OUS students listen to Queen Quet discuss the need to preserve Gullah culture and language.  OUS students posed questions and responded with comments about life in Appalachia.  Surprisingly, many common cultural traits were discussed regarding the rural, traditional lifestyle of our region and the Gullah homelands along coastal South Carolina.  Sea Islanders grow much of the same foods as Appalachians including fresh vegetables from the garden.  Of course, sea food is readily available for Gullah/Geechee people and rice remains a staple of their healthy and nutritious diet. 

Mayor John Elam of Ironton presents Queen Quet with a proclamation honoring Gullah/Geechee Day in Ironton, April 12, 2004. Mayor Elam also presented Queen Quet with a key to the city.Queen Quet is an author, historian, vocal performer, dancer, lecturer, and social activist who works tirelessly to educate others about the preservation of Gullah culture and language. Queen Quet was making her third visit to Ohio University Southern Campus located in Ironton, Ohio.

Linda Jefferyes
Major: Psychology

“ I had never heard about the Gullah/Gechee Nation before registering for  Journey to Wholeness.  To learn there is an entire nation of people in danger of losing their land and culture is shocking.  I feel the United States government needs to do something to protect these people, to protect their cultural legacy.  Queen Quet was so interesting and the conversation was never one-sided – she was very much in tune with us as individuals and as a collective class.  Dr. Jarrett, thank you for sharing your research project and for your efforts to bring Queen Quet to Ohio University!”

Scot Harris
Major: Physical Therapy

“Queen Quet is an awesome person!  I had never heard of the Sea Islands before, although I had heard of Hilton Head Island.  Queen Quet is a very intelligent person and does a wonderful job of representing the interests of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. I was very moved by her comments about peace, love, and being in touch with oneself.  I hope to learn more about her culture in the future. ”  

Ethena Behnke
Major: Psychology

“This was my second time meeting Queen Quet - she just amazes me.  Queen Quet should be given a lot of credit for bringing awareness about her cultural heritage to so many people.  Everyone needs to learn about different cultures and different ways of living.  After hearing Queen Quet speak, it seems obvious that the Gullah people live a very spiritual and healthy lifestyle.  We have much to learn from their culture…”  

Deanna Fry (l) Major: Business Management
Brittany Maynard (r) Major: Elementary Education 

“We enjoyed taking this class together.  To learn about a unique and distinctive culture so different from our own was a great opportunity.  Thanks to Dr. Jarrett!    Dr. J.  organized Queen Quet’s visit to Ohio University after creating this exciting course. We recommend Journey to Wholeness to others because it is a great learning experience and a wonderful opportunity to compare our culture with another way of living.  We believe cultural diversity should be a priority in the classroom! ” 

Ashley Neal
Major: Psychology

“I highly recommend Journey to Wholeness to other OUS students!  Before taking this course, I had no knowledge of the Gullah/Geechee people.  I would have to say that I especially enjoyed learning about the spirituality of Gullah culture.  Queen Quet should be on Oprah or some other media format of national exposure—she’s that good!”  

Bonnie Millhouse (l) Major: Human Services Technology
Owlen Winter(r) Major: Human Services Technology
 

“We learned that ‘wholeness’ is not a destiny, it’s an on-going process--something a person strives for over a long period of time.” Queen Quet has an inner spiritual quality and wisdom that allows her to motivate others in a positive way.  Journey to Wholeness is extremely beneficial on many levels--continue teaching this wonderful class Dr. Jarrett!”