Lowcountry Gullah
Most people don't know about the richly significant contributions from Gullah Geechee culture that's woven into the fabric of the US. Grow in culture and information every week, with cultural influencer and preservationist, Luana M. Graves Sellars on the Lowcountry Gullah Podcast, where Gullah Geechee culture, history, and tradition lives.
Episodes
A Taste of History
Sometimes, finding ways of connecting to our culture is hard. Of course research and traditions are the easy options that we have, but developing new and varied ways of not only experiencing and even tasting it, but also sharing our culture. Take Carolina Gold Rice for example. It is yet another deeply rooted and significant part of our culture that has taken on more than just space on the plate.
I AM GULLAH
Yep, that's who I am! And PROUD of it! Funny, I get asked alot if I am Gullah and who's behind Lowcountry Gullah. So, here's the story behind the work and why it's become my life's mission and purpose.
It's Juneteenth | The Birth of Freedom!
The newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, commemorates the end of slavery.
It may be the most recent addition to the federal calendar, but it's the oldest and longest nationally celebrated holiday in the US. June 19th, otherwise known as Juneteenth or Black independence day.
Sadly, the majority of Americans don't know or even recognize the importance of this date to our history.
Juneteenth is
Flipping The Script
The Lowcountry Gullah Podcast has been airing for three years and has more than 100 interviews available, all hosted by Luana Graves Sellars. In this episode, we flipped the script!
The interviewer has become the interviewee! Here's the backstory on the creation of Lowcountry Gullah, the motivation behind it and just a little taste of my trip to Africa.
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day
Did you know that one of the first Memorial Day Celebrations began as a Gullah holiday?
African Proverbs
We don't usually think about the origins of a lot of the things that we say or do, but for every action, or how we do what we do, there's a time proven reason. Even the sayings that we share on a daily basis, like "it takes a village to raise a child" had to come from somewhere. The use of African Proverbs has become almost second nature to us, even though we don't know of why or where it came fro
Plantations
Plantations aren't something that we often talk about, especially how their stories are told. So, this isn’t just another plantation story; it’s a vital recounting of truth in a time when misinformation runs rampant. It's important that we continue to highlight the importance of recognizing and preserving the narratives of enslaved people. It's also an important topic and conversation that we need
Reclaiming Black Health | Dr. Ian Smith
Listen in on a compelling conversation with Dr. Ian Smith as we explore the critical health issues generationally affecting the Black community, the importance of culturally competent medical care, and strategies for empowerment and health advocacy.
Water | A Pillar of Culture
When we talk about Gullah culture, it's often about food, religion, sweetgrass baskets and language.
The Gullah lived off of the land and sea, which made the being in proximity to the water and utilizing it an incredibly important cultural pillar that supported their daily living, was a source of giving joy and enabled them to survive.
Cultural Sustainability
The Gullah Geechee culture is alive and well and full of rich culture, history, and generations of resistance within the Gullah community.
Things like storytelling, language, food, and traditions have served as powerful forms of cultural preservation which has prevented erasure.
But, what does that even mean? Why are we keeping the culture? How are we sustaining the culture?
Not sure? Tap in
A Natural Connection
How the Gullah Geechee connect to nature and respect our environment is often overlooked. The fact is that our West African roots and the skills that our ancestors used to live off of the land and sea were not only time proven, but they were passed down through the generations as a matter of survival. Returning to natural remedies and living off the land was always how it was done and it's exactly
Where's Gullah Island?
The question of where Gullah islands are is a common one. The quick answer is that there are several. The issue is, how long will they be around? There's nothing more valuable than land, especially land that is the only legacy that you have. Gullah land is priceless and as such, what are we going to do to protect it?
