Center is open to share an introduction
to the Gullah culture. Visitors
are greeted by Rev. Kenneth Hodges,
pastor of the historic Beaufort Tabernacle
Baptist Church, who grew up on
St. Helena Sound and now oversees
the visitors’ center.
The center is a “way of highlighting
many local artists,” says Hodges of the
hundreds of artifacts. “Many people
don’t understand how independent
the culture is. It’s a history they have
held onto for generations. Because
they were so isolated on the barrier
islands, they had to do everything and
rely on their own skills. They were
self-sufficient.”
This culture still thrives along the
coast. “I don’t think Gullah will die
out,” says Hodges. “I think there’s a
thread that will hold onto the past.
Many young people are beginning to
take a sense of pride in their culture,
like sweetgrass weaving. Gullah will
survive.”
Proof of survival continues along
Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, South
Carolina. Known as the Sweetgrass
Basket Makers Highway, this seven
mile stretch is dotted with dozens
of colorful roadside stands housing
makers and craft. Passed down
through generations and descending
from West African slaves, the creation
of baskets by weaving grass is an
American art that attracts visitors in
droves to this iconic stretch of road.
On an average day, visitors will see
random stands filled with baskets;
however, during the festival, every
stand is full of every size basket as
well as a maker sharing her craft.
The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts
Festival takes place the first Saturday
in June and celebrates the Gullah
culture and puts on display the largest
number of baskets in the lowcountry.
Known as South Carolina’s official
state craft, the sweetgrass basket
appeared during the 17th century and
were used during harvesting of crops.
It was also thought of as a gift from
God.
From North Carolina to Florida, elements
of the Gullah Geechee culture
linger because artisans, chefs, and sto-
| backyard traveler |
ABOVE: Porches, windows
and doors were painted blue
to keep the evil spirits away.
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT:
At the Gullah Grub Restaurant
, Bill and Sara Green prepare
traditional Gullah food. Gullah
food is ‘food for the soul.’ It
nourishes the body and makes
one feel good. Lisa Rivers of
Legacy Art Gallery shares her
life in canvas, painting stories of
her childhood and growing up
on St. Helena Island. In addition
to the restaurant, Sara Green
teaches farming to youth and
adults at Marshview Organic
Farm. Everything is organically
produced. Spring and summer
planting includes broccoli,
tomatoes, cucumbers, kale and
spinach; in the winter, sweet
potatoes.
SUMMER 2021 | LAKE OCONEE LIVING 77