Gullah Skit (3-5)

Deep in the low country of South Carolina and Georgia, a culture thrives that has survived since the origin of the United States. Known as the Gullah people, these men and women have a strong history and a link to Sierra Leone in Africa. They live on islands along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia; however, their influence extends as far north as North Carolina and south as Florida. They are known for preserving their African heritage more than any other African-American community in the United States. Due to a similarity in the climates of the South Carolina region and Sierra Leone, colonists chose to request enslaved Africans from that region. These slaves often had immunity to diseases that were deadly to European colonists, such as malaria and yellow fever. Many colonists fled the coast and went to cities such as Charleston and Beaufort during the summer months when there was an increase in the mosquito population, spreading such diseases. The slaves, unaffected by the deadly diseases, remained in the area. They were able to practice their beliefs and culture due to very little white influence, making them very different from most other Southern slaves. Still surviving today, many of them live with African traditions and customs. They are also known as the Geechee, especially in Georgia. The Gullah people are a unique society with a strong cultural heritage.

The Gullah culture is truly a remarkable story. They have maintained African traditions and customs despite being removed from their ancestral homeland and influenced by others in the United States. They are known for preserving more African heritage than any other African-American community, including much of their language, art, and food. Through the years, their isolation has broken down as many have moved away from the rural location of the Gullah in search of education and other careers. In addition, bridges, television, roads, and ferries have now broken down their isolation, allowing more visitors to the Gullah community. Nevertheless, those who move away often return for important events and to expose their children to the Gullah heritage. Most Gullah people pride themselves on holding on to their unique identity and maintaining their cultural traditions.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards:

• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.7: Evaluate the initial and lasting impact of slavery using sources that represent multiple perspectives.
• 6.1.5.HistoryUP.2: Compare and contrast forms of governance, belief systems, and family structures among African, European, and Native American groups.
• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.11: Make evidence-based inferences to explain the impact that belief systems and family structures of African, European, and Native American groups had on government structures.