Silver Dollar Road
When your family is facing a crisis, sometimes it's hard to think past your own situation. Heirs' property issues and the potential loss of family land is like that. I feels like "just a me problem". Land loss is very personal; especially when it's your family's heritage. Unfortunately, heirs' property is far too common and the toll that it is taking on Black family structures is in a word, devast
Who Are You Really? Discovering Your Roots
In the DNA and ancestry.com world, just the thought of searching for your ancestors can be an exciting journey of discovery, as well as daunting, especially if your a Black American. Frustration and hitting the 1870s Slave Wall might be what happens, but it is very possible that you can build a tree well into the early 1800s. Finding documents are fabulous, but the importance of discovering the st
Praise Houses
The religious practices that our ancestors were able to keep is something that we often talk about. But, the use of praise houses, their meaning, their structure, the music that came out of them and their very existence was not only a source of resistence, but also where they found joy.
It's In the Soil Part 1
The word culture is something that covers a lot of things, but when you really get down into it, it is the core of who and what we're made of.
The Gullah are descended from West Africans who were deeply connected to the soil and to the land that they lived on. Listen in on an in-depth and powerful two part conversation on who we are and why the soil is such a significant part of our DNA.
Passing The Torch
The ancestors held on to their memories of Africa because they wanted to make sure that our homeland wasn't forgotten.
Now, it's time for us to make sure that the next generations not only know, but they are able to experience the culture in the traditional and emotional ways that the ancestors intended.
Generational Wealth
The ancestors knew exactly what they were doing.
They saw the wealth that came out of the soil that they toiled and the sense of place that came from the land.
Purchasing property provided than with independence, a place to live and grow their food, but more importantly, it established generational wealth.
Returning Home
If you've every thought about going back home to Africa or have been inspired by the countless celebrity pilgrimages that the 2019 Year of Return to Ghana spawned, well, then you have been moved by the work and influences of Professor James Smalls. For over 40 years, he's been the principle bridge between the Diaspora and returning home for countless Black / African Americans.
His efforts, in co
The Diaspora
So, what is the diaspora and where did it start?
It's often talked about, but do you really know?
And what about all of the affects that its had and the lasting traumas that we're still experiencing today?
Legacy Communities
Owning land is a big part of the American Dream, right?
Well, when land has been purchased by an ancestor who through their blood, sweat and tears left it for you to have a better life, then its more than a plot of dirt, it's their legacy. And that's worth doing everything that you can to hold on to it.
Uncovering Our African Roots
The Gullah people have a rich history and culture that's connected to West African roots. Through the significance of storytelling, cultural heritage, and the ongoing movement to reconnect with ancestral roots, Author Amadu Massally shares a fresh exploration of new perspectives on the Gullah's connection to the Rice Coast and the importance of preserving the our language.
Telling Our Stories
We know all about the distorted history that has been taught us in the past. And fortunately, "when we know better, we do better".
The MLK assassination is a story most of us are very familiar with and the famous picture on the balcony. What we haven't heard is the story from the Kneeling Man, who was there when it happened.
Call My Name
We often talk about our ancestors, but being able to find and speak their names is a powerful gift to have. Taking the time to do the research on our family tree is often hard to do, but details about their lives paints an incredible image of what they experienced and sometimes, who they were and what they did. Saying their name no only honors them, but enables us to remember their sacrifices.
Sea Island Cotton
When most people think about slavery, they instantly think that tobacco and cotton were the main crops. And yes, they were, BUT along the sea island's the major cash crops were rice, indigo and sea island cotton. The type of cotton that was grown here was not only difficult to grow, but it was a better more luxurious fiber that Gullah Geechee ingenuity and skills made it sought after worldwide.
New Years Day
Today, taking time to celebrate the holidays has become tradition. For enslaved people, the coming new year might have been a time of fear, dread or the anxious time that they've been waiting for to escape.
Watch Night Service | Freedom’s Eve – The Birth of Reconstruction
The Watch Night Service is a tradition the grew out of slavery, yet still is an important part of how, for many African Americans, is the only way that a new year should be brought in.
The practice, called “Freedom Night” or named the Watch Night Service, began in 1862, when anxious slaves were waiting on confirmation of their freedom based on the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, the service co
The Seven Principles of A Joyous Kwanzaa
For generations, celebrating Kwanzaa from December 26th to January 1st has been a end of the year holiday tradition that's becoming more widely known and practiced.
So what is Kwanzaa and why are the seven prinicples so important to our daily living? Intrigued? Here's a deep dive into this valued African American holiday that's based on family, empowerment and economic development.
