Gullah Culture and Language
The 10th Annual Native Islander Gullah Celebration

Gullah Art on display at De Gullah Creations Shelter Cove Mall Hilton Head Island, SC

Coligny Square Beach at Hilton Head, SC

Johnnie P. Mitchell, Founder of the National Freedom Day Celebration Committee, provided an exciting welcome for all attending the Inaugural Convention "Progressive Think Tank for Social Change."  Reverend Clark Jenkins, Pastor of the United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island, directed the day's activities.  Mayor Tom Peeples was honored the previous night (see picture top left) and given gifts that included the beautiful gourds on display.  Jan Spencer (picture second left) provided a musical opening to the sessions that followed.  After lunch a position paper was presented by Dr. Charles Jarrett, Associate Professor of Sociology at Ohio University Southern Campus in Ironton, Ohio (see below).  Approximately two hundred persons attended the day long affair and participated in interactive discussions (picture third from left). Senator Robert Ford of Charleston, South Carolina (picture far right) discussed social and economic issues relevant to the citizens of South Carolina.  James Mitchell of NIBCAA (see below) provided closing remarks.  For more information see  www.gullahcelebration.com

Charles W. Jarrett, Ph. D. with Mr. James Mitchell, President and CEO of The Native Island Business & Community Affairs Association, Inc.  The Inaugural Convention Progressive Think Tank for Social Change was held February 4, 2006 at the St. James Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island.  Dr. Jarrett was invited by NIBCAA officials to present a position paper entitled, "R/UDAT: Ten Years After"." The paper explores the historical precedents and current need for a "Heritage Center" on Hilton Head Island dedicated to the preservation of Gullah culture and language.  Dr. Jarrett and his wife Patricia were guests of honor at the Awards Banguet & Silent Auction in honor of Mayor Tom Peeples on Friday, February 3, 2006.  Charles and James (pictured at left) chat at the special banguet and roast honoring Mayor Peeples.  Gullah Celebration Kickoff Banquet Committee members included Richard Madison (Chair), Barbara Chaplin, Annette Russell, Ruth Germany, Fran White, and Thelma Noble.   For more information see  www.gullahcelebration.com

R/UDAT: Ten Years After (PDF)