St. Helena Island, nestled in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, stands as a bastion of Gullah culture. This unique community, predominantly made up of African Americans, has maintained a connection with its African linguistic and cultural heritage, arguably more than any other African-American community in the United States.
The Gullah people of St. Helena, part of the larger Gullah Geechee Nation that stretches from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida, have a history steeped in resilience and perseverance. From their arrival as enslaved Africans to their ongoing battle against modern threats like tourism and climate change, the Gullah Geechee people have tirelessly worked to preserve their distinct language, customs, and cultural practices, which are deeply rooted in both African and indigenous traditions.
Charleston, South Carolina, was a major port of entry for enslaved Africans, many of whom were transported to St. Helena Island to work on rice and Sea Island cotton plantations. In a brave act of resistance, these enslaved Africans preserved elements of their native cultures, melding them into what would become the bedrock of the Gullah Geechee Nation. This fusion of African cultures formed a new, robust culture and language, pivotal in maintaining their community’s identity through centuries of oppression and attempts at cultural erasure.