Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

A Celebration of Our Gullah Roots – Hilton Head, South Carolina

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Wednesday, February 6, 7 p.m.
First African Baptist Friends & Family Day – A Celebration of Our Gullah Roots. Established in the village of Mitchelville with 25 members, First African Baptist is Hilton Head Island’s first church. This annual event celebrates its ancestral roots and traditions through song, performances and stories by church members. Traditional African dishes and other refreshments will be served. Admission – Free Will Offering. First African Baptist Church (Dr. Alvin L. Petty, Pastor) (Est. 1862), 70 Beach City Road

Visit the Gullah Celebration website for more information.

Gullah-Geechee Documentary – Hilton Head, South Carolina

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The Will to Survive: The Story of the Gullah-Geechee Nation
Narrated by Harry Lennix, star of ABC’s “Commander in Chief,” the hour-long documentary of these slave descendants gives us a glimpse of what have been described as the most authentic African-American communities in the United States. The documentary was filmed on Sapelo Island, 16,000 acres of land located 60 miles off the coast of Savannah, Georgia and chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the Gullah and Geechee people, who were first brought from Africa to isolated islands near Georgia, U.S.A.

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A Taste of Gullah – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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This daylong feast features authentic Gullah main dishes and desserts. Noon entertainment will feature live performances by the ADANDE African Dance Company, an authentic group of African drummers and dancers who explore elements of history using the beat and magic of the African chant and drum, Louise Cohen, authentic Gullah
storyteller and Hilton Head Island Native.
Saturday, February 9, Noon – 4 p.m Admission – Free
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane
Visit the Gullah Celebration website for more information.

National Freedom Day – Hilton Head, South Carolina

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Established in 1948 by President Truman in remembrance of February 1, 1865 – the day President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery, the Gullah Celebration on Saturday, February 2nd will present a full day of activities, including a keynote address by Dr. Herman Blake (Humanities Scholar in Residence, South Carolina
Medical University in Charleston, SC), a presentation of island artifacts, a youth performance, and a health screening (pre-registration required).
8 – 9 a.m. – Island Fitness Run/Walk – Donation $5.00 (includes T-shirt) Registration at 7 a.m.
8 – 11 a.m. – Free Health Screenings by Hilton Head Regional Medical Center by Appt.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Keynote Address, Performances and Local Food Vendors. St. James Baptist Church (Est. 1886), 209 Beach City Road
For more information visit The Gullah Celebration on Hilton Head Island’s website.

Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast – Hilton Head, South Carolina

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Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Good home cooked food is a Gullah tradition. Prepared by Gullah Ooman Chef, Louise Cohen, and other native islanders this breakfast will feature stewed oysters, shrimp and grits, fried fish, homemade biscuits and beverages.
St. James Baptist Church (Est. 1886) Annex, 208 Beach City Road
Admission – $10.00. Saturday, February 2, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.