A Sea Island Christmas
Living on an island and the isolation that comes with it, made Gullah holidays a little different, but special none the less. Getting ready for the sea island holidays was a year long process which made the seasonal harvests an an important part in the preparation that involved the entire family, from children to the elders.
Kujichagulia = Self-Determination
Sometimes, we forget that the ancestors left behind all of the tools that we need for success.
Through creative storytelling, proverbs, and skills, they passed us all a toolbox full of ways that they, even though they were beaten, found ways not to be broken.
Keeper of the Culture | Matthew Raiford
West African tradition says that one should speak for themselves and for the ancestors who came before you. Gullah Chef, author and 6th generation farmer, Matthew Raiford is doing exactly that! He has taken his love for the culture, his roots and food and incorporated all of it into a lifestyle and business that is surly making the ancestors proud!
Keeper of the Culture | Chef BJ Dennis
In Gullah culture, the food is deeply rooted in rice and seafood dishes that grew out of the diaspora and its West African influences. Gullah Chef BJ Dennis has built a reputation for not just amazing flavors, but for spreading knowledge about the ingredient's origins.
His Gullah cooking may be what he's known for on a national stage but to him, its important to continue to use the techniques of
Keeper of the Culture | Michael Twitty
There aren't a lot of Culinary Preservationists out there who have a depth of knowledge on West African food, culinary practices and flavors, especially one who can't break it down like Michael Twitty can. The author of a few incredible culinary based history books, including the Cooking Gene, Michael Twitty captivates as he educates you when he takes you on a culinary tour and shares some fascina
The Impact of Gullah Food in America
Every day Americans are using Gullah traditions in what we say and eat. The culture and its foodways can be traced directly back to West Africa for several centuries. Things like one pot meals is just the beginning of some of the cultural flavors, ingredients and Gullah impacts that we enjoy today.
So What is Soul Food?
Where did the meals that are connected to Black people and culture that we call soul food or southern cooking come from? Yes, some of the dishes came straight out of the Diaspora, but what are the true origins of all of the rich variety of foods and flavors? And how did they become what has influenced the popular foodways of the South that we enjoy today?
What Is Hoodoo | Conjure?
When we don't know a word or what something is, it's easy to let assumptions, misunderstandings or even misinformation lead us to label it as bad and not to be liked. Well, Hoodoo and Conjure have had a bad rap for exactly those reasons. So, here's a crash course on what this ancient ancestral traditions are from a Priestess who not only practices the religion, but sheds a light on why culturally
Markings Left Behind
Everyday, as we move through life, we come across markings that our ancestors left behind for us. From the beautiful kente cloth designs, to the mud cloths to the Adrinka symbols that can be found everywhere; sharing wisdom with us; reassuring us that we're not alone; communicating tribal messages and so much more.
The symbols are not just random pictures, they're our history, our identity, our g
Keeper of the Culture | Dr. Jessica Berry
Some people say that the Gullah Geechee language is dying. Well, it's not! Finding out how many people are speaking Gullah or Geechee might be difficult because speakers are code switching. So, what is code switching? And why are bi-lingual Gullah's changing how they speak in public if their first language is Gullah? Join me for an energized and educational conversation on language, culture and ho
The Cost of Slavery
Let's face it. Slavery was all about "the dollar dollar bill ya'll". It offered free labor and an incredible economic growth that we are still seeing today,,,,,,,hundreds of years later.
The impact that we don't talk about is the human cargo that was the largest "crop" that was grown out of slavery and the humanity that was affected in order to enable it to thrive.
Homeland
Years ago, I would have never even thought to define or try to distinguish between what is a birthplace and where is your homeland; that is until I traveled to Africa.
There are distinct differences between the two and regardless of how much you love the country of your birth and are accustomed to life there, your homeland has special connections and strong ties that are, well, unbreakable.
