Honoring a Living Legacy: The Heart of Gullah Geechee Culture

• Rooted in the Sea Islands, Gullah Geechee culture is a blend of West African heritage and American history.

• The school celebrates traditions like sweetgrass basket weaving, quilting, storytelling, and language preservation.

• Founded by community leaders passionate about sustaining this unique culture for future generations.

Culinary Traditions: Taste the History of the Lowcountry

• Learn authentic Gullah Geechee cooking techniques passed down through generations.

• Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, red rice, okra soup, and benne wafers.

• Hands-on classes teach farming practices that sustain traditional ingredients, such as heirloom vegetables, sweet potatoes, and collard greens.

Farming & Sustainability: Cultivating Roots and Resilience

• Explore historic rice cultivation methods introduced by enslaved Africans, still practiced today.

• Engage with local farms growing heirloom crops and sweetgrass essential to cultural crafts.

• Programs emphasize sustainable agriculture and land stewardship tied to Gullah Geechee identity.

Music, Art & Theater: The Soul of the Gullah Geechee People

• Experience live performances of spirituals, ring shouts, and traditional drumming.

• Workshops in quilting, sweetgrass basketry, and storytelling preserve artistic legacies.

• Theater productions bring Gullah Geechee history and folklore to life, fostering community pride.

History & Tourism: Sharing Stories, Protecting Heritage

• The school partners with local historians and elders to teach the rich Gullah Geechee narrative.

• Educational tours highlight sacred sites, historic plantations, and cultural landmarks.

• Students learn to become cultural ambassadors, promoting respectful heritage tourism.

Business & Entrepreneurship: Empowering the Next Generation

• Training in small business skills tailored to cultural crafts, culinary arts, and tourism.

• Support for launching ventures in sweetgrass basketry, quilting, and Gullah-inspired products.

• Partnerships with local businesses create pathways for internships and career development.

Community Roots & Vision: From Beaufort to the Sea Islands

• Founded by Alana Jenkins, an educator with deep family ties to Beaufort County and Gullah heritage.

• Supported by $3 million in grants, including from the Coastal Community Foundation.

• Located in the Gullah Village on Saint Helena Island, with plans to expand grades through high school.

A Place of Pride and Possibility

• The school’s holistic approach nurtures students’ cultural identity alongside academic excellence.

• It serves as a cultural hub, connecting youth with elders, artisans, and community leaders.

• A transformative space where tradition meets innovation to sustain Gullah Geechee culture.

Join Us in Celebrating and Sustaining Gullah Geechee Heritage

• Discover how you can support or enroll in this groundbreaking school.

• Experience the vibrant culture through classes, events, and community programs.

• Together, we preserve a priceless heritage and inspire future generations to thrive.