Although I’ve been living in South Carolina for so many years it wasn’t until recently that I found out about the rich history of Gullah culture. This region starts in the coastline of South Carolina all the way through Northern Florida and it is home to an estimated 300,000 Gullah people. What is Gullah you may ask? The Gullah are the descendants of enslaved Africans of various ethnic groups.
West Africans were brought to the South Carolina region and enslaved in Southern plantations to work the crops during the hot summer season. They were left in Sea Islands (a chain of tidal and barrier islands on the Atlantic Ocean coast of the Southeastern United States) while the plantation owners moved inland fleeing the heat, humidity and mosquitoes. After the emancipation the Gullah people were left behind without bridges to the mainland and they were able to thrive in their West African culture.
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South Carolina has made every effort to preserve the culture, heritage and traditions of the Gullah people. They even have a heritage tour, and hand-made sweetgrass Gullah baskets is an art that continues to thrive.
Speaking of sweetgrass Gullah baskets this children’s book Circle Unbroken by author
More on Gullah baskets, and food:
The Ancient Craft of Gullah Weaving Basket
The Origin of Sweetgrass Baskets
Related Post: Boone Hall Plantation Day Trip with Kids
Welcome to our fifth annual Black History Month series! Follow along all month long as we explore the rich history and cultures of Africa and African-Americans.
You can also follow our Black History board on Pinterest:
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Mommy Evolution
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Colours of Us
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All Done Monkey
February 15
A Crafty Arab
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Hispanic Mama
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February 19
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February 26
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February 26
Creative World of Varya
Gullah history and culture is so interesting! I loved the Nickelodeon show Gullah Gullah Island as a kid, too. Will definitely have to check out this book.
Hi Janna! Isn’t it fascinating! We’re hoping to make it to one of the tours, and I’ll be sure to write about it. I wonder if I can find that show Gullah Gullah Island I’m going to look for it. Thanks for stopping by.
I am so thrilled to see this book on #diversekidlit. The SC community of Gullah people are such a wonderful topic for kids to read about! Thank you so much for sharing!