The Black Tax
Black land loss is at a critical point in America, but especially in the South. Since emanipation, the deck has been stacked against Black land owners, who by 1910 had 16 million acres. At last count, the number was around 6 million and dropping fast. Author Andrew Kahrl of the book, The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Disposition in America sheds a bright light not only on the pr
Coming Back Home
Ancestrial roots can be a funny thing. They show up in a variety of ways. That comfy feels like home feeling when visiting a place or the memory of the familiar, when everything around you, you thought was new to you. It's a soft and consistent prodding thought. A desire to go somewhere and the need to stay - just a little longer. And regardless of what we try to do, or how we try to resist, thos
Religion & The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
Most of the time, when we think about the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, thoughts of stolen ancestors and the exchange of goods comes to mind. And of course, the primary basis of the Slave Trade was for the trafficking of human beings from Africa, which was the major economic driver for slavery and the free labor that came from it.
Of course, the commerce connection is the strongest element, but t
Ancestral Superpowers
For the most part, Black/African Americans who don't know who their people descend from are like orphans.
The beautiful thing is, that once people connect to their ancestral roots, not only do they find more about who they really are, they've also stepped into the warm embrace of our ancestors, who've been waiting for the acceptance and recognition.
Fish & Grits
You may have had fish & grits or a lowcountry boil or even have shucked some oysters at a fancy resturant, but for the Gullah, those are just an average meal. Experiencing Gullah Geechee culture is what a lot of us do every single day - we just don't know it as such. That's why learning about the origins of a culture's foodways, music and traditions are so important. So, how about some red rice,
Black History = Gullah History
For some reason, Gullah culture and history has been thought of different or something else. It's not considered a part of Black /African American history or the greater narrative that should be part of our American story. But, the Gullah Geechee origins and history is as American as anything else.
You'll be surprised to know that a lot of the very things that we call American are as Gullah as y
Journey to Ghana | A Personal Awakening
From walking in the footsteps of our ancestors to telling their untold stories, connecting with our past is so important; especially when it includes their truth and a clarity of understanding all of pain and suffering that they experienced. When it's done right, it's grounding and oh so powerful. Poet and author, Stephen Q. Gray shares his emotional journey back to Africa and his motivation behin
Ancestral Breadcrumbs
From DNA to cardinal sightings to passed down generational skills to muscle memory of things that we do everyday, can all be traced back to from "whence we come." Connecting to our ancestors is an incredible gift that is empowering and grounding. It also is at the very core of who we really are. And once you know that, well, the rest is just powerful.
Keeper of the Culture | Matthew Raiford
West African tradition says that one should speak for themselves and for the ancestors who came before you. Gullah Chef, author and 6th generation farmer, Matthew Raiford is doing exactly that! He has taken his love for the culture, his roots and food and incorporated all of it into a lifestyle and business that is surly making the ancestors proud!
The Gullah Geechee Subculture
For generations, depending on where you came from, the thoughts of enslaved people and / or Black Americans tended to be lumped into "traditionally, it's all the same." But, is it? The question should be, why are the Gullah Geechee so different?
Keeper of the Culture | Glander Pressly
Like a lot of people, Glander Pressly grew up in the culture, but through her work she shares its richness all the time. For her, spreading Gullah is a deeply personal experience that she appreciates every day. It's easy to say that you appreciate something, but the mental impact and muscule memmory that kicks in, especially when she looks at slave cabins or handles shackles or any other remnants
Cultural Heritage Tour
For years and years, people have been asking about what's the best way to experience the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor. And sure, making random stops from North Carolina to Florida can be done, but now there's a Cultural Heritage Tour that's not only an immersive experience, but a pilgrimage that is a journey of memory, land and liberation that follows the path of how our ancestors were able t
So What Is Heirs' Property? Part 2
The Heirs Property issue is at a critical point in the Gullah Geechee community. The question is often asked how land can be sold from under someone even if they're living on the property. Join me in a fascinating conversation with Pastor Robin Dease who not only has heirs' property, but has also studied it, as well as worked to resolve it with members of her former congegation on John's Island, S
So What Is Heirs' Property?
Land is land. Either you own it, or you don’t. Like any other asset, it has a value that can be calculated into a cost, right? Well, interestingly enough, the answer to that question varies, depending on who you’re asking. To most people, the answer is a clear and definitive yes. However, to a Gullah / Geechee, or native islander, the answer might be a resounding no. Confused? Let me explain.
