism industry, festivals and cultural events.

Educational: The establishment of Cultural Learning Centers designed to foster motivation, achievement and cultural enrichment. Historical/Research excursions from the tip of North Carolina (Cape Fear) to the outlining areas of Jacksonville, Florida.

Scholarships and Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award programs and events recognizing those persons who have given selflessly of themselves, and have done considerable work for the benefits of their particular community as it relates to cultural preservation. Awarding Scholarships to youth who exhibit talent, and are oriented toward developing skills which foster Gullah/Geechee Culture.

The Internet and The Media: Networking with organizations, institutions and groups which focus on Gullah/Geechee Culture. Consistently present positive role models and activities to the low country in particular, and to in the Diaspora in general.

Production, Preservation and Documentation: Production and archiving of Gullah/Geechee video and audio recordings, books, symbols and banners. Radio, television and computer production programming.

Health and Nutrition Awareness: Forums and symposiums which explore lifestyles, food staples, food cultivation and preparation of Gullah/Geechee cuisine, as well as developing holistic programs to promote well being.

Yenna Chiren House widout a doubt!

The Yenna Chiren House will host a number of activities and people from around the world and educate people on the living traditions of that exist throughout the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

On-going fundraising is taking place for the project.

When shopping at smle.Amazon.com, please designate the Gullah/Geechee Angel Network as the charity. For more details on fundraisers, tours, assisting with the project, or contributing, call

(843) 572-6788 or go to www.gullahgeecheeangelnetwork.com

Join the GULLAH/GEECHEE SEA ISLAND COALITIO www.gullahgeechee.net I am enclosing my check fo

Mail this to

_____ $45 for the year of membershi

Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalitio Post Of ce Box 120 St. Helena Island SC 2992

_____ $300-999 supporter (Pledge amount can be sent in monthly installments

Name: ________________________

_____ $1200 for lifetime membershi

What island are you closely connected to? _______________________________ How?(Circle one) Family

Busines

E-mail address: _______________________________

Address: _____ $___________ toward the Gullah/Geechee Gold Souls Campaig My check is written to the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition.

I know that I will receive a newsletter, event announcements, and will be a subscriber to the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Roots Listserve and will also receive discounts on Gullah/Geechee products and select events.

_____________________________

Where did you receive this? _______________________________

_____________________________

What would you like to see done by this organization?

Telephone

___________________ (Day)

_______________________________ (Eve or Cell

GULLAH/GEECHEE SEA ISLAND COALITIO Post Of ce Box 120 St. Helena Island SC 29920

© December 2020 Gullah/Geechee Natio © December 2020 Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition ALL rights for photographs and articles are reserved.

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Republishing should not be done without consent from the Gullah/Geechee Nation.