Learn about some of the contributions and facets of African American culture.
For more information about the various tribes, visit the African American History collection.
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Another way that Penn helps to remember the culture is through the Heritage Days Celebration. The event was rekindled in 1981 but has its roots in the old harvest day celebration. Heritage Days are...
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Located on St. Helena Island, some may remember it as Penn School, while others know it as Penn Center. St. Helena is one of the few places where you will see a living Gullah community. The history...
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Culinary adaptations transformed traditional African dishes into a unique, new creolized cuisine, influenced by European and Native American traditions, and characteristic of Gullah culture. Foodways...
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David Drake was an enslaved African American in Edgefield, South Carolina during the first three quarters of the nineteenth century. He’s known today for the magnificent quality of the pots he made...
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Joshua Shubrick was a former resident of Friendfield Village. He split his time between Georgetown, where he cared for his mother, and Hobcaw, where he went to Strawberry School. Shubrick stayed with...
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Sharon Murray talks about her role in teaching the Gullah culture and language at the Boone Hall Plantation. She also shares the history of the Gullah.
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Ron Daise of Gullah Gullah Island talks about the difference between Gullah and Geechee. He also shares how he grew up as a "Sea Islander."
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The Gullah tradition of creating coiled grass baskets is a craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. Instead of weaving the baskets, a needle made from a spoon handle, bone or...
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Music is another important part of life on the Sea Islands. Most of the Gullah music is found in religious practices. Although spirituals had a Christian message, they were heartfelt expressions of...
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Gullah traditions are the customs, beliefs and ways of life that have been passed down among Sea Island families. Making sweetgrass baskets, quilting, and knitting fishing nets are a few of the crafts...