Descended
Most of the descendents of the diaspora are really orphans. We might know our direct parents, but time and generations erase our connections to who we really are, as the cultural void is so great. With today's tools, documents and some research, the distance between the known and unknown can become smaller. Author of Descended: Searching for my Gullah Geechee Roots, Keith Rushing not only did the
The Slave Brokers
America was a slave society and its involvement from the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade to the Domestic Slave Trade might be known, but the details are often overlooked. The Slave Traders or Brokers were the core and very foundation of the economic engine that kept slavery going. But, how was it done? Who were the Brokers? What type of people were they?
Music's Regional Impact
Musical influences can come from anywhere, but never before have we been able to understand the cultural and regional impacts that the very sounds that we hear in various parts of the US and around the world come from all around the diaspora. So from African beats to the blended sounds from the Gullah community to Cajun and Northern states, wherever you're hearing music, it can be and has been tra
Edisto Island
When it comes to the Gullah Islands, Hilton Head and St. Helena, South Carolina and Sapelo and Jekyll Islands in Georgia, are usually the ones that are the first to come to mind. But sandwiched between Hilton Head and Charleston is Edisto Island, which just like the rest of the Gullah islands, has a rich and storied history of its own.
Doing the Right Thing
Everyone has a story. We often think about all of the negatives that came out of slavery, but it's nice to come across the tales of the good that people did in their community. Many white families risked their lives to rescue and help free enslaved people. Here's one of those underground railroad stories of heroism and the steadfast desire to do the right thing.
The Black Moses
Most people don't know that Harriet Tubman was nicknamed the Black Moses and spent several years in South Carolina or that she was a nurse, spy and scout for the Union Army. Her invaluable work in Beaufort County, South Carolina led to the largest emancipation event of the Civil War, the Combahee River Raid, where around 750 enslaved people were rescued. That's just one more of Tubman's amazing a
African Proverbs
We don't usually think about the origins of a lot of the things that we say or do, but for every action, or how we do what we do, there's a time proven reason. Even the sayings that we share on a daily basis, like "it takes a village to raise a child" had to come from somewhere. The use of African Proverbs has become almost second nature to us, even though we don't know of why or where it came fro
It's All About Culture!
Passing down elements of our culture is what we have come to expect from our elders. But, when the youth around us not only get it, but are spreading culture on their own, well, that's definitely something to talk about and support! Meet the West Sisters, who are extremely talented and promising young filmmakers who are sharing the importance of culture and traditions with the next generation.
The Face of the Fight for Black Land
High rates of Black land loss and heirs' property issues have been around since the end of the civil war and unfortunately, acres are disappearing at an alarming speed. The critical state that we're in usually is a nameless, faceless process that is often remains unspoken....until 96 year old Josephine Wright made her valiant fight to keep her land from the hands of a developer into a national sto
Following the Diaspora Home
Everyone needs a vacation, but you never know when a trip or experience will impact your life. Going to Africa is one of those life-changing experiences that everyone of the diaspora should take. It might start out as being just another place in the world, but it could end up as an introduction to a new world of cultural connections that one could never prepare for.
Lowcountry Gullah
We often talk about or recognize that we're descendants of enslaved people, but what does that really mean? Acknowledging it is just one part of accepting who we are and where we came from. But what's most important, is not only appreciating the richness of our our culture, but also capturing and passing down our traditional practices, so that future generations can continue on ancestral paths tha
The Planter Class
Enslavers are often thought about as simple farmers or wealthy ones. What is not widely known is that the southern planter class of enslavers were mostly the creme de la creme of society. They were part of an organized and calculated club of people who were founding fathers, signers of the Declaration of Independence, Governors and other influential national leaders who made their money from slave
Gullah Goes Anime!
The children's TV show, Gullah Gullah Island had the first beloved mainstream Gullah characters. Look out world, here comes the first Gullah anime characters! From Akan and Adrinka symbols to incorporating traditional and cultural elements of the Gullah Geechee, the stories of our ancestors come to life in Camp Geechee. Created by Joshua Mishoe, this young brother is spreading Gullah in a new and
Keeper of the Culture | Charlton Singleton
The Gullah Geechee culture is everywhere. Elements of the culture can be found in all that we do on a daily basis and it's all around the world. Music is one of the key facets of the culture that not only connects us, but genre after genre, you can find the Gullah sound. Enjoy a fascinating conversation with dual Grammy award winning artist. Charlton Singleton from the internationally known group
The Ancestors Are All Around Us
Gullah Geechee culture, which is rooted in West African culture is strongly aligned with the past and teachings as well as guidance from the ancestors. The ancestors are all around us in alot of ways. Their knowledge and directions come in a lot of differnt forms, from African Proverbs to the life skills that have been passed down through our families. Every aspect of their wisdom continues to be
Slavery Misconceptions
Slavery is America's dirty little secret, which is why there's so many misconceptions and misinformation that's in history books and circling around society today. The hierarchy of slavery, the business that it took to make it work and become successful, and the slave societies that thrived as a result of it are all not often talked about. Listen in to a fascinating converstaion that starts with t
African Naming Ceremony | Part 2
So what's in a name? Well, in African tradition, alot! Naming someone is more than just an identifying label, African names mean something. Whether it represents an event that happened that day like a storm, or because you were born on a certain day of the week, or even in honor of something or someone, African names have a purpose. They also are granted through a special ceremony, regardless of h
Krak 'n Teet on Gullah, Ebonics and Slang
Years ago, there was this big craze or "discovery" of what was called Ebonics or Black Slang. Well, first of all, its not new. For many reasons, enslaved people chose, out of resistance and as a way of holding on to their cultural identity, to create and speak an indigenous English based Creole language.
Keeper of the Culture | Corey Alston
The art of sewing sweetgrass baskets is a time honored West African skill that's been passed down for generations. Today, those beautiful pieces of art are valued and often on display, but hundreds of years ago, the baskets had functional and practical use around the house. Basket sewers today are following in the footsteps of our ancestors by keeping the skill alive and broadening its appeal. Of
Loyalists, Conservatives & Patriots
It's not often thought of our Gullah Geechee ancestors as conservatives, but when you think about it, that's how they lived. With traditional skills and practices from West Africa, they used their community and daily way of living to be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. Those time honored skills of independence and strength also were rooted in the characteristics of fierce loyalty and patriotis
New Years Day for the Enslaved
Today taking time to celebrate the holidays has become tradition. For enslaved people, the coming new year might have been a time of fear, dread or the anxious time that they've been waiting for to escape.
The Seven Principles of A Joyous Kwanzaa
For generations, celebrating Kwanzaa from December 26th to January 1st has been a end of the year holiday tradition that's becoming more widely known and practiced. So what is Kwanzaa and why are the seven principles so important to our daily living? Intrigued? Here's a deep dive into this valued African American holiday that's based on family, empowerment and economic development.
Watch Night Service | Freedom’s Eve
The Watch Night Service is a tradition that grew out of slavery, yet still is an important part of how, for many African Americans, is the only way that a new year should be brought in. The practice, called “Freedom Night” or named the Watch Night Service, began in 1862, when anxious slaves were waiting on confirmation of their freedom based on the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, the service con
A Sea Island Christmas
Living on an island and the isolation that comes with it, made Gullah holidays a little different, but special nonetheless. Getting ready for the sea island holidays was a year long process which made the seasonal harvests an an important part in the preparation that involved the entire family, from children to the elders.
Kujichagulia = Self-Determination
Sometimes, we forget that the ancestors left behind all of the tools that we need for success. Through creative storytelling, proverbs, and skills, they passed us all a toolbox full of ways that they, even though they were beaten, found ways not to be broken.
Gullah Food Traditions
Every day, Americans are using Gullah Geechee traditions in what we say, do and eat. The culture and its foodways can be traced directly back to West Africa for several centuries. One pot meals are just the beginning of a great meal that's full of some amazing cultural flavors, ingredients and Gullah Geechee impacts to American dishes that we enjoy today.
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